A patient with newly diagnosed hypertension is being educated about lifestyle modifications to manage their condition. Which of the following measures should be prioritized to effectively help in reducing blood pressure?

Hypertension is driven by persistent elevated systemic vascular resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to sustained arterial pressure elevation and increased risk of cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular complications over time. Rationale: A. Regular physical activity and healthy weight maintenance reduce systemic vascular resistance, improve endothelial function, enhance insulin sensitivity, and decrease sympathetic nervous system activity. This combination is a cornerstone of non-pharmacological hypertension management. B. Limiting carbohydrate intake is not a primary intervention for hypertension control. While overall dietary balance is important, carbohydrate restriction does not directly target vascular resistance or sodium-related fluid balance in hypertension. C. Stopping prescribed antihypertensive medications is unsafe and can lead to rebound hypertension, increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and hypertensive crisis. Medication adherence is essential in blood pressure control. D. Increasing high-sodium foods promotes fluid retention, increases intravascular volume, and raises blood pressure by worsening vascular resistance. This directly contradicts hypertension management principles.