bethsheba
03-01-2008, 10:57 AM
I took the DASH diet challenge with the intention of reducing my pressures to a perfect 120/80...I didn't dash perfectly...didn't tally the sodium, but aside from bacon and quiche and a couple of glasses of wine, ate foods on the plan.....nor did I eat all of the servings...so there was room for improvement. Despite this, the results were positive, I think.
Pre DASH pressures averaged as high as 140/91...
DASH Week One
First Reading Average: 127/88, pulse 71
Second Reading Average: 122/88, pulse 81
DASH Week Two
First Reading Average: 123/85, pulse 70
Second Reading Average 120/88, pulse 73
I really didn't expect to see any change at all because prior to the challenge I didn't usually add any salt to my foods, I didn't (for the most part) purchase processed foods, and I tried to eat more fruits and veggies. So it was just a few small changes that brought about these figures...lower sodium "packaged"foods (mayo, catsup, canned tomatoes, margarine, cheese...) and perhaps, more fiber.
Bethsheba
PS I am currently med free and have every intention of staying that way...(the government estimates that 1/3 of the people who currently take meds could go med free by using the DASH meal plan)
Pre DASH pressures averaged as high as 140/91...
DASH Week One
First Reading Average: 127/88, pulse 71
Second Reading Average: 122/88, pulse 81
DASH Week Two
First Reading Average: 123/85, pulse 70
Second Reading Average 120/88, pulse 73
I really didn't expect to see any change at all because prior to the challenge I didn't usually add any salt to my foods, I didn't (for the most part) purchase processed foods, and I tried to eat more fruits and veggies. So it was just a few small changes that brought about these figures...lower sodium "packaged"foods (mayo, catsup, canned tomatoes, margarine, cheese...) and perhaps, more fiber.
Bethsheba
PS I am currently med free and have every intention of staying that way...(the government estimates that 1/3 of the people who currently take meds could go med free by using the DASH meal plan)
Sponsor
marantz1935
03-01-2008, 12:27 PM
Great numbers Beth, your motivation alone should be comended. Keep up the great work.
I'm trying to watch my diet as well.
Marantz.
I'm trying to watch my diet as well.
Marantz.
flowergirl2day
03-01-2008, 09:37 PM
Congratulations! :)
I really didn't expect to see any change at all because prior to the challenge I didn't usually add any salt to my foods, I didn't (for the most part) purchase processed foods, and I tried to eat more fruits and veggies. So it was just a few small changes that brought about these figures...lower sodium "packaged"foods (mayo, catsup, canned tomatoes, margarine, cheese...) and perhaps, more fiber.
Your blood pressure readings have shown that the DASH way of eating is the "recipe" to a better health. So what comes now? Will you stay on this diet? You now know that you can do it!!! :cool: :cool: :cool:
Keep up the good work! Following your progress day by day was great and the results awesome. Thanks for sharing!
flowergirl
I really didn't expect to see any change at all because prior to the challenge I didn't usually add any salt to my foods, I didn't (for the most part) purchase processed foods, and I tried to eat more fruits and veggies. So it was just a few small changes that brought about these figures...lower sodium "packaged"foods (mayo, catsup, canned tomatoes, margarine, cheese...) and perhaps, more fiber.
Your blood pressure readings have shown that the DASH way of eating is the "recipe" to a better health. So what comes now? Will you stay on this diet? You now know that you can do it!!! :cool: :cool: :cool:
Keep up the good work! Following your progress day by day was great and the results awesome. Thanks for sharing!
flowergirl
Vanessa74
03-02-2008, 06:57 PM
Beth,
That is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC and so inspiring. I cannot wait to be able to toatlly dedicate myself to the DASH program. Once I know that the Toprol is completely out of my system and I am feeling better.
I have contuniued to incorporate the eating and will add exercise soon.
Your results are just what I needed to keep going.
AWESOME - thank you so much -and I am so happy for you and your great results!!!!
Nessa
That is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC and so inspiring. I cannot wait to be able to toatlly dedicate myself to the DASH program. Once I know that the Toprol is completely out of my system and I am feeling better.
I have contuniued to incorporate the eating and will add exercise soon.
Your results are just what I needed to keep going.
AWESOME - thank you so much -and I am so happy for you and your great results!!!!
Nessa
famnd
03-02-2008, 11:27 PM
Hi Beth,
Sounds like you are on your way. If you get this kind of results from diet, who knows what will happen when you exercise & lose weight. You'll have to pick yourself off the floor. :) I know it is very hard to change something so personal as diet, You get an A for effort & results!!! Fam
Sounds like you are on your way. If you get this kind of results from diet, who knows what will happen when you exercise & lose weight. You'll have to pick yourself off the floor. :) I know it is very hard to change something so personal as diet, You get an A for effort & results!!! Fam
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 10:50 AM
... your motivation alone should be comended. Keep up the great work...Marantz.
Thanks so much, Marantz! Only wish my discipline equaled my motivation, ;).
Good luck with your food plan...it's a great way to go! DASH offers almost immediate results, and no side effects.
It's only been a couple of days since I returned to the plan, but I got a "perfect" 120/85 this weekend. Now if I lose 65 pounds, I'll be at a normal weight and I doubt I'll have to "control" my blood pressure. Even then, I hope to be DASHing as it is a food plan for a healthy way of life.
Bethsheba
Thanks so much, Marantz! Only wish my discipline equaled my motivation, ;).
Good luck with your food plan...it's a great way to go! DASH offers almost immediate results, and no side effects.
It's only been a couple of days since I returned to the plan, but I got a "perfect" 120/85 this weekend. Now if I lose 65 pounds, I'll be at a normal weight and I doubt I'll have to "control" my blood pressure. Even then, I hope to be DASHing as it is a food plan for a healthy way of life.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 11:15 AM
...Your blood pressure readings have shown that the DASH way of eating is the "recipe" to a better health. So what comes now? Will you stay on this diet?....
Hi Flowergirl,
Got readings of 120/85 this weekend, :angel:...so I am well on my way. Can't believe that I was 200/100 in the doctor's office about three years ago (before I had gained 35+ pounds on bp meds, :mad:). What comes now? I'm a convert...I hope to eat the DASH way the rest of my life. I came across 150 DASH recipes that I am in the process of printing off my computer...I'm putting them in plastic sleeves and compiling them in a a "cookbook" that I can refer to when needed. There is a recipe for pork chops braised in black currant jam that I'm really looking forward to...the recipes are EASY to make but quite elegant. I like that!
Oh, and it's not really a "diet"...when I think of "diet" I think of restrictions...I think the reason this food plan is so very effective is that it focuses on what you SHOULD BE EATING and not what you shouldn't be eating. I've been on various weight loss diets for years and believe me, deprivation doesn't work. I never feel deprived eating the foods on this plan.
Although, I need to fine tune my DASHing, I'm ready to move on to exercise. Need to lose those 50 pounds so I no longer have to "control" my pressures. Will be addressing a few posts today and perhaps tomorrow, but in the past year I've said what I've had to say, and done what I've needed to do so I will be going off the boards.
Take care, flowergirl...I wish you only the best of everything.
Bethsheba
Hi Flowergirl,
Got readings of 120/85 this weekend, :angel:...so I am well on my way. Can't believe that I was 200/100 in the doctor's office about three years ago (before I had gained 35+ pounds on bp meds, :mad:). What comes now? I'm a convert...I hope to eat the DASH way the rest of my life. I came across 150 DASH recipes that I am in the process of printing off my computer...I'm putting them in plastic sleeves and compiling them in a a "cookbook" that I can refer to when needed. There is a recipe for pork chops braised in black currant jam that I'm really looking forward to...the recipes are EASY to make but quite elegant. I like that!
