How Long Does It Take to Reduce Blood Pressure Through Diet?

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, HPN or HTN, is a medical condition where the body's blood pressure is regularly elevated. The main symptom of high blood pressure is headache, which can be difficult to pinpoint because it is a common symptom in so many other ailments. Any blood pressure over 120/80 is considered to be high blood pressure, and a chronic high blood pressure is known as hypertension. High blood pressure can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by smoking, age, stress, a large amount of salt in the diet, obesity or being overweight, consumption of more than two drinks of alcohol per day, kidney disease, thyroid disorders and poor diet. Luckily, high blood pressure can be managed and lowered by diet, exercise and medication.

How to Reduce Blood Pressure With Diet

The most famous blood pressure-reducing diet is known as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Blood Pressure Diet, which concentrates on low-sodium and low-fat foods to lower blood pressure. The DASH eating plan suggests 1,500 mg per day or less of sodium to lower blood pressure. The DASH Blood Pressure diet sets a daily requirement of six to eight servings of grains, four to five fruits, four to five vegetables, two to three milk products and six or fewer meats, fish and poultry. Four to five servings of nuts, seeds and legumes are allowed per week. The DASH diet also suggests consuming as little fats, oils and sweets as possible in your diet.

How Long Does it Take?

It can take as little as 14 days to lower your blood pressure on DASH. On the 14-day challenge, most individuals experience a drop in high blood pressure while on the diet. You must, however, stay on the diet in order to experience long-term effects. The sooner you incorporate healthy eating into your daily routine, the sooner you will feel better and experience lower blood pressure. If you do not follow the diet exactly as directed due to dietary restrictions or allergies, you may experience effects more slowly than someone who follows the DASH diet exactly as recommended.