The DASH Dietary Pattern
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern was proven to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) significantly and effectively in multiple large-scale clinical trials. The magnitude of BP reduction was similar to that of one BP-lowering medication. This dietary pattern was soon incorporated into the national guideline for BP control (JNC7) and has been part of the Dietary Guideline for Americans since 2005. Subsequent research further demonstrated the benefit of the DASH diet not only on BP and hypertension but also on cardiovascular disease risk and risk for stroke, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and even cognitive function and mental health. Nonetheless, adoption of this dietary pattern is unsatisfactory in the USA. Efforts from various areas are needed to better implement the DASH dietary pattern including government policies, reformulation of products by food manufacturers, development and testing of more effective behavioral change strategies, and research in clarifying the potential dose-response association.