Oh, and it's not really a "diet"...when I think of "diet" I think of restrictions...I think the reason this food plan is so very effective is that it focuses on what you SHOULD BE EATING and not what you shouldn't be eating. I've been on various weight loss diets for years and believe me, deprivation doesn't work. I never feel deprived eating the foods on this plan.
Although, I need to fine tune my DASHing, I'm ready to move on to exercise. Need to lose those 50 pounds so I no longer have to "control" my pressures. Will be addressing a few posts today and perhaps tomorrow, but in the past year I've said what I've had to say, and done what I've needed to do so I will be going off the boards.
Take care, flowergirl...I wish you only the best of everything.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 11:38 AM
....I cannot wait to be able to toatlly dedicate myself to the DASH program. Once I know that the Toprol is completely out of my system and I am feeling better....Your results are just what I needed to keep going....
Vanessa,
I may have mentally "totally" dedicated myself to the DASH program, but I didn't DASH perfectly and I still got results....so don't fret about being totally dedicated...do what you can for as long as you can and fine tune along the way. It took me 12 months of "preaching" DASH before I was actually "did" it...but I'm hoping that it won't take others as long as it took me!
Not everyone may be able to get off meds completely, but they should be able to get off at least 1 med if they follow this plan...and perhaps the one med they get off of will be the med that slows their metabolism so if they get off that, they can lose some weight and get off another med...who knows?
Vanessa, if you've gotten this far, you can keep going!!!! Getting off the toprol was the top of the mountain...you can ski down hill from there keeping in mind there may be some brush or a few small trees on the path down...so keep those peepers open!
Take care, Vanessa!
Bethsheba
Vanessa,
I may have mentally "totally" dedicated myself to the DASH program, but I didn't DASH perfectly and I still got results....so don't fret about being totally dedicated...do what you can for as long as you can and fine tune along the way. It took me 12 months of "preaching" DASH before I was actually "did" it...but I'm hoping that it won't take others as long as it took me!
Not everyone may be able to get off meds completely, but they should be able to get off at least 1 med if they follow this plan...and perhaps the one med they get off of will be the med that slows their metabolism so if they get off that, they can lose some weight and get off another med...who knows?
Vanessa, if you've gotten this far, you can keep going!!!! Getting off the toprol was the top of the mountain...you can ski down hill from there keeping in mind there may be some brush or a few small trees on the path down...so keep those peepers open!
Take care, Vanessa!
Bethsheba
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 11:51 AM
...Sounds like you are on your way. If you get this kind of results from diet, who knows what will happen when you exercise & lose weight. You'll have to pick yourself off the floor. :)
Hi famnd,
Yes, I finally think I am on my way...I feel good about what I've done but it is only the beginning...it's an on going process. This weekend I cooked some soups and entrees up ahead of time as that seems to be the secret of my staying on plan. I'm hoping to really start focusing on exercise now, which scares me. Although I hate exercise, before bp meds, I bicycled, hiked, walked, went camping, and did other physical activities. In the past three years, I have spent much of my time like an invalid and as a result any muscles I had atrophied so it's back to square one....oh well, this too can be overcome.
Take care, famnd.
Bethsheba
PS I should get an "A" for honesty :D, too, as I was sometimes embarrassed to admit I was eating the same entree for several meals...but thanks for those grades, :).
Hi famnd,
Yes, I finally think I am on my way...I feel good about what I've done but it is only the beginning...it's an on going process. This weekend I cooked some soups and entrees up ahead of time as that seems to be the secret of my staying on plan. I'm hoping to really start focusing on exercise now, which scares me. Although I hate exercise, before bp meds, I bicycled, hiked, walked, went camping, and did other physical activities. In the past three years, I have spent much of my time like an invalid and as a result any muscles I had atrophied so it's back to square one....oh well, this too can be overcome.
Take care, famnd.
Bethsheba
PS I should get an "A" for honesty :D, too, as I was sometimes embarrassed to admit I was eating the same entree for several meals...but thanks for those grades, :).
flowergirl2day
03-03-2008, 12:02 PM
Hi Beth, :)
Got readings of 120/85 this weekend, :angel:...so I am well on my way. Can't believe that I was 200/100 in the doctor's office about three years ago
What a perfect blood pressure reading and what an incredible story! It is so good to know that real people have accomplished getting off blood pressure medications instead of just reading about it being possible. It is good to know that blood pressure medications are not necessarily forever. Congratulations on your achievement once again.
Good luck! :angel:
flowergirl
Got readings of 120/85 this weekend, :angel:...so I am well on my way. Can't believe that I was 200/100 in the doctor's office about three years ago
What a perfect blood pressure reading and what an incredible story! It is so good to know that real people have accomplished getting off blood pressure medications instead of just reading about it being possible. It is good to know that blood pressure medications are not necessarily forever. Congratulations on your achievement once again.
Good luck! :angel:
flowergirl
dmer
03-03-2008, 01:16 PM
It's only been a couple of days since I returned to the plan, but I got a "perfect" 120/85 this weekend. Now if I lose 65 pounds, I'll be at a normal weight and I doubt I'll have to "control" my blood pressure. Even then, I hope to be DASHing as it is a food plan for a healthy way of life.
Bethsheba
My diet, in principle, conforms to DASH. I've experienced weight loss and a drop in BP since embarking on it, along with a rigorous exercise program.
What intrigues me about your posts on the topic, this one specifically, is the reference to your weight and normalized BP. You must have an exceptional physiology because 65 lbs of excess weight, even on a person who is 6' 6" tall, is detrimental to almost every yardstick for good health.
The majority of people with that level of excess weight, in addition to elevated BP, will likely have elevated lipid and glucose levels. While there can be a variety of reasons for elevated BP, the law of physics is somewhat immutable.
My curiosity aside, I wish you continuing success and good health.
Bethsheba
My diet, in principle, conforms to DASH. I've experienced weight loss and a drop in BP since embarking on it, along with a rigorous exercise program.
What intrigues me about your posts on the topic, this one specifically, is the reference to your weight and normalized BP. You must have an exceptional physiology because 65 lbs of excess weight, even on a person who is 6' 6" tall, is detrimental to almost every yardstick for good health.
The majority of people with that level of excess weight, in addition to elevated BP, will likely have elevated lipid and glucose levels. While there can be a variety of reasons for elevated BP, the law of physics is somewhat immutable.
My curiosity aside, I wish you continuing success and good health.
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 03:25 PM
...The majority of people with that level of excess weight, in addition to elevated BP, will likely have elevated lipid and glucose levels. While there can be a variety of reasons for elevated BP, the law of physics is somewhat immutable....
Although I do not know my exact weight in Jan of 2005, I do know it was over 200 pounds...and the letter from my doctor said my lab results (which included blood sugar) were "well within the normal range" and that my "total cholesterol was 186, tryglycerides 123, HDL or good cholesterol 53, LDL or bad cholesterol 108. These are all very good numbers..." per my doctor.
It wasn't until I was on hct for over a year that my labs began to change. By November 2006 my numbers went up and were total cholesterol 263 , triglycerides 140, high-density lipoprotein choleterol 60, low density lipoprotein 175, glucose 109. At that time he wanted to put me on a statin...I said no.
