Final answer:
To manage her hypertension, Barbara should adopt a low-sodium diet which is effective in lowering blood pressure levels by reducing fluid buildup in blood vessels and ultimately decreasing cardiovascular strain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barbara, who was diagnosed with hypertension during her routine physical, may consider various lifestyle changes to lower her blood pressure. Among the options presented, c) Adopting a low-sodium diet is the one that will help in reducing her blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake is highly effective as it can help to decrease the blood pressure levels in individuals with hypertension. Consuming less salt can aid in preventing the buildup of fluid in the blood vessels, which in turn reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system.
In addition to adopting a low-sodium diet, Barbara could benefit from other lifestyle modifications such as increasing her physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. These changes are known to have a positive impact on controlling blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health.