Diseases and Diet modification

HYPERTENSION

High blood pressure is a common disorder occurring among the middle and old age groups. This condition has been called as Essential hypertension. The predisposing factors for hypertension are (1) Hereditary, (2) Obesity and (3) Stress and strain of modern life. Systolic pressure over 150mmhg and diastolic pressure over 100mmhg is considered as hypertension. In some other disease conditions like cardiac diseases, CVA ( Cerebro Vascular Accident), the blood pressure seems to be increased. If an uncontrolled hypertensive state may leads to further complications like brain damage. The most recommended diet for hypertension are low sodium-low fat-low calorie diets.

Kempner's rice diet:

Kempner (1948) has recommended a rigid rice-fruit-sugar diet for hypertension. It provides about 2000KCal, 5g fat, 20g proteins, 150mg sodium and 200mg calorie. All the fruit juices are permitted. The fluid intake is limited to meet the daily needs. Vitamin supplements are given to meet the daily needs of different vitamins.

RENAL CALCULI

Renal calculi consists of mucopolysaccharides, urates, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Urate and oxalate stones are the most common and cysteine stones are very rare.

Aetiology

Some of the factors contribute to the formation of stones are:

• Climate
• Occupation
• Infection in the urinary tract
• Dietary habits (habitual intake of foods rich in oxalate's,calcium phosphates and purines).
• Hereditary

Diet for the prevention of renal calculi

A planned diet can prevent the occurring of kidney stones. The diet which is intended for the prevention of renal calculi should be low in oxalic acid and purine contents. The intakes of calcium and phosphates should also be reduced to a moderate level.Some of the diet that should be controlled are;

-Leafy vegetables.

-Milk and milk products.

-Whole cereals.

-Legumes.

-Nuts and oil seeds.

-Meat,fish and egg.

-Tea, cocoa.

-Rhubarb.

The subject should consume large amounts of fluids so as to increase the urine output to 2-2.5 litres per day.