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cardiovascular system
Hypertension
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Modern life has brought refined, highly processed, high fat, salty foods and stress with little opportunity for exercise, resulting in weight gain. These factors have been found to promote hypertension, which is indicated by blood pressure readings of 140 over 90 or above that are taken on 3 separate occasions. Hypertension generally has no outward symptoms and commonly occurs in industrialized countries. It is rare in countries where diets are high in fiber such as in China, Africa, and areas of South America. Therefore, the main focus in the treatment of hypertension is diet.

Other causes of hypertension include overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol causes overstimulation of adrenalin secretion. It is also high in sodium.

Smoking and chewing tobacco also stimulate adrenalin secretion. Smoking has also been found to increase the desire for sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, and it reduces levels of vitamin C in the body as well.

Always consult a physician if you suspect hypertension, and never stop medication on your own, especially a beta blocker.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR HYPERTENSION AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

• Calcium and magnesium supplement – 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 500 milligrams of magnesium per day.

• Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams, 3 times a day.

• B complex – 50 milligrams, 2 times a day.

• Niacin or Niacinamide (vitamin B3) – 200 to 400 milligrams once or twice a day. Niacinamide can cause the sensation of a heat rush and should be used under a physician's guidance.

• Coenzyme Q 10 – 20 milligrams, 3 times a day.

• Flax Seed oil or Evening Primrose oil – 1 tablespoon a day.

• Salmon oil – 2 capsules, 3 times per day with meals.

• Garlic – Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day with meals.

THE PROPER DIET FOR HYPERTENSION WILL INCLUDE:

Decreasing or avoiding the following foods:

1. Meat and other animal products – Vegetarians have lower blood pressure levels. Try, at least, to cut down the amounts of red meats, dairy products, and fatty foods. Totally avoid fried foods.

2. Salt – Keep it to a minimum.

3. Caffeine – such as in coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas.

4. Alcohol – even moderate amounts can produce high blood pressure.

5. Sugar – such as in candies and pastries. This should be kept to a minimum. Replace it with fresh fruits and unsweetened juices.

Add to your diet:

1. Fiber – A high fiber diet is important. To achieve this, eat:

• Fresh vegetables – at least 1 cup per day.
• Fruits – at least 1 piece per day.
• Whole Grains like brown rice and oatmeal –1 cup per day.
• Oat bran – at least 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, which helps in lowering blood pressure.

2. Fluids – Drink at least 8 cups a day in the form of water, herbal teas, broths, or diluted juices.

Other beneficial foods are onions, garlic, brewer's yeast, lecithin, and soy products (such as tofu).


HERBS FOR HYPERTENSION:

Choose 2 of the following:

• Hawthorne Berry (Crataegus) – Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day.

• Mistletoe (Viscum album) – Take 1 capsule, 2 times a day.

• Dandelion leaf – Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day. For hypertension, use the leaf and not the root.

• Linden flowers (Tilia) – Take 1 capsule, 3 times a day.

Please note: For maximum effectiveness, take these herbs regularly and for long periods of time.


OTHER MEASURES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE INCLUDE:

• Regular Physical Exercise – This is an essential part of a hypertension treatment program. Start gradually and work up to at least 30 minutes 4 times a week. If you haven't exercised for awhile or feel out of shape, consult a physician to set up an exercise program.

• Weight loss – It is of utmost importance that you maintain an appropriate weight, depending on age and height. The diet and exercise recommendations in this program can help you accomplish this.

• Smoking – try to quit. You may want to listen to our "Stop Smoking" article.

• Stress Reduction – You may not be able to eliminate stressful situations in your life (such as a busy schedule or a stressful relationship) but you can learn to cope better with the stress by following these guidelines:

Regular Physical Exercises – at least 30 minutes three times per week.

Relaxation Exercises – 20 minutes once a day. Tapes can be bought at one of your local bookstores. Yoga, practiced on regular basis, can serve the same purpose.

Deep Breathing – most of us tend to hold our breath or breathe shallow breaths during stressful situations. That can cut down the amount of oxygen available to
the body with every breath. Try to have a few 1 minute intervals of breathing and relaxation during the day. At these times, pay special attention to relaxing your shoulder muscles and breathing deeply.


If you need further information, refer to the articles on weight loss and stress reduction.

Clinic

Footnotes

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