The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has suggested that if a person with high blood pressure follows a healthy diet, reduces the intake of salt and maintains a healthy weight by doing 30 minutes of activity in a day and also reduces the consumption of alcohol and cigarette, he may find a significant reaction in his blood pressure. The diet has been named as DASH by the Institute.

The DASH plan has recommended increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds for the patients of high blood pressure. It also involves the reduction saturated fats, trans-fats and cholesterol in the diet.

If followed properly the DASH plan would help in increasing potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fiber in the diet. Under the diet plan patients can drink fat free and low fat milk.

According to DASH plan, more physically active a person is, the more he burns calories and stays fit. It has also urged the patients that if doctors start an anti-hypertensive medication for the patients, they should take it as suggested by the doctors.