Introduction
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH Diet) is the standard-of-care diet recommended by the American Heart Association for blood pressure control. On the other hand, a very low-carbohydrate (VLC) diet, also known as a ketogenic or “keto” diet, has emerged as a promising option for glycemic control and weight loss. In a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan, the DASH diet and VLC diet were compared to determine their impact on lowering systolic blood pressure. The study found that the VLC diet had a greater effect on improving blood pressure levels.
What is a low carb diet?
A low-carb diet involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your consumption of protein and fat. This type of diet is also known as a keto diet, although not all low carb diets result in ketosis. The basic principle of a low carb diet is to eat foods such as meat, fish, eggs, vegetables (excluding starchy ones), and natural fats, while avoiding sugar and starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, beans, and potatoes. The focus is on eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied, without the need to count calories or weigh food.
Impacts on Disease: DASH Diet and Low Carb Diet
In the study comparing the DASH diet and VLC diet, participants on the VLC diet were advised to limit carbohydrate intake to 20-35 grams of non-fiber carbohydrates per day with the aim of achieving ketosis. The DASH diet, on the other hand, focused on limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day and fat intake to 20%-30% of daily calories. Both diets resulted in improvements in participants’ conditions, but the VLC diet had a significantly greater impact. Nearly 44% of subjects on the VLC diet were able to decrease or discontinue hypertension medication, compared to only 5% in the DASH group.
DASH Diet vs Very Low Carb Diet: A Brief Overview
Here is a brief comparison of the DASH diet and a very low carb diet:
Low Carb Diet:
– Limits sugars, including sugar in fruit
– Eat plenty of vegetables, except for starchy ones
– Limits all grains
– Fatty meats are allowed
– No fat limit
– Dairy restricted
– No sodium restriction
– 20-57 grams of carbs allowed
DASH Diet:
– Limits added sugars
– Eat plenty of vegetables, especially those rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium
– Eat plenty of whole grains
– Lean proteins and fish are allowed
– Fat limit
– Low-fat dairy allowed
– Allowed 2,300 mg of sodium
– No carb limit
Conclusion
If you are dealing with hypertension and type 2 diabetes, a low carb diet may be beneficial in managing your condition and reducing reliance on medication. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
References:
1. University of Michigan: https://www.annfammed.org/content/21/3/256
2. Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
The article “Low Carb vs DASH Diet: A Surprising Answer to Hypertension” was originally published in Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine covers five areas: mind-body and nutrition; lifestyle; social determinants; lifestyle; and prevention. These five areas cover all aspects of health care including spiritual, physical, and environmental well being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Which types of treatment are not considered part of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to healing that looks at the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms. Holistic medicine is a way to help people heal from illness. It also promotes good health and helps prevent disease.
Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine can also be called integrative medicine. It integrates all aspects that a patient needs to achieve a comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. Instead, holistic doctors consider the whole picture, including genetics, environment, lifestyle choices and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners are more concerned with the mind, emotions, or spirit than they are about the body.
Holistic physicians collaborate closely with their patients in order to determine the best fit for each individual.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine also includes chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and various other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. If used incorrectly, some therapies can cause severe harm or even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
How To
What are you looking for in a qualified holistic practitioner?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. Doctors must be able to treat patients holistically. This includes treating the whole person and not just the symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
Check out our directory to find a holistic practitioner near you. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Priscilla Lundquist
Title: Low Carb vs DASH Diet: A Surprising Answer to Hypertension
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/hypertension/low-carb-vs-dash-diet-a-surprising-answer-to-hypertension/
Published Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:20:38 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 domains of integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine covers five areas: mind-body and nutrition; lifestyle; social determinants; lifestyle; and prevention. These five areas cover all aspects of health care including spiritual, physical, and environmental well being.
Integrative medicine provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of disease, health, and well-being. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Which types of treatment are not considered part of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to healing that looks at the whole person rather than just treating the symptoms. Holistic medicine is a way to help people heal from illness. It also promotes good health and helps prevent disease.
Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine can also be called integrative medicine. It integrates all aspects that a patient needs to achieve a comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early diagnosis of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no single cause of any condition. Instead, holistic doctors consider the whole picture, including genetics, environment, lifestyle choices and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners are more concerned with the mind, emotions, or spirit than they are about the body.
Holistic physicians collaborate closely with their patients in order to determine the best fit for each individual.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine also includes chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, nutrition counseling, yoga, and various other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
People who feel that they are not receiving enough support from allopathic medicine can use complementary and alternate medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they don’t fit within the traditional medical system of diagnosis or treatment, CAM practitioners often choose to use “alternative” treatments. Many CAM treatments also include elements of traditional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. If used incorrectly, some therapies can cause severe harm or even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
Statistics
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
How To
What are you looking for in a qualified holistic practitioner?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Only those who are experts in their field can be the best doctors. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. Doctors must be able to treat patients holistically. This includes treating the whole person and not just the symptoms. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
The doctor should be able to understand holistic health as well as complementary and alternative therapies (CAM), such chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Holistic health practitioners should also be able to diagnose your condition and explain the different treatments available to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. NBOHMCA certifies in many areas such as naturopathic medicine (naturopathy), acupuncture and homeopathy, clinical nutrition (herbalalism), and aromatherapy.
Check out our directory to find a holistic practitioner near you. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Contact your local hospital or medical center to confirm whether they offer holistic healthcare.
For books and information on holistic healthcare, visit your library.
