HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Natural Support For This Common Problem
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. Blood pressures higher than 140/90 are elevated; higher than 200/115 are dangerous and should be treated immediately. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is often without symptoms.
Causes of high blood pressure include atherosclerosis, high dietary sodium to potassium intake, nutrient deficiencies (especially calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C), overweight, smoking, and underlying disease processes. Greater than 90% of high blood pressure is considered "essential," meaning that it is not caused by another disease. Such blood pressure elevations are largely related to diet and lifestyle. The disease is virtually unknown in undeveloped countries where unprocessed foods are eaten and people maintain a high level of physical activity.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Do NOT use caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol.
- Maintain a normal weight.
- Include high potassium foods (fruits and vegetables) lavishly in the diet. Do not salt foods. (Or use potassium chloride as an alternative salt).
- Practice stress reduction techniques. Long-term stress, or extreme reactions to stress, can elevate blood pressure.
- Avoid caffeine-containing medications. Check with your doctor if you are on prescription medications. Some can elevate blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
- Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), magnesium, B complex vitamins, and bioflavonoids are particularly important for the heart. Take additional B complex vitamins if your multiple does not contain optimal doses. B vitamins, (especially B6, B12, and folic acid) lower homocysteine levels, an independent risk for heart disease that many researchers feel is more important than cholesterol levels.
- Omega 3 fatty acids:
Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
OR
Flax seed capsules: 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
OR
Flax seed oil: 1 tablespoon per day
OR
Max EPA (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
- CoQ10: 50-300mg per day. This powerful antioxidant, produced by the body, diminishes with age. It is especially valuable for all types of heart disease. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS deplete CoQ10.
- Magnesium: 2 tabs, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 500-1500mg per day. Maxi Multi contains 500mg).
- Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii): 1cap, 1 times per day (target dose: 5-10mg standardized forskolin per day).
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
- Hawthorn Plus+ (100mg standardized to 1.8% vitexin): 1-2 caps, 2-3 times per day with meals.
- Garlitrin 4000: 1 tab, once per day with a meal. Other garlic supplements, 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 10,000mcg allicin per day).
TESTS
- A hair analysis should be performed to rule out lead toxicity as a cause of high blood pressure.
DR. MYATT’S COMMENT
High blood pressure is certainly not something to be ignored, but there is evidence to suggest that we may be over-treating with drugs in this country. Most cases of high blood pressure can be successfully managed without drugs. (Drugs are sometimes necessary in cases of severely elevated blood pressure).
If your self-care measures fail to bring improvement within three months, consult an holistic physician who can guide you. Never discontinue blood pressure medications without the advice of a physician. Certain medications can cause rebound high blood pressure.
