During a wellness visit, a 45-year-old adult with no chronic health problems asks the nurse for advice on lifestyle changes that can help prevent high blood pressure later in life. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse emphasize because it is strongly supported by research evidence?
Drink at least 2 liters of plain water every day regardless of thirst.
Take daily ginseng and ginkgo biloba supplements to improve circulation.
Adopt the DASH eating plan by increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
Switch to a high-protein ketogenic diet that severely limits carbohydrates.
Extensive clinical trials and national guidelines show that following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern-rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products-lowers blood pressure within weeks and reduces long-term hypertension risk. Drinking large volumes of water is generally safe but is not endorsed as a primary blood-pressure-lowering measure. High-protein ketogenic diets are not recommended for blood-pressure prevention and may raise lipid levels, while herbal supplements such as ginseng or ginkgo lack consistent evidence and can interact with medications.
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