I repeated my "profile" in July of 2007 after being off of hct for about 6 months. Despite cleaning out my cheese drawer around that time (it's a long story but all connected to hct), despite no exercise, despite no real change in my diet except for eating more cheese, and despite my elevated weight, my cholesterol dropped to 236, tryglycerides 131, high density lipoprotein was 60, low density lipoprotein was 150 (which is, I know, high but is somewhat counter balanced by the high hdl).
So maybe it's heredity, :angel:.
Bethsheba
Although I do not know my exact weight in Jan of 2005, I do know it was over 200 pounds...and the letter from my doctor said my lab results (which included blood sugar) were "well within the normal range" and that my "total cholesterol was 186, tryglycerides 123, HDL or good cholesterol 53, LDL or bad cholesterol 108. These are all very good numbers..." per my doctor.
It wasn't until I was on hct for over a year that my labs began to change. By November 2006 my numbers went up and were total cholesterol 263 , triglycerides 140, high-density lipoprotein choleterol 60, low density lipoprotein 175, glucose 109. At that time he wanted to put me on a statin...I said no.
I repeated my "profile" in July of 2007 after being off of hct for about 6 months. Despite cleaning out my cheese drawer around that time (it's a long story but all connected to hct), despite no exercise, despite no real change in my diet except for eating more cheese, and despite my elevated weight, my cholesterol dropped to 236, tryglycerides 131, high density lipoprotein was 60, low density lipoprotein was 150 (which is, I know, high but is somewhat counter balanced by the high hdl).
So maybe it's heredity, :angel:.
Bethsheba
dmer
03-03-2008, 04:03 PM
I repeated my "profile" in July of 2007 after being off of hct for about 6 months. Despite cleaning out my cheese drawer around that time (it's a long story but all connected to hct), despite no exercise, despite no real change in my diet except for eating more cheese, and despite my elevated weight, my cholesterol dropped to 236, tryglycerides 131, high density lipoprotein was 60, low density lipoprotein was 150 (which is, I know, high but is somewhat counter balanced by the high hdl).
So maybe it's heredity, :angel:.
Bethsheba
Absent familial heart disease, your lipid numbers wouldn't be a concern, especially, as you say, with the HDL / LDL ratios. On the other hand, all of these #'s are aggravated by weight. Glucose is another "canary in the mineshaft" and while your # is elevated, glucose by itself is not an entirely reliable measurement. A Hemoglobin A1C test is more reliable. My glucose and H-A1C were elevated when I was first tested and that factor was more of a motivator for me than elevated BP because with diabetes, the wheels can start to come off the bus, so to speak.
The good news is that diet changes and weight loss can bring these into a normal range, as I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Would you mind sharing your age?
So maybe it's heredity, :angel:.
Bethsheba
Absent familial heart disease, your lipid numbers wouldn't be a concern, especially, as you say, with the HDL / LDL ratios. On the other hand, all of these #'s are aggravated by weight. Glucose is another "canary in the mineshaft" and while your # is elevated, glucose by itself is not an entirely reliable measurement. A Hemoglobin A1C test is more reliable. My glucose and H-A1C were elevated when I was first tested and that factor was more of a motivator for me than elevated BP because with diabetes, the wheels can start to come off the bus, so to speak.
The good news is that diet changes and weight loss can bring these into a normal range, as I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Would you mind sharing your age?
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 06:50 PM
Absent familial heart disease, your lipid numbers wouldn't be a concern, especially, as you say, with the HDL / LDL ratios. On the other hand, all of these #'s are aggravated by weight. Glucose is another "canary in the mineshaft" and while your # is elevated, glucose by itself is not an entirely reliable measurement. A Hemoglobin A1C test is more reliable. My glucose and H-A1C were elevated when I was first tested and that factor was more of a motivator for me than elevated BP because with diabetes, the wheels can start to come off the bus, so to speak.
The good news is that diet changes and weight loss can bring these into a normal range, as I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Would you mind sharing your age?
Dmer,
Before being diagnosed with hypertension and before taking medication for hypertension my cholesterol ran from 140-160...it was only in the years since being diagnosed with hypertension that it jumped up..some of the elevations may be due to normal aging (prior to menopause a woman's hormones offer some protection), but some may be due to the side effects (direct and indirect) I experienced while taking hct for hypertension (hct can elevate or at least mask glucose levels and it can elevate cholesterol levels).
I don't think there is an "accurate" measurement of anything...one has to look at the entire picture. I would agree with you about the concerns regarding diabetes, and of course diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight would help to keep those "wheels on the bus". I know I need to bring those numbers down and if I stopped eating ice cream alone, it would help :D.
But as to your question, I'm in my 50's and I come from several long lines of people who ate well, exercised little, and lived long...not to be smug about it but although weight is important, it is not everything...nothing is...
Just out of curiosity, I wonder how much old Benjamin Franklin weighed. He lived until his late 80's I believe...and that was when people were "fortunate" to live until they were in their 60's.
Bethsheba
The good news is that diet changes and weight loss can bring these into a normal range, as I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Would you mind sharing your age?
Dmer,
Before being diagnosed with hypertension and before taking medication for hypertension my cholesterol ran from 140-160...it was only in the years since being diagnosed with hypertension that it jumped up..some of the elevations may be due to normal aging (prior to menopause a woman's hormones offer some protection), but some may be due to the side effects (direct and indirect) I experienced while taking hct for hypertension (hct can elevate or at least mask glucose levels and it can elevate cholesterol levels).
I don't think there is an "accurate" measurement of anything...one has to look at the entire picture. I would agree with you about the concerns regarding diabetes, and of course diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight would help to keep those "wheels on the bus". I know I need to bring those numbers down and if I stopped eating ice cream alone, it would help :D.
But as to your question, I'm in my 50's and I come from several long lines of people who ate well, exercised little, and lived long...not to be smug about it but although weight is important, it is not everything...nothing is...
Just out of curiosity, I wonder how much old Benjamin Franklin weighed. He lived until his late 80's I believe...and that was when people were "fortunate" to live until they were in their 60's.
Bethsheba
dmer
03-03-2008, 07:58 PM
Dmer,
I don't think there is an "accurate" measurement of anything...one has to look at the entire picture. I would agree with you about the concerns regarding diabetes, and of course diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight would help to keep those "wheels on the bus". I know I need to bring those numbers down and if I stopped eating ice cream alone, it would help :D.
But as to your question, I'm in my 50's and I come from several long lines of people who ate well, exercised little, and lived long...not to be smug about it but although weight is important, it is not everything...nothing is...
Bethsheba
It's not being smug to suggest you have a genetic predisposition to good health and longevity. Niether do I think exercise a virtue and I'd prefer to be in the category that could enjoy good health without it.
When you previously embarked on a course of medication, were you given the option of modifying your diet in lieu of the drugs? I ask that question because you have established normal BP levels through diet alone.
These days, Dr.'s have turned to the convenient term "metabollic syndrome", to encompass, HBP, elevated lipids and elevated glucose. I qualified for all 3 and with BP meds and a statin + diet and exercise, BP levels are down, lipids are down and glucose is normal.
With diet alone, you have reduced the one (HBP) that I would have thought to be the most intractable without medication and weight loss. I think one lesson I would learn from your experience is that you have an excellent constitution which responds well to change. The peril would be if you "allow" a diabetic condition to develop.
When I met with my Dr. to review my BP, lipids and glucose level, he was most exorcised about my glucose, which I didn't really get at the time. He described me as "soon to be diabetic" and my glucose was lower than yours. The reason for this concern was that while meds could address the BP and lipids, "lifestyle" changes were necessary for the best results.
You've made an enormous stride in knocking down one element of bad health, I wish you continued success in all the elements of your wellbeing.
