Which dietary approach is recommended for hypertension management?

• A. Emphasize the DASH diet, reduce sodium and processed foods, limit saturated fats and added sugars, and increase fruits/vegetables and low-fat dairy.
• B. Increase sodium intake and processed foods.
• C. Focus on high-protein, low-carbohydrate choices with no mention of fruits.
• D. Avoid fruits and vegetables to simplify meal planning.

Answer: (C)

Hypertension management works best with a dietary pattern like DASH that combines lots of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy with whole grains, while keeping sodium and processed foods low and limiting saturated fats and added sugars. This approach boosts intake of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium and increases fiber, all of which help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Cutting back on sodium and avoiding highly processed foods lowers fluid retention and vascular resistance, contributing further to BP reduction. Choices that push more sodium or rely on processed foods would raise blood pressure, while a high-protein, low-carbohydrate plan without fruits misses essential nutrients that support blood pressure control, and avoiding fruits and vegetables removes key sources of potassium and fiber needed for heart health.