| Background. Epidemiological studies have shown 14%-50% of people with hypertension have Yin-deficiency. Some studies indicate Chinese Food Therapy (CFT) is the major way to restore the Yin-Yang imbalance. However, there is no study using CFT to hypertensive patients with Yin-deficiency.;Aims. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CFT in restoring Yin-Yang balance, controlling blood pressure and improving quality of life in middle-aged hypertensive patients with Yin deficiency.;Methods. The randomized controlled trial was designed. The intervention group received specific dietary instructions and corresponding management of their antihypertensive medication if indicated and brief health education, whilst the control group received routine support involving brief health education for 12 weeks and follow-up 4 weeks. Data were collected at baseline, after intervention at four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks follow-up. Comparisons were made to examine the effects of Chinese food therapy on Yin-deficiency symptoms, reduction of hypertensive medication, blood pressure and quality of life of hypertensive patients.;Results. After intervention, the intervention group had gradual reduction in the numbers of Yin-Deficiency patients as well as improvement in most of the Yin-deficiency symptoms (P<0.001); Mean scores of SF-36 in eight domains were increased, and eight items except for Mental Health (MH) had significant differences compared to the control group (P<0.05); The number of reducing antihypertensive medication is higher than that of the control group (P<0.001).;Conclusions. The study has been shown that CFT may contribute to Yin-Yang balance, improve quality of life and control blood pressure for hypertensive patients with Yin-deficiency. |
