High blood pressure
(Hypertension)
Defined as the force the blood exerts on arteries and veins as it circulates
through the body, blood pressure is controlled by a complex regulatory
system involving the heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and adrenal
glands. It's normal for blood pressure to fluctuate often-even minute to
minute. In some people, however, blood pressure remains chronically
high, a condition known medically as hypertension.
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. Systolic pressure (the
top number in a reading) denotes when the heart contracts and forces
blood through the arteries; diastolic pressure (the bottom number)
reflects when the heart relaxes. Normal blood pressure is 120 (systolic)
over 80 (diastolic) or lower. Hypertension is defined as blood pressure
averaging 140/90 or higher in at least two separate measurements.
In 90% of people with hypertension, the cause isn't known; this type is
called essential hypertension. However, risk factors include
smoking,
obesity, gender (men are twice as likely to suffer hypertension as women), a
high-sodium diet, and a family history. In addition, blacks are more prone
to hypertension-and suffer greater consequences from it-than whites.
Supplements and herbs
If you have mild hypertension (140 to 159 systolic and 90 to 99 diastolic),
start making lifestyle changes and take calcium and
magnesium. If your
blood pressure is higher, see your doctor before using supplements.
In some studies, calcium has been shown to lower blood pressure;
it is also involved in muscle contraction, so it's good for the heart and
blood vessels. Magnesium relaxes the muscles that control blood
vessels, permitting blood to flow more freely. It also helps to maintain a
balance between potassium and sodium in the blood, which has a
positive effect on blood pressure. The mineral potassium is also effective in
reducing blood pressure. But potassium supplements are almost never
necessary; eating more fruits and vegetables is sufficient for most people.
If your blood pressure does not decline after a month, stop taking
calcium and magnesium (stick with lifestyle changes) and begin
vitamin C and
hawthorn. Both widen blood vessels; hawthorn helps
moderate the heart rate as well. Alternatively, try coenzyme
Q10; more than
a third of people with high blood pressure are thought to have an
inadequate supply of this substance. To these, add essential fatty acids in
the form of flaxseed oil and
fish oils to foster good circulation. Amino
acids may also help: Taurine is believed to normalize the increased
nervous system activity associated with high blood pressure, and
arginine
appears to widen blood vessels. Use them together along with a mixed
amino acid complex to be sure you are getting the proper balance.
Homeopathy
One dose daily of a chosen remedy can be taken for one month,
monitoring results. As with all homeopathic treatment, if the remedy seems
to be working, or causes a strong reaction, do not repeat the dose until
the body requires it again. One dose can sometimes last days or weeks.
- Aurum
Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, weak valves. Surges of blood to the
chest.
Violent headache, intense pains at night.
Menopause, uterine disease.
Palpitations; heart seems to stop beating, then starts again.
Angina.
Depression, hopelessness, suicidal despair. After severe loss or failure.
Worse: cold, winter, sunset to sunrise, alcohol. Better: warmth, rest.
- Belladonna
Acute hypertensive symptoms: flushed face, dilated pupils, great heat.
Pounding headache, throbbing blood vessels. Effects of rage and anger.
Worse: 3 p.m., at menopause, pregnancy, motion, heat of sun, jarring.
- Lachesis
Hypertension. Flushes of heat. Irregular heart; fears it will stop at night.
Constriction in throat, abdomen, head. Trembling everywhere.
Bruising.
Jealousy, suspicion, talkative, vivacious. Suffocating during sleep.
Worse: before menses, after sleep, heat. Better: when menses begins.
What else you can do
- Lose weight. Even a few extra pounds can raise blood pressure.
- Walk or do some other form of aerobic exercise regularly.
- Eat 10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, choose low-fat dairy
products; reduce fat and salt intake. A new study found such a diet may
be an alternative to prescription drugs for mild hypertension.
How much to take
-
- Calcium / Magnesium
- 1,000 mg calcium and 500 mg magnesium a day.
Do not use magnesium if you have
kidney disease.
- Vitamin C
- 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
- Coenzyme Q10
- 50 mg twice a day.
For best absorption, take with food.
- Essential fatty acids
- 1 tbsp (14 grams) flaxseed oil a day; 1,000 mg fish oils 3 times a day.
Take fish oils if you don't eat fish at least twice a week.
- Hawthorn
- 100 - 150 mg 3 times a day.
Standardized to contain at least 1.8% vitexin.
- Taurine
- 500 mg L-taurine twice a day on an empty stomach.
If using longer than
1 month, add mixed amino acids.
- Arginine
- 1,000 mg L-arginine twice a day on an empty stomach.
Don't take if you have kidney
disease or genital herpes,
or are prone to cold sores. Take with a mixed amino acid complex.
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