I don't think there is an "accurate" measurement of anything...one has to look at the entire picture. I would agree with you about the concerns regarding diabetes, and of course diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight would help to keep those "wheels on the bus". I know I need to bring those numbers down and if I stopped eating ice cream alone, it would help :D.
But as to your question, I'm in my 50's and I come from several long lines of people who ate well, exercised little, and lived long...not to be smug about it but although weight is important, it is not everything...nothing is...
Bethsheba
It's not being smug to suggest you have a genetic predisposition to good health and longevity. Niether do I think exercise a virtue and I'd prefer to be in the category that could enjoy good health without it.
When you previously embarked on a course of medication, were you given the option of modifying your diet in lieu of the drugs? I ask that question because you have established normal BP levels through diet alone.
These days, Dr.'s have turned to the convenient term "metabollic syndrome", to encompass, HBP, elevated lipids and elevated glucose. I qualified for all 3 and with BP meds and a statin + diet and exercise, BP levels are down, lipids are down and glucose is normal.
With diet alone, you have reduced the one (HBP) that I would have thought to be the most intractable without medication and weight loss. I think one lesson I would learn from your experience is that you have an excellent constitution which responds well to change. The peril would be if you "allow" a diabetic condition to develop.
When I met with my Dr. to review my BP, lipids and glucose level, he was most exorcised about my glucose, which I didn't really get at the time. He described me as "soon to be diabetic" and my glucose was lower than yours. The reason for this concern was that while meds could address the BP and lipids, "lifestyle" changes were necessary for the best results.
You've made an enormous stride in knocking down one element of bad health, I wish you continued success in all the elements of your wellbeing.
bethsheba
03-03-2008, 09:12 PM
It's not being smug to suggest you have a genetic predisposition to good health and longevity.
I feel guilty about this but know in the long run it will catch up to me and bite me you know where!
...When you previously embarked on a course of medication, were you given the option of modifying your diet in lieu of the drugs?
Actually, when I was diagnosed I had gone in for my physical with the intention of getting a referral to see a sleep specialist...I had been complaining of fatigue for some time and a house guest/family member said I stopped breathing when I slept and it was suggested that I might have sleep apnea (which another family member had been diagnosed with years before).
When I had my labs done at the time of my physical, the only thing out of whack was my potassium level and I was encouraged to eat more fruits and veggies and to "lose weight". I thought this "feedback" was unusual because I had been overweight much of my adult life and this was the first time my doctor had ever "pressured" me to lose weight. At that time I didn't put 2 and 2 together...in other words, I didn't realize that my doctor wanted me eat fruits and veggies, and to lose weight to reduce my blood pressure! I thought he just wanted me to do it to lose weight... I would also like to say here that I believe the reason my potassium levels were low was because my sleep was interrupted multiple times every night due to the apnea and as a result I lacked the energy/motivation to properly nourish myself and to exercise.
...I ask that question because you have established normal BP levels through diet alone.
No, I have not established normal bp levels through diet alone....I have reason to believe my cpap treatment (my little air machine) has dropped my pressures considerably (that is why I noted "used cpap" or "didn't use cpap" on my DASH records)!!! So it is the combination of my cpap treatment and my DASH diet that has brought about the balance. I'm afraid to go without my cpap for a long period of time because, for me, it may be like going without meds. I posted on my lifestyle changes thread how many points on the average cpap treatment can drop pressures...I'm not sure but it might have been an average of 10-15 points.
These days, Dr.'s have turned to the convenient term "metabollic syndrome", to encompass, HBP, elevated lipids and elevated glucose. I qualified for all 3 and with BP meds and a statin + diet and exercise, BP levels are down, lipids are down and glucose is normal.
Excellent, Dmer, simply excellent! I have read your posts with interest and know how dedicated (and motivating) you are....and the results prove it!!!
... I think one lesson I would learn from your experience is that you have an excellent constitution which responds well to change. This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me...I don't know how well I "respond" to change but I do enjoy change...and contrary to what most people think, I think most people do welcome change (look at how many people have embraced the personal computer despite the daily challenges of "operating" one, :D).
...The peril would be if you "allow" a diabetic condition to develop.
I value your input and caution very much. It is a very real possibility and specially for me with my dependency on sweets. But again, I really think the DASH plan has helped with balance...it still is an ongoing concern.
...He described me as "soon to be diabetic" and my glucose was lower than yours. The reason for this concern was that while meds could address the BP and lipids, "lifestyle" changes were necessary for the best results.
Thank you so much for the eye opening! I would agree with your doctor about lifestyle changes being necessary for the best results. Meds are only tools, helpmates, to buy time while one changes ones lifestyle....keeping in mind that this may or may not apply to people with secondary hypertension.
You've made an enormous stride in knocking down one element of bad health, I wish you continued success in all the elements of your wellbeing.
I feel the same way about you, dmer...as well as others on this board. But I think we all know that these elements need to be kept down for the rest of our lives and because of this we may need to address them "one day at a time" and perhaps, even, one hour at a time.
Best of health to you, dmer...I know you will do well.
Bethsheba
I feel guilty about this but know in the long run it will catch up to me and bite me you know where!
...When you previously embarked on a course of medication, were you given the option of modifying your diet in lieu of the drugs?
Actually, when I was diagnosed I had gone in for my physical with the intention of getting a referral to see a sleep specialist...I had been complaining of fatigue for some time and a house guest/family member said I stopped breathing when I slept and it was suggested that I might have sleep apnea (which another family member had been diagnosed with years before).
When I had my labs done at the time of my physical, the only thing out of whack was my potassium level and I was encouraged to eat more fruits and veggies and to "lose weight". I thought this "feedback" was unusual because I had been overweight much of my adult life and this was the first time my doctor had ever "pressured" me to lose weight. At that time I didn't put 2 and 2 together...in other words, I didn't realize that my doctor wanted me eat fruits and veggies, and to lose weight to reduce my blood pressure! I thought he just wanted me to do it to lose weight... I would also like to say here that I believe the reason my potassium levels were low was because my sleep was interrupted multiple times every night due to the apnea and as a result I lacked the energy/motivation to properly nourish myself and to exercise.
...I ask that question because you have established normal BP levels through diet alone.
No, I have not established normal bp levels through diet alone....I have reason to believe my cpap treatment (my little air machine) has dropped my pressures considerably (that is why I noted "used cpap" or "didn't use cpap" on my DASH records)!!! So it is the combination of my cpap treatment and my DASH diet that has brought about the balance. I'm afraid to go without my cpap for a long period of time because, for me, it may be like going without meds. I posted on my lifestyle changes thread how many points on the average cpap treatment can drop pressures...I'm not sure but it might have been an average of 10-15 points.
These days, Dr.'s have turned to the convenient term "metabollic syndrome", to encompass, HBP, elevated lipids and elevated glucose. I qualified for all 3 and with BP meds and a statin + diet and exercise, BP levels are down, lipids are down and glucose is normal.
Excellent, Dmer, simply excellent! I have read your posts with interest and know how dedicated (and motivating) you are....and the results prove it!!!
... I think one lesson I would learn from your experience is that you have an excellent constitution which responds well to change. This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me...I don't know how well I "respond" to change but I do enjoy change...and contrary to what most people think, I think most people do welcome change (look at how many people have embraced the personal computer despite the daily challenges of "operating" one, :D).
...The peril would be if you "allow" a diabetic condition to develop.
I value your input and caution very much. It is a very real possibility and specially for me with my dependency on sweets. But again, I really think the DASH plan has helped with balance...it still is an ongoing concern.
