According to several international, regional, and national guidelines on high blood pressure, or hypertension, lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment to lower blood pressure. Although diet is one of the major lifestyle modifications described in hypertension guidelines, dietary fiber is not specified. Suboptimal intake of foods high in fiber, such as in Westernized diets, is a major contributing factor to mortality and morbidity of noncommunicable diseases due to higher blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In a new review study, scientists from Monash University and the University of New South Wales addressed this deficiency by examining and advocating for the incorporation of dietary fiber as a key lifestyle modification to manage high blood pressure.
“Despite numerous guidelines recommending lifestyle modifications as first-line treatment for hypertension, specific recommendations regarding fiber intake have been notably absent,” said Dr. Francine Marques, a researcher at Monash University.
“Dietary fiber has emerged as a crucial yet underappreciated part of hypertension management.”
“Our comprehensive analysis emphasizes the evidence supporting the effectiveness of dietary fiber in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.”
“Our findings have significant implications for public health initiatives and future hypertension guidelines.”
“By recognizing the vital role of dietary fiber, healthcare professionals can take proactive steps to address hypertension and promote cardiovascular health.”
In the review, the researchers found that the higher intake of dietary fiber is associated with a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, independent of pharmacological interventions.
Each additional 5 grams of fiber per day is estimated to reduce systolic blood pressure by 2.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.1 mmHg.
Dietary fiber promotes cardiovascular health through various mechanisms, including modulation of gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids.
These fatty acids produce anti-inflammatory effects and regulate immune function, contributing to reduced blood pressure.
Despite the clear benefits of dietary fiber, global intake remains insufficient, with the average consumption hovering around 11 grams per day.
The review provides evidence-based recommendations, suggesting a minimum daily intake over 28g/day for women and over 38g/day for men to effectively manage hypertension.
It also provides resources for medical teams and patients of what foods to prioritize to increase fiber intake and reach their recommendations.
“Our study highlights the urgent need for healthcare providers to prioritize dietary fiber as vital for hypertension management,” Dr. Marques said.
“By incorporating dietary fiber into treatment plans and empowering patients to increase their intake, we can significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and improve cardiovascular outcomes.”
The paper appears in the journal Hypertension.
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Hamdi A. Jama et al. Recommendations for the Use of Dietary Fiber to Improve Blood Pressure Control. Hypertension, published online April 8, 2024; doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.22575