High blood pressure (HBP) is a common condition which needs to be treated and managed. It is often referred to as the silent killer as there are often no symptoms at all.
Measuring BP: what to these numbers mean?
⦁ Systolic pressure is the top number. (The pressure when your heart is contracted and pushes out blood}.
⦁ Diastolic pressure is the bottom number. (The pressure when your heart relaxes and rests between beats.)
Regular recording of BP is important so that when readings start rising they can be controlled before it gets out of hand.
There are a multitude of causes for hypertension. It is not a one size fits all. Stress, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, medications, birth control pills, lack of exercise, poor food choices, environmental and genetic factors, oxidative stress, lack of certain nutrients. In many cases HT is often called essential hypertension when the cause is not known without extensive investigation.
Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for heart attacks and stroke (which can cause brain damage). The risk of heart failure is also increased, developing heart (cardiac) disease, the hardening of the arteries, arterial aneurysm, atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis, eye damage – especially the retina and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.
In many cases people have no symptoms at all that is why it is often called the silent killer. Testing BP regularly is essential.
The majority of diets in the West are low in potassium. These levels need to be increased and 4 g/ day is recommended. A similar issues applies to Magnesium as soils are low and requirements high. Magnesium must also be supplemented.
Vit D-3 is known to be low in populations these days and it is recommended to increase this intake as well.
HT medications can often cause side affects which can acerbate the situation. Diuretics are often given which cause electrolyte issues and can leach out potassium and further as well as magnesum. ACE inhibitors (Calcium channel blockers) are also often used which can also cause side effects.
Nitric oxide also helps lower BP as it is a vasodilator. (some folk genetically have decreased metabolism to make nitric oxide – this can be tested).
⦁ L-Arginine (an amino acid) will help you to make more nitric oxide.
⦁ Garlic will also do this.
⦁ Celery – has a couple of powerful phytonutrients that can help lower BP and reduce adrenaline – so it helps you to sleep.
⦁ Vit E can also assist in lowering BP.
Supplements to consider:
⦁ Magnesium Complex: essential to stabilize the metabolic processes
⦁ Stress Less: support adrenal glands and metabolic functions
⦁ Co-enzyme Q-10 : known to stabilize BP levels
⦁ L-Arginine: to increase nitric oxide levels.
⦁ Vit D-3:
⦁ Vit E:
⦁ Potassium – SallyT product to be launched soon
To achieve target blood pressure levels, there needs to be a combination of lifestyle changes, pharmaceuticals and nutrition.
Aiming for ideal body weight, exercising, reducing stress levels, sleep hygiene , addition of specific nutrients, restricting caffeine and alcohol intake are all essential and contribute to a well-rounded approach. If still necessary, pharmacologic treatment should be added.
It cannot be stressed enough that blood pressure needs to be monitored regularly, especially as we get older. Where does your blood pressure reading sit at?
A comprehensive B-Complex supplement assists in combating all cellular, physiological and emotional stressors to the body. Even unstable blood sugar levels that oscillate through the day is stressful to our bodies at a cellular and metabolic level. By using this high potency B-Complex improved results are secured.
It is a powerful anti-oxidant. It is an all-round catalyst for many metabolic processes. It can promote healthy gums, protectagainst periodontal disease, poor circulation and protects nerves. Assists in providing energy for digestion, helps heal wounds, maintains healthy muscles and many other bodily functions. It is found in all cells but especially in those of the heart tissue. This then improves circulation and strengthening heart muscle. Abundant quantities are found in the mitochondria, the cell’s power house again with higher concentrations is tissues of the heart.
Vitamin D, especially in its D3 form, plays a crucial role in managing hypertension. It helps maintain arterial flexibility, which is essential for blood pressure regulation. The synergy between vitamin D and magnesium, a combination often lacking in Western diets, is particularly beneficial. Magnesium enhances vitamin D’s effectiveness, further supporting heart health and reducing hypertension risks. Thus, maintaining adequate levels of these nutrients is vital for cardiovascular wellness.
