What Is the DASH Diet?
9. Sweets, Alcohol, and Caffeine
Those on the DASH diet do not have to exclude sweets entirely from their lifestyle. Instead, choose sweets that are low in fat or have a low sugar content. Artificial sweeteners may also be an acceptable substitute but should still be limited. Reduce the amount of added sugar as they are high in calories. Sweets should be limited to 5 or fewer servings per week. Some examples of acceptable sweets include sorbet, lemonade, hard candy, or jelly beans.
It is a well-known fact that alcohol consumption can cause increased blood pressure. The alcohol recommendation for men is limited to no more than two drinks a day while women are limited to one or less. However, the DASH diet does not have any guidelines regarding caffeine consumption as the impact of caffeine on blood pressure is still unclear. Caffeine has been found to increase blood pressure temporarily. Individuals who think that their caffeine consumption is causing increased blood pressure should discuss it with their doctor.
Advertisement
