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High Blood Pressure
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High Blood Pressure
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1. 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 tenderized 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 fasts and salt, and provide important vitamins and minerals and a large amount of fiber. The sodium on 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 v egetables and fruits which are particularly high in potassium and low in sodium are avocados, cabbage, potatoes, corn, lima bean, 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 need 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.
2. 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 biolavonoids 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.
3. Daily dosages:
Most important:
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Calcium, 1000-1500 mg daily, preferably in divided doses.
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Magnesium, 500 mg
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Coenzyme Q10 mg twice daily.
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Garlic, 2 capsules three times daily
Helpful:
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Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
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Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 500 mg twice daily
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Zinc, 30 mg, with 3 mg copper
(Ref: Siegfried Gursche, MH. Medical Editor-Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc. Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Natural life publishing, Inc. WA, USA. Alive Publishing, Inc. BC, Canada)
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Posted on February 09, 2005
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NATURAL HEALING - ARCHIVES |
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