Can a high dairy diet help manage hypertension?

This study investigated if dairy intake has an effect on blood pressure (BP) management. 

They found that a high dairy diet (HDD) led to reduced BP. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. There are multiple ways to manage BP. Medication can be used to reduce BP. Lifestyle changes are also important in treating hypertension. Regular exercise and a low-fat diet is recommended for patients with hypertension. Dairy is an important source of nutrients. Some of these nutrients have a BP-lowering effect.

Dairy is also a source of fat. Fat intake should be limited in patients with hypertension. This is particularly true for patients that are overweight or obese. Some studies suggest that a high dairy diet (HDD) is preferred to manage BP. Some other studies suggest a low dairy diet (LDD) is more suitable in overweight/obese patients. It is unclear if an LDD or HDD is effective at lowering BP. 

This study included 52 patients with hypertension. Patients were randomly assigned to eaither LDD or HDD for 6 weeks. Patients then switched to the other diet (LDD or HDD) for another 6 weeks. BP was measured at the end of each diet phase. LDD involved 1 or fewer dairy portions. HDD involved 5-6 dairy portions per day. Blood samples were taken to measure lipid (fat) levels (LLs). 

Patients in the HDD had a small increase in body mass index (BMI) compared to LDD. LLs were similar in LDD and HDD patients. HDL-cholesterol was lower in HDD patients compared to LDD. Systolic and diastolic BP were reduced in HDD patients compared to LDD. Adjusted analysis suggests that calcium might play a role in the BP-lowering effect of an HDD. 

The authors concluded that a HDD led to reduced BP in overweight patients with hypertension.

This was a relatively short study with a small number of patients. BP was measured at the end of each diet phase. More investigation is needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding hypertension management please consult with your physician.