Which statement indicates a patient understands the DASH diet?

The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, emphasizes the importance of incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into one’s daily diet as a means to help manage blood pressure and overall health. The recommendation to include four to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily aligns with the guidelines of the DASH diet, which aim to provide adequate amounts of potassium, magnesium, and fiber—nutrients that are beneficial for heart health.

This statement reflects an understanding of the DASH diet's core principles, highlighting the focus on plant-based foods, which are integral to reducing hypertension. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can contribute to a balanced nutritional profile that supports overall wellness while managing blood pressure levels.

In contrast, the other options either misrepresent the recommendations of the DASH diet or emphasize restrictions that are not aligned with its principles. For example, while grains are encouraged, the suggestion of specifically seven servings daily varies from the individualized aspects of dietary needs and isn't primarily emphasized like fruits and vegetables. The statement about limiting all carbohydrates completely contradicts the DASH diet philosophy, which does not advocate for such extreme restrictions. Furthermore, frequent consumption of high-fat dairy products does not align with DASH guidelines, which recommend lower-fat and fat-free dairy options to support heart health.