Pineapple Diet for Hypertension

When there is increased pressure being exerted on the walls of the arteries as the blood is pumped through the body, the resulting condition is called hypertension. There are many treatment options for those suffering from high blood pressure, and one plan that has been an option is the pineapple diet.

Pineapple contains large amounts of potassium, which experts recommend that you increase when your are suffering from high blood pressure in order to bring the levels to normal. Not only that, but pineapple contains low amounts of sodium. Sodium intake needs to be reduced as well with high blood pressure, which is why pineapple is such a good source of potassium. It offers high levels of potassium, while not contributing high levels of sodium to the diet. Pineapple also contains Vitamin C, which is always a healthy addition to a person’s overall eating plan.

The pineapple diet is really designed for people who want to lose the last few pounds easily when on another diet. But, it can be tailored for those with hypertension to help them decrease their waistlines and help them control their high blood pressure. It is important to recognize that the real pineapple diet is only designed for short term use in its true form, but if adjusted properly, can be a more long term solution.

The actual rules of the pineapple diet are shown below, while offering a way that the diet can be adjusted more for long term use:

On the pineapple diet, it is recommended to drink 3 liters of water a day. Drinking healthy amounts of water every day should be a part of everyone’s routine, whether suffering from hypertension or not. Drinking recommended levels of water each day will help to keep weight off, and will improve body function. Although it may not be necessary to drink that much each day on a long term plan, it is advised to drink healthy amounts of water every day for your health.

Eating between 8 pm and 8 am is not allowed on the pineapple diet, in order to give the body time to digest the food taken in that day for optimal digestion. This is also a habit that can be recommended for everyone, regardless of diet. If you are suffering from hypertension, eating large snacks before bed will cause your body to be working extra hard to digest the food while you are sleeping. If you do need to snack, find something small which is very easy to digest, even have a drink of water which can sometimes fend off feelings of hunger.

When on the pineapple diet, it is advised to eat slow and chew everything well. Again, this is an important tip that should be practiced by everyone. Eating slower helps with digestion and allows the body to feel full without consuming more food than is needed. Chewing the food more helps it to digest easier in the body.

The remaining points of the plan include eating whole wheat toast for breakfast, with healthy juice to drink. Then, four hours later, eating lunch which again consists of whole wheat bread. And, dinner is then eaten four hours after lunch. Whole wheat is a healthy choice for those suffering from hypertension, and eating regular meals at set intervals throughout the day will cut down on hunger and unnecessary and unhealthy snacking.

Utilizing the pineapple diet for hypertension can be a good idea, provided it is adapted well for long term use. Pineapple is a healthy choice, and should be a diet staple for those who suffer from high blood pressure, offering a healthy snack and tasty treat that will help to control blood pressure. As with any diet, a physician should always be consulted before incorporating it into any eating plan.

Resources:

Colorado State University: Diet and Hypertension

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09318.html

Zimbio: Helpful Pineapple Diet for Managing Hypertension

http://www.zimbio.com/Recipes/articles/5129/Helpful+Pineapple+Diet+Managing+Hypertension

Naitonal Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:Lowering your Blood Pressure with the DASH diet

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: The DASH Diet: From Clinical Trial to the Dinner Table

http://ccjm.org/content/71/9/745.full.pdf

Save Health: Pineapple Diet

http://savehealth.org/2011/12/pineapple-diet-%E2%80%93-what-you-need-to-know/

Intermountain Healthcare: High Blood Pressure and the DASH Diet