Low Carb vs DASH Diet: Managing Hypertension Effectively

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH Diet) and the Very Low Carb (VLC) Diet have emerged as two effective dietary approaches for controlling hypertension. Let's dive into the details of these two diets and their impact on managing high blood pressure.

DASH Diet: A Closer Look

The DASH Diet, endorsed by the American Heart Association, emphasizes a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products while limiting saturated fats and sodium. It is designed to improve overall cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure levels.

Very Low Carb (VLC) Diet Explained

The VLC diet, also known as the ketogenic or “keto” diet, involves consuming very few carbohydrates, moderate protein, and higher fat. This diet has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure, managing diabetes, and aiding in weight loss.

Comparing the Impact on Blood Pressure

A study conducted at the University of Michigan compared the effects of the DASH Diet and VLC Diet on systolic blood pressure. The results indicated that the VLC Diet resulted in greater improvements in lowering blood pressure levels compared to the DASH Diet.

Understanding Low Carb Diets

A low-carb diet involves reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of protein and healthy fats. This approach can lead to various health benefits, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

Impacts on Disease Management

Both the DASH Diet and VLC Diet have shown positive outcomes in managing hypertension and other health conditions. However, the VLC Diet has demonstrated superior results, with a higher percentage of participants being able to reduce or discontinue hypertension medications.

Key Differences Between DASH and Low Carb Diets

When comparing the DASH Diet to the VLC Diet, several distinctions become apparent:

Low Carb Diet limits sugars, including those found in fruits, while DASH Diet focuses on limiting added sugars.
Low Carb Diet encourages the consumption of non-starchy vegetables, while DASH Diet emphasizes vegetables rich in essential nutrients.
Low Carb Diet restricts grains intake, whereas DASH Diet promotes whole grain consumption.
Low Carb Diet allows fatty meats, while DASH Diet prefers lean proteins and fish.
Low Carb Diet has no fat limit, whereas DASH Diet restricts fat intake.
Low Carb Diet restricts dairy, whereas DASH Diet allows low-fat dairy products.
Low Carb Diet does not impose a sodium restriction, while DASH Diet limits sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day.
Low Carb Diet sets a specific carb limit, whereas DASH Diet does not have a specified carb restriction.

If you are dealing with hypertension or type 2 diabetes, consider exploring a low carb diet under the guidance of your healthcare provider. It may offer a viable solution to manage your condition effectively and reduce the need for medications.

For more information, refer to the following sources:

https://www.annfammed.org/content/21/3/256
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan

Discover the potential benefits of Low Carb vs DASH Diet in addressing hypertension and enhancing your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?

Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all diseases can be caused by a combination factors. This includes diet, lifestyle, environment stress, stress, emotions, genetics and other health-related issues.

These factors are important to consider when prescribing medications. This is part of a balanced approach to treating patients.

Understanding how each factor affects patients is essential for a physician to be able understand modern science as well as traditional methods such homeopathy and herbs.

Many doctors have been certified in complementary or alternative medicine (C&A). This allows doctors to offer a broad range of services to their patients.

What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.

It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.

There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:

Naturopaths usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
Naturopaths will work with the patient's family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists are trained to provide individualized care based on each patient's unique needs.
The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies grant licenses to naturopatrists.
The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will examine all aspects of your health, not just one.

What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?

Ayurveda acupuncture and homeopathy are the five alternative medical systems.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) throughout the entire body.

Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They treat people by prescribing minute doses of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced when the person is ill.

Energy Healing is also known for Reiki, EFT Rolfing Therapeutic Touch, Rolfing and Rolfing. This therapy draws on the belief that we are each connected to a universal life force called Ki. When this Ki flows freely through us, we feel well. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.

Why is holistic medicine so much better?

Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…

Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them like a whole package. Although this sounds easy in theory, it's very difficult to do in practice. Many doctors only focus on the physical aspects of patients.

Is holistic medicine safe?

Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects can be difficult to understand and must be weighed against the benefits offered by alternative treatments such acupuncture.

There are no cases of death from holistic medicine.

Before you start any new treatment, make sure to talk with your doctor.

Statistics

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)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (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)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
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)

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What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine includes yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, naturopathy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and herbalism. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies can include physical manipulations such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and osteopathic/chiropractic care. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM is an umbrella term for various health practices outside traditional Western medical models. There are many differences in the scientific support for these practices, including whether they involve drugs and surgery, as well as which conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others may do neither.

These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. Mind-body medicine is comprised of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery and self-hypnosis. There are also deep breathing exercises, meditations, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback and visualization. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manual, movement, traction and electrotherapies are all forms of manipulative therapy. They include cupping, stretching and myofascial release. Trigger point therapy, orthotics, neurostimulation, trigger point therapy, manuals, trigger points, trigger point therapy, orthopedics. Spiritual healing includes faith healing and prayer.

Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons that people use CAM.

To improve their overall wellness.
To manage a condition.
To reduce pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a person's belief system.

Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. They may believe it has fewer side effects. Others choose CAM to avoid taking prescription medications. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.

Some people who use CAM want to know what they are doing before they try something new. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on the word of mouth among family and friends.

Although CAM is often seen negatively in society, most users report positive feelings towards CAM. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don't. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

An overwhelming majority of Americans are familiar with some form of complementary or alternative medicine. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was able to estimate that around 40 million people visited CAM practitioners in 2010 alone.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It recognized that doctors must “integrate scientifically valid alternative and complementary medicine into clinical practices…to meet patients' needs.”

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

CAM continues growing in popularity despite these findings. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.

A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.

CAM therapies encompass natural products, mind-body techniques, manipulative strategies, energy healing modalities and exercise.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture, for example, can relieve chronic back pain, lower anxiety and depression, improve immune function and promote weight loss.

Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for instance, originated over 5,000 years ago. This practice has been in China since antiquity.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

TCM treatment is now used by over 70% of American citizens.

Yoga is another CAM therapy that is very popular. Yoga was developed in India circa 5000 B.C. Yoga is now widely accepted worldwide.

Yoga has become increasingly popular with the general public because it offers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga can be used to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase strength and help with blood pressure.

Yoga has been shown to improve sleep33, even though there is not much scientific evidence. It may also be beneficial for insomnia sufferers.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

Herbal medicine is one of the most popular types of CAM.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

These drugs are frequently considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs and are popularly used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society, 45% of adults diagnosed with cancer said they used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 60% of patients with cancer use CAM, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

A recent study found that 51% of patients with cancer used at least one type or another of CAM.

However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

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