DASH Diet FAQ

Already know about the DASH diet, but still have questions? Learn more, here.

I am can't tolerate lactose or am allergic to dairy. Can I still follow the DASH diet?

Many people who are lactose-intolerant can tolerate yogurt, most cheeses, heated milk products. Many can tolerate nonfat dairy, although I have no idea why, since it still contains lactose. And some people with milk protein allergies or intolerances can tolerate yogurt or cheese. Milk substitutes such as soy, almond, or rice milk/yogurt/cheeses can also be used, just make sure these substitutes have the same amount of calcium and vitamin D as the original foods. Goat milk can be another option for people with sensitivities to cow milk protein.

Yogurt - During the fermentation process, the good bacteria eat the lactose (making lactic acid), and denature the protein. So yogurt may be tolerated by many people who have problems with milk protein or lactose. Some people have found that adding yogurt to their diet for a month or so, repopulates their gut with healthy bacteria, and allows them to tolerate milk again.

Cheese - Cheese has very little lactose, and the protein has been denatured. Many people with lactose-intolerance or milk sensitivity will tolerate most cheese.

Heated milk - People with sensitivities to milk proteins may find that they tolerate heated milk, such as in hot chocolate or tomato soup, since the milk protein is denatured.

Other cultured milk products may be tolerated by people with lactose or milk protein sensitivities.

I have celiac disease, and can't include foods with gluten. How do I follow the DASH diet?

You may substitute any non-gluten containing grains for wheat-based foods in the DASH diet.

Is the DASH diet high fiber and low fat?

Yes, the DASH diet is high fiber, and low to moderate in fats, which are predominately heart healthy fats.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of the DASH diet?

Beans, seeds, nuts are all important parts of the DASH diet. Substitutions of meat/fish/poultry can be made using any acceptable protein-rich non-animal products. The DASH diet itself is a compromise, designed to provide the blood pressure-reducing benefits of healthy vegetarian and vegan diets in an eating plan designed to be acceptable to a broad range of people.

I don't like the foods in the meal plans in the book. Can I substitute?

You can make substitutions for any of the foods in the plan. You just want to be sure that you choose foods that are comparable in nutrients. The book has lists of potassium-, magnesium-, and calcium-rich foods that you can substitute.

Is sea salt better than regular salt for sodium reduction?

Many types of sea salt have slightly less sodium than regular salt, however, they still can contribute to high levels of sodium in the diet. It is very helpful to learn new ways of seasoning foods, rather than trying to stick with adding salt to provide flavor.

Can I use potassium chloride containing salt-replacements?

Please check with your doctor, before using potassium chloride salt-substitutes. Some types of blood pressure medication will cause you to retain potassium, so check first.

Can I use potassium, calcium, and magnesium supplements to get the same advantage as with the DASH diet?

No. Many studies have been done, to see if adding supplements could lower blood pressure as well as a healthy diet. Most studies showed no effect. So it is in your best interest to follow the DASH diet. And those supplements would have no effect on cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors.

 

The DASH Diet Action Plan is the user-friendly guide to the DASH diet. This book was developed to make it simple to understand and put into practice.

Learn more about the DASH diet and the book below.

Learn more about the book, or view the table of contents.

Learn more about the DASH diet.

Learn how the DASH diet promotes weight loss.

Read about DASH diet in the News.

Read about new DASH diet research.

New website features: the DASH diet kitchen makeover, and suggestions for DASH diet-friendly cookbooks.

Learn more about book author Marla Heller, MS, RD

---