Blood Pressure High Hypertension

 

Symptoms

The long-term effects of high blood pressure are serious, and cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and retinal damage. Most people do not notice they have high blood pressure until they develop one of the long term effects. Symptoms are masked since everyday fluctuations of blood pressure are usually minor and well compensated for by the body. A gradual rise in blood pressure over months and years is
particularly dangerous, as it slips by the body's warning signals. Danger signals are nervousness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nosebleeds and flushed cheeks. Arteriosclerosis often causes circulatory problems, resulting in angina, leg pain, forgetfulness and ear ringing.

High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a disease, not just an increase in blood pressure. At least three readings should be made before the final diagnosis, since fluctuations are normal. Stress, anxiety, anger and physical activity cause substantial changes in readings. For persons under fifty, values over 140/90 indicate hypertension. For those over fifty, individual fluctuations should be taken into account.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Causes

High blood pressure means that the force with which the blood presses onto the artery walls is higher than it should be. By far the most common reason for high blood pressure is arteriosclerosis. Narrowed arteries plugged with fatty deposits are usually linked to poor eating habits, high stress and little physical activity.

Typically, a diet rich in saturated fats, meat and refined products, and lacking in fresh vegetables, fruits and fiber from whole grains, is to blame. The cholesterol-free commercial vegetable oils, shortening and margarine are no better, as these contain trans-fatty acids.
Vegetarians have a lower incidence of hypertension. Obesity increases the risks. Salt, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes are not direct causes, but certainly contribute substantially to increasing blood pressure. If high blood pressure exists, these substances should be reduced, and preferably eliminated.

Stress, anger and anxiety also play their part in causing high blood pressure. These stresses must be reduced and effective coping mechanisms put in place. Exercise is an excellent remedy.

With old age, the artery walls become less elastic, increasing the risk of hypertension. Besides arteriosclerosis, kidney disease is a serious cause of high blood pressure. The presence of toxic metals, especially cadmium, lead and mercury also affect blood pressure.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Nutrition

High blood pressure is one of the diseases that has resulted from the typical diet of affluent Western societies. The main reason for high blood pressure is the consumption of too much saturated fat from animal sources and artificially-hardened vegetable fats like shortening and margarine, as well as refined vegetable oils. They contain heat-damaged fat molecules, known as trans-fatty acids. Furthermore, sweet foods, overly salted foods and insufficient fiber cause high blood pressure.

Avoid aspartame, since high amounts can elevate blood pressure. Large amounts of the ubiquitous artificial sweetener are found in diet pop, or sugar-free chewing gum.

Since excess weight is a primary risk factor for hypertension, the first step in preventing or treating high blood pressure is to maintain a healthy weight. It is not enough to simply cut calories; changes must be made in the types of food eaten. Red meat, margarine, shortening, refined sugar, diet foods and table salt should be eliminated. Commercially prepared, processed foods are poison for those suffering from high blood pressure. They often contain mold inhibitors, MSG (monosodium glutamate), preservatives, meat tenderizers and sugar substitutes which can cause cell walls to swell, interfering with the normal elimination of fluid from the body, along with other side-effects.

Fresh, raw vegetables and fruits should prevail in a diet to control high blood pressure. Soy beans, potatoes and nuts are highly superior to animal meat as a protein source. They are low in saturated fats and salt, and provide important vitamins and minerals and a large amount of fiber. The sodium in overly salted foods causes the body to retain water, exacerbating high blood pressure. Most vegetables and fruits however, are low in sodium and rich in potassium. Potassium lowers blood pressure by reducing blood-vessel constriction caused by adrenalin. Eat one apple or more a day for potassium and pectin, which can bind water in great quantities and eliminate it quickly from the body. Fresh asparagus in season is an excellent food to reduce blood pressure. Besides being high in potassium and low in sodium, asparagus contains asperagin which stimulates kidney function. Other vegetables and fruits which are particularly high in potassium and low in sodium are avocados, cabbage, potatoes, corn, lima beans, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, prunes and raisins.

Green, leafy vegetables are valuable for their vitamin and mineral content. They are a good source of calcium, as are dairy products. High blood pressure has also been linked to calcium and magnesium deficiency. Almonds and cashew nuts are excellent sources of magnesium.

Nuts and seeds should be eaten daily. They are an excellent source of protein, fat-soluble nutrients and the essential fatty acids omega-3 alpha-linolenic and omega-6 linoleic acid. Unlike saturated fats from animal meat and refined products, fatty acids are essential for health. Use unrefined, cold-pressed nuts and seed oil, especially pumpkin and flax seed oil, on salads and in any dishes which do not require heating. High temperatures destroy the essential fatty acids. Linolenic and linoleic acid are metabolized into prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which expand the veins and arteries, enhancing sodium and water excretion.

Enjoy frequent snacks of unroasted, unsalted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. The zinc they contain counteracts elevated cadmium levels in the blood, which tend to raise blood pressure.

Fish can be a valuable addition to an otherwise vegetarian diet. The oil they contain, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), is converted to prostaglandins that lower blood pressure. Fish also provide valuable magnesium and calcium.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Nutritional Supplements

Supplementation is most effective when combined with diet improvements and lifestyle changes that combat stress.

Both calcium and magnesium are often lacking in persons with high blood pressure. Calcium has produced a remarkable difference in certain persons with high blood pressure. Magnesium is also highly recommended for its dilating effect on the blood vessels.