...He described me as "soon to be diabetic" and my glucose was lower than yours. The reason for this concern was that while meds could address the BP and lipids, "lifestyle" changes were necessary for the best results.
Thank you so much for the eye opening! I would agree with your doctor about lifestyle changes being necessary for the best results. Meds are only tools, helpmates, to buy time while one changes ones lifestyle....keeping in mind that this may or may not apply to people with secondary hypertension.
You've made an enormous stride in knocking down one element of bad health, I wish you continued success in all the elements of your wellbeing.
I feel the same way about you, dmer...as well as others on this board. But I think we all know that these elements need to be kept down for the rest of our lives and because of this we may need to address them "one day at a time" and perhaps, even, one hour at a time.
Best of health to you, dmer...I know you will do well.
Bethsheba
famnd
03-05-2008, 12:48 AM
Well, my two week results leave much to be desired!!! I gained 3/4 lb to start off which is probably due to the extra carbs in the form of cookies (low cal/fat) oatmeal & bread. The bloating from the extra grains makes me so tired that I was falling asleep after dinner. My b/p stayed in the same range.
Today, I'm back to my usual routine & feel so much better-more energy. I put on my Hanes support hose which helps with the fatigue. Also, I read that support hose help in getting rid of extra fluid that is trapped in the tissues during the day only to be released once one lies down at night-hence those nightly trips to the bathroom that we who are on diuretics know about. This info was from Dr. Donuhue in the newspaper.
Tonight, I started working on a set food plan to prevent my making the wrong decisions on the spur of the moment. I usually have plenty of dishes made up in the freezer but I tend to get carried away witht the variety & overdo at times. Looks like I'll have to tear apart my freezer tomorrow & get it organized cause I can't find what I want.
I would love to cut down on my Labetalol so that my diastolic would be higher at night especially since it usually is only in the 50's-even hit 49 last week. Been reading that low diastolic reading are a concern. Losing weight should help lower my systolic. Then hopefully I can decrease my HCTZ to 12.5mg from 25mg. Fam
Today, I'm back to my usual routine & feel so much better-more energy. I put on my Hanes support hose which helps with the fatigue. Also, I read that support hose help in getting rid of extra fluid that is trapped in the tissues during the day only to be released once one lies down at night-hence those nightly trips to the bathroom that we who are on diuretics know about. This info was from Dr. Donuhue in the newspaper.
Tonight, I started working on a set food plan to prevent my making the wrong decisions on the spur of the moment. I usually have plenty of dishes made up in the freezer but I tend to get carried away witht the variety & overdo at times. Looks like I'll have to tear apart my freezer tomorrow & get it organized cause I can't find what I want.
I would love to cut down on my Labetalol so that my diastolic would be higher at night especially since it usually is only in the 50's-even hit 49 last week. Been reading that low diastolic reading are a concern. Losing weight should help lower my systolic. Then hopefully I can decrease my HCTZ to 12.5mg from 25mg. Fam
dmer
03-05-2008, 11:34 AM
I
No, I have not established normal bp levels through diet alone....I have reason to believe my cpap treatment (my little air machine) has dropped my pressures considerably (that is why I noted "used cpap" or "didn't use cpap" on my DASH records)!!! So it is the combination of my cpap treatment and my DASH diet that has brought about the balance. I'm afraid to go without my cpap for a long period of time because, for me, it may be like going without meds. I posted on my lifestyle changes thread how many points on the average cpap treatment can drop pressures...I'm not sure but it might have been an average of 10-15 points.
Despite previously reading about your references to sleep apnea, this part about the cpap machine went over my head!
However, you still had the BP reduction without chemical intervention. I think my parents have had bouts with sleep apnea, given the sort of gyrations they'd go through when the dozed off in the chair. I think that at various times, I might have experienced that sudden waking that comes from lack of oxygen.
Since my snoring is a rumor put about by my wife, I suppose I should look for the compliment when she tells me that since losing weight, my snoring has lessened. I would say I also sleep better and don't get up during the night to go to the bathroom anymore. That effect seemed to happen right after I started taking a CCB. I can't imagine what those trips would have been like were I on a diuretic.
At any rate, my point was that you seem to be controlling your BP with natural means and that is to be emulated!
No, I have not established normal bp levels through diet alone....I have reason to believe my cpap treatment (my little air machine) has dropped my pressures considerably (that is why I noted "used cpap" or "didn't use cpap" on my DASH records)!!! So it is the combination of my cpap treatment and my DASH diet that has brought about the balance. I'm afraid to go without my cpap for a long period of time because, for me, it may be like going without meds. I posted on my lifestyle changes thread how many points on the average cpap treatment can drop pressures...I'm not sure but it might have been an average of 10-15 points.
Despite previously reading about your references to sleep apnea, this part about the cpap machine went over my head!
However, you still had the BP reduction without chemical intervention. I think my parents have had bouts with sleep apnea, given the sort of gyrations they'd go through when the dozed off in the chair. I think that at various times, I might have experienced that sudden waking that comes from lack of oxygen.
Since my snoring is a rumor put about by my wife, I suppose I should look for the compliment when she tells me that since losing weight, my snoring has lessened. I would say I also sleep better and don't get up during the night to go to the bathroom anymore. That effect seemed to happen right after I started taking a CCB. I can't imagine what those trips would have been like were I on a diuretic.
At any rate, my point was that you seem to be controlling your BP with natural means and that is to be emulated!
bethsheba
03-05-2008, 07:02 PM
...Today, I'm back to my usual routine & feel so much better-more energy. I put on my Hanes support hose which helps with the fatigue. Also, I read that support hose help in getting rid of extra fluid that is trapped in the tissues ...
Famnd, am glad you're feeling better...you really need to get that grain thing figured out in someway...afterall, you need some kind of complex carb to live. I wrote some things about hose months and months ago...had forgotten about it actually...but I knew someone who had taken a diuretic for YEARS and got off the diuretic after getting a prescription for special hosiery...I don't think they were "typical" support hose...if I recall, the hose may have cost about $50...but in my book, that's money well spent if you are drug free and healthy!
Good luck with your systolic! For me, that was the easiest one to drop. I'm going to have to lose weight and exercise to get my diastolic down...maybe you should stop exercising :D---just kidding, famnd, as I am envious of your low dias...but I would agree, that is a tad too low.
Take care, famnd.
Bethsheba
Famnd, am glad you're feeling better...you really need to get that grain thing figured out in someway...afterall, you need some kind of complex carb to live. I wrote some things about hose months and months ago...had forgotten about it actually...but I knew someone who had taken a diuretic for YEARS and got off the diuretic after getting a prescription for special hosiery...I don't think they were "typical" support hose...if I recall, the hose may have cost about $50...but in my book, that's money well spent if you are drug free and healthy!
Good luck with your systolic! For me, that was the easiest one to drop. I'm going to have to lose weight and exercise to get my diastolic down...maybe you should stop exercising :D---just kidding, famnd, as I am envious of your low dias...but I would agree, that is a tad too low.
Take care, famnd.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
03-05-2008, 07:35 PM
...I would say I also sleep better and don't get up during the night to go to the bathroom anymore. That effect seemed to happen right after I started taking a CCB.
Dmer,
Are you sure that it isn't because you've lost some weight? CCB's can cause sleep disturbances...I quit taking amlodipine because it made me sleepy during the day and woke me up several times a night.
If you have sleep apnea (and I suspect you do), losing weight might lessen the severity of the apnea and as a result you would sleep better and not have to get up to go to the bathroom.
