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We have been on the McDougall 12 day diet since Monday, the 18th, in hope my husbands blood pressure would go down. He took it this morning and it was 168/106. He is a non-smoker and no alcohol but his temperament is Type A. He is 5ft 6.5 inches tall and 161lbs. and self-employed which has it's own stress level. He loves the food-Mrs McDougall's potato sandwiches are his favorite. Is there anything else he can do or does he stay on the diet and eventually he will see results regarding his blood pressure?? Thanks so much for your help in this matter.

Congratulations on the positive changes you are making.

Alcohol, smoking and personality type are important, eating a whole food plant based diet is also very important, as it is rich in important minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium. However in many cases, reducing the intake of sodium is also important, and in some cases, may be the most important issue. Unfortunately, much of the sodium in the American diet, is not added at the table, or during cooking but hidden in restaurant foods and also in packaged and processed foods.

In regard to restaurants you will have to do your best to make sure they do not add any sodium to the food in during its preparation and cooking.

In regard to processed packages foods, make sure the sodium in mgs (per serving) is not more than the calories (per serving).

So, if a product has 100 calories per serving, make sure the sodium (in mgs) is no more than 100.. If a product has 250 calories per serving, make sure the sodium (in mgs) is not more than 250. Bread products often have some of the most sodium per calorie, so be sure to check the labels carefully

In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD

missread55 ~ I am also working through this with my husband's BP. One thing he discovered is that regular caffeine seemed to be keeping his elevated, and it came down some when he quit caffeine.

I read a book that suggested a ratio of potassium to sodium of at least 2:1 but preferably 4 or 5 to 1. We have been trying to purchase products with more potassium and less sodium, although it is hard because I don't believe potassium is always listed on the labels.

anyway, hope that helps a little.

Thanks

Caffeine can effect BP in some, so it is good to eliminate it, if it is a problem.

I would not worry about the potassium/sodium ratio. It is only relevant, and of little application or true benefit, to someone following a typical American diet high in processed and refined foods. Such a diet is very high in sodium and very low in potassium, as well as lacking in other important minerals.

The solution though, is not to micromanage the mineral ratios, but to cut all the added sodium out of the diet, and to consume a variety of whole natural unrefined high fiber plant foods, which are naturally low in sodium and also naturally high in potassium and the other needed minerals.

In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD