When counseling a patient with hypertension, what is a key recommendation regarding diet?

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a key recommendation for patients with hypertension. Diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. These foods are typically low in sodium and high in essential nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which can help manage blood pressure levels.

Fruits and vegetables also promote a feeling of fullness and are generally lower in calories, making it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, specific diets such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet highlight the importance of consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while also emphasizing the reduction of sodium intake, thus aligning with the recommendation to focus on a diet rich in these food groups.

This recommendation supports an overall dietary approach that is beneficial for controlling hypertension, as opposed to options that either increase sodium intake or limit dietary diversity.