I suspect apnea because:
1. family history of people sleeping in chairs, :D
2. you suspect you've woken up due to oxygen deprivation
3. wife reports snoring:yawn:
4. although you've lost weight, it sounds like you'd like to lose more
I might add that most people experience lower blood pressures in the am, but people with sleep apnea (like myself) experience higher pressures in the am and at night (unlike "normal" hypertensives, we're "non-dippers").
If you don't get off meds even when you've made the necessary lifestyle changes, you might want to investigate this further.
Take care, dmer.
Bethsheba
Dmer,
Are you sure that it isn't because you've lost some weight? CCB's can cause sleep disturbances...I quit taking amlodipine because it made me sleepy during the day and woke me up several times a night.
If you have sleep apnea (and I suspect you do), losing weight might lessen the severity of the apnea and as a result you would sleep better and not have to get up to go to the bathroom.
I suspect apnea because:
1. family history of people sleeping in chairs, :D
2. you suspect you've woken up due to oxygen deprivation
3. wife reports snoring:yawn:
4. although you've lost weight, it sounds like you'd like to lose more
I might add that most people experience lower blood pressures in the am, but people with sleep apnea (like myself) experience higher pressures in the am and at night (unlike "normal" hypertensives, we're "non-dippers").
If you don't get off meds even when you've made the necessary lifestyle changes, you might want to investigate this further.
Take care, dmer.
Bethsheba
pemmy
03-05-2008, 09:09 PM
Beth, Can you tell me how much sodium you are consuming to get these results? How much sodium in a day? Thanks so much, Pam
bethsheba
03-06-2008, 10:25 AM
...How much sodium in a day? Thanks so much, Pam
Pemmy, I didn't keep a record of how much sodium I consumed in a day...if I had to do that, I wouldn't have "stayed with the plan". I knew that the simpler I made DASH for myself the more likely it would be for me to suceed. But just for your info, there are 2 versions of the DASH meal program...one is the regular version and the other is the low sodium version. I followed the low sodium version which should have given me about 1500-2000 mg/day (this is considerably less than the government's recommendation of limiting it to 2400mg daily.)
What I can tell you is that I replaced things like magarine, mayonaise, catsup, canned tomato products, canned soup products, cheese, with the substitutions recommended by the DASH people....this was not expensive (one could do it gradually as things ran out)...but I did find it difficult initially because I didn't know where the low/no sodium stuff was in the stores (sometimes it is in the "organic" aisles). And of course, not all the stores had some of the stuff. But really, aside from not preparing meals in advance and putting them in the freezer, shopping may have been the biggest one time obstacle.
The second thing I did, was tried to use the menus provided by the DASH nutritionists...because all of the "formulas" for the nutrients were done for me....EASY...so I didn't have to keep track of anything except eating all of the foods on the menus (more fruits, veggies, grains, and fewer proteins, fats, sweets).
I only have some of the basics down, and I'm learning something new each day...for instance, I just figured out that the sodium listed on the labels of the foods I eat are actually DOUBLE the amount of sodium I should have...so I take that into account if the food is not on my already prepared meal plan.
Also, I no longer assume things are low in sodium...example. some of the posters on this board suggested eating celery as a natural diuretic....Welllllll....celery may have a lot of nutritional value (potassium and fiber), but it is naturally high in SODIUM....not so much that you'd want to eliminate it from your diet...but enough that dieticians say that you should record sodium contained in the celery you eat if you are on a low sodium diet.
So, never assume.
Oh, and bp this am was 123/84 so that old diastolic is still dropping...but I need to lose weight and exercise and then I won't have to montor...at least on a daily basis.
Bethsheba
PS I would like to EMPHASIZE that prior to doing the low sodium version of DASH, I thought I was eating a low sodium diet because I didn't generally add salt to my foods (if I did so it was when I cooked and I would add 1/2 of the amount called for)....so I was VERY surprised at the results....and now that I'm looking at food labels, I'm surprised at what foods contain sodium....milk, was a bummer.
Pemmy, I didn't keep a record of how much sodium I consumed in a day...if I had to do that, I wouldn't have "stayed with the plan". I knew that the simpler I made DASH for myself the more likely it would be for me to suceed. But just for your info, there are 2 versions of the DASH meal program...one is the regular version and the other is the low sodium version. I followed the low sodium version which should have given me about 1500-2000 mg/day (this is considerably less than the government's recommendation of limiting it to 2400mg daily.)
What I can tell you is that I replaced things like magarine, mayonaise, catsup, canned tomato products, canned soup products, cheese, with the substitutions recommended by the DASH people....this was not expensive (one could do it gradually as things ran out)...but I did find it difficult initially because I didn't know where the low/no sodium stuff was in the stores (sometimes it is in the "organic" aisles). And of course, not all the stores had some of the stuff. But really, aside from not preparing meals in advance and putting them in the freezer, shopping may have been the biggest one time obstacle.
The second thing I did, was tried to use the menus provided by the DASH nutritionists...because all of the "formulas" for the nutrients were done for me....EASY...so I didn't have to keep track of anything except eating all of the foods on the menus (more fruits, veggies, grains, and fewer proteins, fats, sweets).
I only have some of the basics down, and I'm learning something new each day...for instance, I just figured out that the sodium listed on the labels of the foods I eat are actually DOUBLE the amount of sodium I should have...so I take that into account if the food is not on my already prepared meal plan.
Also, I no longer assume things are low in sodium...example. some of the posters on this board suggested eating celery as a natural diuretic....Welllllll....celery may have a lot of nutritional value (potassium and fiber), but it is naturally high in SODIUM....not so much that you'd want to eliminate it from your diet...but enough that dieticians say that you should record sodium contained in the celery you eat if you are on a low sodium diet.
So, never assume.
Oh, and bp this am was 123/84 so that old diastolic is still dropping...but I need to lose weight and exercise and then I won't have to montor...at least on a daily basis.
Bethsheba
PS I would like to EMPHASIZE that prior to doing the low sodium version of DASH, I thought I was eating a low sodium diet because I didn't generally add salt to my foods (if I did so it was when I cooked and I would add 1/2 of the amount called for)....so I was VERY surprised at the results....and now that I'm looking at food labels, I'm surprised at what foods contain sodium....milk, was a bummer.
bethsheba
03-06-2008, 10:41 AM
Pemmy,
And I forgot the most important thing...DASH is much more than a low sodium diet...lowering the sodium ALONE won't drop your pressures....it's a combo of things....it's the whole DASH plan!!!!!!!!!!
Check out the govt website or buy yourself a $6.00 paperback like I did...both are well worth the investment...my medication bills ran as high as $150/month out of pocket...and the side effects were HORRENDOUS. Much of this can be avoided with a good diet. I only wish my doctor would have told me....but then he would have lost my "repeat" business.
Bethsheba
And I forgot the most important thing...DASH is much more than a low sodium diet...lowering the sodium ALONE won't drop your pressures....it's a combo of things....it's the whole DASH plan!!!!!!!!!!
Check out the govt website or buy yourself a $6.00 paperback like I did...both are well worth the investment...my medication bills ran as high as $150/month out of pocket...and the side effects were HORRENDOUS. Much of this can be avoided with a good diet. I only wish my doctor would have told me....but then he would have lost my "repeat" business.
