Final answer:
To manage high blood pressure, a patient should restrict their intake of sodium, as it is linked to increased blood pressure and related cardiovascular risks. Contrarily, the consumption of water, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial for health and does not contribute to high blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient diagnosed with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, should restrict their intake of sodium. Excessive sodium intake has been recognized as a potential contributor to increasing blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, coronary heart disease, and kidney disease. The average person consumes much more sodium than needed, often through processed and prepared foods. To help manage high blood pressure, medical professionals commonly recommend that patients limit their sodium intake, read labels for sodium content, and opt for fresh foods that naturally contain less sodium.
In contrast, the intake of water, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains is generally encouraged for their various health benefits, such as hydration, vitamins, phytochemicals, and fiber content, which do not raise blood pressure levels. Therefore, the best advice for someone with high blood pressure regarding these options is to focus on reducing the intake of sodium.