BLACKS LESS LIKELY TO FOLLOW DASH DIET

Black Americans are less likely than Caucasians to adhere to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet prescribed to prevent and manage high blood pressure, according to a new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The findings suggest altering traditional recipes to meet nutritional guidelines rather than eliminating certain foods altogether may result in better adherence.

The DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products, and is low in fats and cholesterol, recognized as the diet of choice for preventing and managing high blood pressure.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center conducted an analysis of data from the ENCORE trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the DASH diet on cardiovascular health. Participants were 144 sedentary, overweight or obese adults, who had high blood pressure and were not taking medication.

Researchers measured a series of clinical and behavioral factors at the start of the study including blood pressure, weight, and physical fitness, as well as dietary habits. Depression, anxiety and social support were also evaluated as potential predictors of adherence to the regimen. articipants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: the DASH diet alone; the DASH diet in combination with weight-loss counseling and aerobic exercise; or no change in diet and exercise habits.

After four months, participants in the group that got the DASH diet plus weight-loss counseling and exercise lost an average of 19 pounds, while weight remained stable in the other two groups. Participants in both the DASH diet alone and DASH diet plus counseling groups had significant reductions in blood pressure, with greater adherence to the DASH diet resulting in the largest drops in blood pressure. The finding suggests that that following the DASH diet lowers blood pressure, independent of exercise and weight loss. The addition of weight loss and exercise to the DASH diet promoted even greater reductions in blood pressure and improved other measures of cardiovascular health.

The researchers noted that Black participants were less likely than Caucasian participants to eat foods recommended in the DASH diet prior to beginning the study. While both groups of participants in the DASH treatment groups increased the amount of DASH foods they ate, Blacks were less likely to adopt the DASH diet compared to their Caucasian counterparts. No other demographic, behavioral, or social variable predicted whether participants would adhere to the DASH diet.

"Given the success of the DASH diet, we know that changing lifestyles can make a significant difference in people's health," the researchers said. "And in the long run, if people are able to maintain changes to their diet and exercise habits, it can lead to a lower risk for heart attack and stroke."