Cebu City – Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the most common problems when it comes to the health of the majority. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs affect 41 million people each year. NCDs, which include diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and chronic respiratory diseases, account for 68% of all deaths in the Philippines.

NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are long-term illnesses caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Nutrition plays a vital role in the management and prevention of these types of diseases. The food we eat daily has an effect in our body. The nutrients that we take can give benefits to the body. This also applies with foods that can affect the health of an individual when taken in large amounts. For example, excessive consumption of saturated and trans fatty acids, as well as increased consumption of salt and sugar, are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension.

DASH diet or (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) is one way to prevent or treat hypertension. This diet may also vary in servings of food depending on the calories needed per day of an individual. Here are some of the tips in doing DASH diet:

• Consume more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products as suggested by Kumainment No 1 and 5,
• Reduce your consumption of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats according to Kumainment No 8,
• Consume more whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts, and
• Limit your intake of sodium (2400mg starting and gradual change to 1500mg per day), sweets, sugary drinks as recommended again by Kumainment No 8, and red meat.

The food we take daily can have good or bad effects on the body in the long run. It is better to choose wisely on what we eat to ensure optimal body condition and function in the long run. // PDO I Noah Vincent D. Gallo, RND