DASH it all
Research presented this week at the American Society of Hypertension 2007 Scientific Sessions in Chicago, has shown that fewer and fewer people are following the DASH diet. Even though more people are aware of hypertension, investigator Dr Phillip Mellen said the dietary quality of hypertensive adults has deteriorated.
Speculating as to why fewer patients are following the recommendations, Mellen noted that many physicians do not feel adequately trained to implement the DASH diet. More likely, however, is the fact that dietary counseling takes time, and clinicians are still not reimbursed for their counseling labors. "It might be easier to give a prescription than to address root causes," said Mellen.
Dr. Mellen is correct, but he neglects to expand on the role of the American Medical Association on the issue. Instead of prescribing medication as physicians do, the AMA has prescribed the magic bullet of salt reduction as the answer to hypertension.
Of course, the AMA will agree that the DASH diet is useful, but their high priority target is salt reduction. As a consequence, recommendations from the AMA to consume the DASH diet takes a back seat - a distant back seat to salt reduction .
While salt reduction may reduce the single cardiovascular risk factor of hypertension in some sensitive individuals, consumption of the DASH diet reduces all 10 major cardiovascular disease risk factors in all individuals. If a prestigious organization such as the AMA would spend more time and money on promoting the DASH diet, a number of things would occur. Physicians, whose knowledge of dietetics and nutrition is generally wanting, may choose to learn more about balanced diets and may be influenced to spend more time telling their patients about the overall benefits of the DASH diet.
Positive open support for the DASH diet from the AMA may also influence the food industry to develop new products that will allow consumers to consume the 5 - 10 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended each day. The new fusion juices (fruit and vegetable combined) are a perfect example. One glass is the tasty equivalent to two servings and a lot easier to take at breakfast than a bowl full of chopped kale!
With the proper emphasis on balanced diet, the medical community can help millions achieve better health.