Bethsheba
pemmy
03-06-2008, 10:55 AM
Thank you so much for the information. That has been very helpful. Can you tell me what the name of the paperback book is? What govt website? Thjanks again! Pam
10sboi
03-06-2008, 10:58 AM
I have to say DASH has also worked out for me. I have learned which foods are high in sodium and try to keep my limit to 1500-1700 mg daily.
flowergirl2day
03-07-2008, 01:19 AM
Hi Beth, :)
Also, I no longer assume things are low in sodium...example. some of the posters on this board suggested eating celery as a natural diuretic....Welllllll....celery may have a lot of nutritional value (potassium and fiber), but it is naturally high in SODIUM....not so much that you'd want to eliminate it from your diet...but enough that dieticians say that you should record sodium contained in the celery you eat if you are on a low sodium diet.
Guess what? I include raw celery sticks in my daily repertoir of veggies. Sometimes I take a full Ziploc bag (sandwich size) of celery sticks and another veggie to work to eat. Every single time I eat the celery sticks, I wonder WHY they taste salty. I even said to myself several times....if I didn't know any better, I'd say they are salty....!!!!! As you know, when you are on a salt-restricted diet (as I am) you become very sensitive to the taste of salt. How come I haven't heard of this until now? Thank you for bringing this to my attention, by the way. It's quite a surprise!
flowergirl
Also, I no longer assume things are low in sodium...example. some of the posters on this board suggested eating celery as a natural diuretic....Welllllll....celery may have a lot of nutritional value (potassium and fiber), but it is naturally high in SODIUM....not so much that you'd want to eliminate it from your diet...but enough that dieticians say that you should record sodium contained in the celery you eat if you are on a low sodium diet.
Guess what? I include raw celery sticks in my daily repertoir of veggies. Sometimes I take a full Ziploc bag (sandwich size) of celery sticks and another veggie to work to eat. Every single time I eat the celery sticks, I wonder WHY they taste salty. I even said to myself several times....if I didn't know any better, I'd say they are salty....!!!!! As you know, when you are on a salt-restricted diet (as I am) you become very sensitive to the taste of salt. How come I haven't heard of this until now? Thank you for bringing this to my attention, by the way. It's quite a surprise!
flowergirl
bethsheba
03-07-2008, 01:41 PM
... Every single time I eat the celery sticks, I wonder WHY they taste salty. I even said to myself several times....if I didn't know any better, I'd say they are salty....!!!!! As you know, when you are on a salt-restricted diet (as I am) you become very sensitive to the taste of salt. How come I haven't heard of this until now? Thank you for bringing this to my attention, by the way. It's quite a surprise!
flowergirl
Hello Flowergirl,
You couldn't have been more surprised than I was....when I was doing my DASH recipes, I noticed that there was no celery added to foods on my 2 week plan so out of curiosity I took a peak at the nutritional values of celery...and that's when I came across the dieticians' recommendations.
Again, there isn't enough sodium in celery to eliminate it from one's diet, but one would want to keep track of the amount.
Oh, and after I thought a bit about it I realized that I use celery salt on a regular basis for potato salads, etc. I guess it must be high in sodium if they can make salt out of it!
Bethshehba
flowergirl
Hello Flowergirl,
You couldn't have been more surprised than I was....when I was doing my DASH recipes, I noticed that there was no celery added to foods on my 2 week plan so out of curiosity I took a peak at the nutritional values of celery...and that's when I came across the dieticians' recommendations.
Again, there isn't enough sodium in celery to eliminate it from one's diet, but one would want to keep track of the amount.
Oh, and after I thought a bit about it I realized that I use celery salt on a regular basis for potato salads, etc. I guess it must be high in sodium if they can make salt out of it!
Bethshehba
bethsheba
03-07-2008, 07:59 PM
Thank you so much for the information. That has been very helpful. Can you tell me what the name of the paperback book is? What govt website? Thjanks again! Pam
Hello Pam,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you...was hoping to give you the exact page of the DASH recipes but my adobe pdf is corrupt and I'm unable to open pdf documents...so you're on your own somewhat.
Literally, everything you need to know about the prevention, detection, treatment, and evaluation of hypertension is on the government website
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/
In my opinion, anyone with hypertension or with a friend or family member with hypertension should be reading these guidelines!! They are the guidelines our physicians should be following but often don't. This is where I found the original info on DASH but if you look the info is EVERYWHERE! There is a major well known clinic that has 150 dash recipes that i've printed off...and they're good recipes, realllllly goooood!
As for books, there is no one book. Vanessa's book is different than mine from what I can gather. The key here is that the info should be based on the collabvorative study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Instititute. You can find all of the info you need on government websites...it's just with the book I could take it with me, :D, and with my coffee cup!
But again, just because you cut out sodium, doesn't mean you're doing the DASH...it's not complicated but there is more to it than sodium.
Bethsheba
Hello Pam,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you...was hoping to give you the exact page of the DASH recipes but my adobe pdf is corrupt and I'm unable to open pdf documents...so you're on your own somewhat.
Literally, everything you need to know about the prevention, detection, treatment, and evaluation of hypertension is on the government website
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/
In my opinion, anyone with hypertension or with a friend or family member with hypertension should be reading these guidelines!! They are the guidelines our physicians should be following but often don't. This is where I found the original info on DASH but if you look the info is EVERYWHERE! There is a major well known clinic that has 150 dash recipes that i've printed off...and they're good recipes, realllllly goooood!
As for books, there is no one book. Vanessa's book is different than mine from what I can gather. The key here is that the info should be based on the collabvorative study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Instititute. You can find all of the info you need on government websites...it's just with the book I could take it with me, :D, and with my coffee cup!
But again, just because you cut out sodium, doesn't mean you're doing the DASH...it's not complicated but there is more to it than sodium.
Bethsheba
pemmy
03-09-2008, 06:37 PM
Thank you, Bethsheba for the information!
bethsheba
03-09-2008, 07:07 PM
Thank you, Bethsheba for the information!
You're very welcome, pemmy. I think you'll find DASHing fun! I hope so anyway because I've found it to be a good way to go. Do check for other recipes...there are LOTS and LOTS out there. I like the recipes because they are easy and quick to prepare, don't require a lot of ingredients, but, I think, are quite elegant...but then I like to eat and I like to cook:D!
Let us know if you find something that you like. I'm anxious to try my recipe with pork and black current jelly....I've also got a recipe for Couscous with Broccoli which I was going to suggest to Famnd.
Bethsheba
You're very welcome, pemmy. I think you'll find DASHing fun! I hope so anyway because I've found it to be a good way to go. Do check for other recipes...there are LOTS and LOTS out there. I like the recipes because they are easy and quick to prepare, don't require a lot of ingredients, but, I think, are quite elegant...but then I like to eat and I like to cook:D!
Let us know if you find something that you like. I'm anxious to try my recipe with pork and black current jelly....I've also got a recipe for Couscous with Broccoli which I was going to suggest to Famnd.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
03-30-2008, 07:04 PM
Although I haven't been DASHing to a tee, I have tried to stick as closely to the food plan as I could...haven't tallied my different food groups but have paid attention to food labels and have made low sodium choices. My pressures consistently ran under 120/80 (and I thought I was NEVER going to get that old diastolic down), and yes, this includes readings at different times throughout the day. These are the lowest readings I've ever had (that I know of as I wasn't monitoring the entire 3 years I was on meds)!
Was invited out to eat...twice...and didn't follow my guidelines at all. I am now paying the price...152/90 and spikes are back.
I know that my pressures will drop back to my "new normal" again within a few days...but this was another wake up call, :eek:.
1. I will consult my DASH book for ideas as to how to deal with invites.
2. I will take a 30 minute walk when I'm done with this post.
3. I will lose 50 pounds, in 10 pound segments, so I don't overwhelm myself.
4. I will remind myself that although I may control my pressures through diet, exercise, and weight control, I will always be at risk for hypertension.
