By Pooja Toshniwal PahariaNov 6 2023Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers investigated whether the Mindfulness-Based Blood Pressure Reduction adapted mindfulness program improved interoceptive awareness and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension adherence.
Mindfulness practice adapted to improve health practices that reduce blood pressure may increase DASH diet adherence through increased interoceptive awareness concerning dietary intake. The MB-BP program comprised ten sessions, including 2.5-hour weekly group sessions and a 7.5-hour one-day group session. The recommended home mindfulness training was 45 minutes or more daily, six days per week, and included yoga, meditation, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and attention control.
The primary study outcome was interoceptive awareness, assessed using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness questionnaire. The secondary study outcome was adherence to the DASH diet, assessed using the Harvard 2007 Grid Food Frequency Questionnaire. The Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire was used to assess mindfulness.
The mindfulness program increased MAIA scores by 0.5 points at six months compared to controls. Among individuals with poor DASH adherence at baseline, mindfulness training also significantly elevated DASH scores by 0.6 points at six months compared to enhanced regular care.