The essential fatty acids have also produced good results, combating arteriosclerosis and keeping the blood vessels healthy. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil is effective.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids improve the stability of the blood vessel walls and help reduce high blood pressure. In some cases, high levels of cadmium are responsible for high blood pressure. Zinc and vitamin C supplementation counteract the effects of cadmium.

Coenzyme Q10 has also proved to be beneficial. It is in part responsible for the supply of oxygen to the cells, which is important for cell renewal and strength.

Garlic is a highly effective remedy for thinning the blood and reducing high blood pressure.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Calcium, 1,000–1,500 mg daily, preferably in divided doses

Magnesium, 500 mg

Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg twice daily

Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily

Helpful

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 500 mg twice daily

Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies complement dietary change in the effective treatment of high blood pressure.

Hawthorn is one of the most reliable remedies for regulating high blood pressure. It dilates larger blood vessels and inhibits formation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) similarly to ACE-inhibiting drugs. Aside from its blood-pressure lowering effect, hawthorn strengthens the muscular ability or functional capacity of the heart and can help the body rid itself of excess fluid. Take 1 tbsp. of hawthorn juice three times daily.

Mistletoe is excellent for treating loss of tissue elasticity and hardening of the arteries. Add 1 tsp. powder to 1 cup cold water and let stand eight to ten hours. Drink 2 cups daily.

A combination of 1 tbsp. hawthorn, 2 tbsp. mistletoe and 3 tbsp. valerian tinctures is often effective. Take 15–20 drops of this mixture in liquid, three times daily.

Instead of salt, season food with horseradish, parsley, marjoram, thyme, garlic, chili peppers, cayenne and curry.

Bee pollen, kelp and carrot juice lower blood pressure.

Add 5 drops each of lemon balm and lavender essential oils to bath water to help relax the nervous system and lower blood pressure.

Another, lesser known herb that helps lower blood pressure naturally is Coleus forskohlii, a member of the mint family which comes from India, Nepal and Thailand. The active component, forskolin, has the ability to lower blood pressure and successfully treat other diverse conditions like angina, congestive heart failure, eczema, asthma and psoriasis. Forskolin works to both lower blood pressure and improve the contractibility of the heart by increasing the levels of a natural substance called cyclic AMP (cAMP) throughout the cardiovascular system.

Other herbs that control blood pressure include cayenne, camomile, valerian, fennel, parsley and rosemary. Exercise caution regarding licorice root. It contains glycyrrhetinic acid, which, in excess, can produce high blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath should be sought for a more extensive treatment.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets three times daily under the tongue.

Kali phos will help if symptoms arise from emotional causes.

Calc fluor has restorative properties in blood vessels by maintaining tissue elasticity.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension External/Physical Therapies

A healthy balance of work and relaxation is important. Avoid intense and constant stress.

Dry brush skin in the mornings and evenings.

Cold arm baths and deep-breathing exercises are very beneficial.

Regular exercise, such as walking and swimming, are excellent therapies. Start with short exercise periods, increasing each day. Avoid strenuous exercises and competitive sports.

Chiropractic therapy is recommended. Pressure applied to the upper spine and neck stimulates the reflexes connected to the heart.

Regular massage can be of great help to relieve stress.

Acupressure

Apply deep thumb pressure to points every other day, as illustrated.

Reflexology

Work the reflexes of the heart, solar plexus, thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands and kidneys, as illustrated.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Other Suggestions

A distinction must be made between the following two types of hypertension sufferers: “redâ€Â� high blood pressure—energetic, joyful individuals with marked, strongly vascularized skin; and “paleâ€Â� hypertension—not a disease, but a condition brought about by the body's attempt to cope with defective systems elsewhere, such as kidneys, glands or metabolism. Lowering blood pressure with medication is thus not productive in the long run; eliminating of the cause must be the goal.

Hypertension can result from emotional causes, such as worry, stress, fear and nervous tension. These causes need to be addressed and removed before treatment can become effective. A blood test to determine alkalinity and sodium levels will lead to the proper treatment.

Blood Pressure High Hypertension Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Co-Q-Max (Flora)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1,000 mg (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo's Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Rutivate (Inno-Vite)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

Zinc Plus (Klaire Laboratories)

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1,000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)

CoQ10 30 mg (Sisu)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Peace River Bee Pollen (Natural Factors)

Pollen Plus Energy (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Coreplex Hawthorn Tonic (Flora)

Salus Herbal Calcium/Magnesium Liquid (Flora)

Salus Mistletoe Tincture (Flora)

Schoenenberger Hawthorn Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

Green Magma (Green-foods)

Greens+ (Greens+)

Power Ginseng 9x2500 (Inno-Vite)

HBC RC (Naka)

Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)

Valerian Root Extract (Natural Factors)

Cayenne-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Chamomile Flowers (Nature's Herbs)

Fennel Seed (Nature's Herbs)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature's Herbs)

Hawthorn Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)

Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature's Herbs)

Parsley Leaf (Nature's Herbs)

Valerian-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Mega Garlic 8000 (Platinum)

Maximum Allicin Garlic (Quintessence)

Organic Garlic (Quintessence)

Pure-Gar (Quintessence)

Select Garlic (Sisu)

Green Tea (Uncle Lee's)

Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract (Wakunaga)

Homeopathy

Gelsimium (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Marjoram Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Melissa Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)