Bethsheba
PS The culprits??? Bacon, hot dogs, and potato chips....the worst,:p.
Was invited out to eat...twice...and didn't follow my guidelines at all. I am now paying the price...152/90 and spikes are back.
I know that my pressures will drop back to my "new normal" again within a few days...but this was another wake up call, :eek:.
1. I will consult my DASH book for ideas as to how to deal with invites.
2. I will take a 30 minute walk when I'm done with this post.
3. I will lose 50 pounds, in 10 pound segments, so I don't overwhelm myself.
4. I will remind myself that although I may control my pressures through diet, exercise, and weight control, I will always be at risk for hypertension.
Bethsheba
PS The culprits??? Bacon, hot dogs, and potato chips....the worst,:p.
famnd
03-30-2008, 08:55 PM
That's amazing!!! You are certainly sodium sensitive!!! Keep up the good work. Try the soy hot dogs when you have a hankering for hot dogs. There may be a soy bacon that I haven't noticed too. Fam
tamuprof45
03-30-2008, 11:21 PM
That is stunning. It is amazing to me that a few days off the wagon can produce BP escalations like that...wow. I am curious if this is only among the sodium sensitive, or the general population?
My OLDER sister (52) and brother (49) both eat their weight in salt a day and have BP values ranging averaging 110/65!!! I like to think (foolishly) that BP is hereditary, so I tend to join them in their "eating ways" when we get together.
Which ends up with me making grim jokes about what baby brother will leave them in his will :D
Hang in there Beth. Your progress is more amazing then those spikes, and you have done a huge service by documenting your results re the DASH experiment.
tamuprof45
My OLDER sister (52) and brother (49) both eat their weight in salt a day and have BP values ranging averaging 110/65!!! I like to think (foolishly) that BP is hereditary, so I tend to join them in their "eating ways" when we get together.
Which ends up with me making grim jokes about what baby brother will leave them in his will :D
Hang in there Beth. Your progress is more amazing then those spikes, and you have done a huge service by documenting your results re the DASH experiment.
tamuprof45
famnd
03-31-2008, 12:39 AM
I just remembered the soy dogs do have sodium in the form of sea salt I believe, I'll check tomorrow.
When I did my experiement with no table salt for 8 wks before I was on meds, I didn't get any change in b/p. I didn't eat prepared meals just my own home cooked without salt.
Now my sodium & chloride is borderline so I have to eat more salt to keep my blood from getting too low in sodium & chloride. Fam
When I did my experiement with no table salt for 8 wks before I was on meds, I didn't get any change in b/p. I didn't eat prepared meals just my own home cooked without salt.
Now my sodium & chloride is borderline so I have to eat more salt to keep my blood from getting too low in sodium & chloride. Fam
flowergirl2day
03-31-2008, 01:51 AM
Hi Beth, :)
Is it possible that your blood pressure spikes are a result of a combination of things, including the high fat/sodium food consumed?
Has there been any stress, anxiety or a hormonal imbalance lately? You said your electrolytes had not been tested in a long time. Has anything else you can think of changed during the period of time in question? Just wondering. Please try to stay away from that kind of food!
I hope your blood pressure readings get back to normal.
I talked to someone who had a bunch of tests done, including the one for salt sensitivity. Instead of the three days on and three days off the high salt diet (using pills), the duration of her salt sensitivity tests was just two days each. I guess that's how it's done in real life.
flowergirl
Is it possible that your blood pressure spikes are a result of a combination of things, including the high fat/sodium food consumed?
Has there been any stress, anxiety or a hormonal imbalance lately? You said your electrolytes had not been tested in a long time. Has anything else you can think of changed during the period of time in question? Just wondering. Please try to stay away from that kind of food!
I hope your blood pressure readings get back to normal.
I talked to someone who had a bunch of tests done, including the one for salt sensitivity. Instead of the three days on and three days off the high salt diet (using pills), the duration of her salt sensitivity tests was just two days each. I guess that's how it's done in real life.
flowergirl
bethsheba
03-31-2008, 10:52 AM
Thanks so much for your support and your understanding!!! I messed up big time and I knew better...got into one of those complacent phases which I can't do, at least until I exercise and take off these extra pounds.
As far as being sodium sensitive, I think it's fair to say I am. Haven't had any problems with water retention (swollen wrists, puffy eyelids, swollen ankles) while DASHing until now, :(. But from what I understand, we all get too much sodium in our diets and from what I've read about 1/3 of people who have hypertension can get off of meds with diet alone...but I haven't checked a number of sources on this, just the government's. Even if one isn't sodium sensitive, too much sodium is not good for the body in other ways.
Famnd, I'm not particularly fond of hot dogs...too many preservatives and fat, and little nutritional value. I can forego them easily...just have to plan ahead. Oh, and for those who do like hot dogs, based on the info I came across there is a wide range of sodium values in the different brands...anywhere from 200 to 700+ mg per serving. Of course if you add catsup and cheese, you can up the mgs considerably again!
Flowergirl,
Your insights are excellent! Hypertension is a combo of things...although I don't believe anxiety and stress were a factor here, I do believe a combo of diet things contributed to the elevation....for instance, when I started DASHing, I made the "mistake" of getting every whole grain bread product listed by the DASH people (bread, bagels, pita bread, you name it) so my freezer was full of whole grain breads....it's the end of the month and I'm out so I'm not eating as much fiber as I should be. Ditto goes for the fruits...
Again, the DASH people are saying it isn't any one nutrient...it's the BALANCE of sodium, calcium, potassium, fiber, etc that helps regulate the pressures. So yes, I can't blame it all on the hot dogs and bacon. I have to take responsibility for a number of poor choices, and yes, they are "choices".
But if I lost 50 pounds and if I exercised (regularly:D) these little "whoopses" wouldn't be so critical.
Bethsheba
As far as being sodium sensitive, I think it's fair to say I am. Haven't had any problems with water retention (swollen wrists, puffy eyelids, swollen ankles) while DASHing until now, :(. But from what I understand, we all get too much sodium in our diets and from what I've read about 1/3 of people who have hypertension can get off of meds with diet alone...but I haven't checked a number of sources on this, just the government's. Even if one isn't sodium sensitive, too much sodium is not good for the body in other ways.
Famnd, I'm not particularly fond of hot dogs...too many preservatives and fat, and little nutritional value. I can forego them easily...just have to plan ahead. Oh, and for those who do like hot dogs, based on the info I came across there is a wide range of sodium values in the different brands...anywhere from 200 to 700+ mg per serving. Of course if you add catsup and cheese, you can up the mgs considerably again!
Flowergirl,
Your insights are excellent! Hypertension is a combo of things...although I don't believe anxiety and stress were a factor here, I do believe a combo of diet things contributed to the elevation....for instance, when I started DASHing, I made the "mistake" of getting every whole grain bread product listed by the DASH people (bread, bagels, pita bread, you name it) so my freezer was full of whole grain breads....it's the end of the month and I'm out so I'm not eating as much fiber as I should be. Ditto goes for the fruits...
Again, the DASH people are saying it isn't any one nutrient...it's the BALANCE of sodium, calcium, potassium, fiber, etc that helps regulate the pressures. So yes, I can't blame it all on the hot dogs and bacon. I have to take responsibility for a number of poor choices, and yes, they are "choices".
But if I lost 50 pounds and if I exercised (regularly:D) these little "whoopses" wouldn't be so critical.
Bethsheba