Nutrition and Hypertension

Those trying to control hypertension via diet are often advised to decrease sodium, increase potassium and watch their calories. Experts often point to the DASH diet as an ideal eating pattern. Here are some nutritional factors to keep in mind when developing products that may help tame blood pressure.

Sodium sensitivity

Years of research tells us that greater sodium intake increases one’s risk of hypertension (Hypertension, 2009; 54:203-209). Therefore, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day, and those with hypertension or at high risk of developing hypertension should limit their intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day.

Though high-sodium diets play a significant role in the development of hypertension, not all individuals respond to sodium in a similar manner. In fact, people who are salt-sensitive will experience large changes in blood pressure upon a severe sudden change in salt intake. And, salt sensitivity seems to progress with age. Those who are not salt-sensitive do not experience dramatic swings in blood pressure in response to their sodium intake (Hypertension, 2009; 54:203-209). In addition to decreasing salt intake, sodium-sensitive individuals should engage in regular physical activity, which may blunt the effects of a high-sodium diet on blood pressure (American Heart Association; Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism/Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, 2011 Scientific Sessions, Atlanta).

Other minerals

In addition to the CDC’s recommendation that high-risk groups cut their sodium intake, they also recommend a minimum potassium intake of 4,700 mg per day through food for those with normal kidney functioning. “Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease," notes Chris Cifelli, Ph.D., director, nutrition research, Dairy Research Institute, Rosemont, IL. Though potassium-rich foods help, some studies show that potassium may have a greater effect on blood pressure in African Americans compared to Caucasians (Hypertension, 2006; 47:296-308; British Medical Journal, 1990; 301:521-523).

Though the DASH diet is also high in magnesium-rich foods, and it has been suggested that this mineral plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure, at the current time more randomized, controlled trials need to be conducted prior to recommending diets rich in magnesium for hypertensive patients (Hypertension, 2006; 47(2):296-308).

Planting better nutrition

There is some indication that plant-based foods may be beneficial for hypertension. And, there are several components of plants that may help control blood pressure, including fiber, flavonoids (such as isoflavones) and plant proteins (PloS ONE, 2010;5:1-15; Journal of Hypertension, 2010; 28:1,971-1,982; Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2009; 28 Suppl:500S-516S). In addition, increasing intake of plant-based foods may help displace intake of some sodium-laden foods.