The DASH Dietary Pattern
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is an evidence-based dietary pattern that is effective in lowering blood pressure (BP), improving lipids, and achieving weight control. The blood pressure-lowering benefit of the DASH dietary pattern has been confirmed in many follow-up studies and large meta-analyses. In addition, observational studies strongly suggest benefits of following the DASH diet in individuals with different health conditions including chronic kidney disease, prediabetes, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Thus, this dietary pattern has been recommended for blood pressure management by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and as a dietary guideline for all Americans, 2 years and older, by the National Academy of Sciences. Despite the strong evidence and governmental endorsement, implementation of the DASH dietary pattern in the United States has been challenging. This chapter summarizes evidence of health effects and challenges and potential strategies for implementation.
