What dietary advice should be given to a patient with hypertension?

For a patient with hypertension, the most beneficial dietary advice includes lowering sodium intake and consuming a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure, so reducing sodium is a key intervention in managing hypertension. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help in maintaining overall health and reducing blood pressure.

Additionally, fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in potassium, which counteracts some of the effects of sodium and helps in regulating blood pressure levels. This approach aligns with recommendations such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes a combination of reduced sodium intake and increased consumption of nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables.

In contrast, options that suggest increasing red meat intake or eating more processed foods can exacerbate hypertension due to higher sodium and unhealthy fat content. Eliminating all carbohydrates is not balanced and can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet when consumed in appropriate portions and from healthy sources.