Dietary factors in essential hypertension.

Dietary alteration or intervention is an ideal method of preventing or treating hypertension. Medication may be eliminated or reduced in many cases. Correction of obesity and alcohol abuse are confirmed methods of treating hypertension. Reduction of sodium intake is effective in that portion of the population which is salt-sensitive. Probably, the ratio of sodium to potassium is of importance and increasing potassium intake while reducing sodium intake is effective in many situations. Evidence is being reported which indicates that adequate intake of calcium, and perhaps magnesium, is effective in preventing hypertension. Limited information indicates that a sufficiency of dietary essential fatty acids and fibre are effective in hypertension prevention. The role of dietary protein, carbohydrates, fat, cholesterol, vitamins, and essential elements (other than those mentioned above) in the pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated at this time, but there are indications that adequate intakes are beneficial in hypertension. Water hardness may have some effect in reducing hypertension incidence, and any effectiveness would probably result from calcium and magnesium in the drinking water. Animal studies and limited human studies indicate some detrimental effects of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, upon the pathogenesis of hypertension. Information regarding caffeine intake is inconclusive.