HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:

Lifestyle Modifications:

Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables. Foods high in fiber have less saturated and trans fats. These foods naturally provide the many minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids we recommend below, and many other beneficial natural substances we have yet to define.

Reduce stress on and off the job. Stress raises blood pressure (adrenaline). Stress management becomes important if you cannot reduce it. Determine (with the help of others, if needed), where and when you are stressed. Consider participating in certain activities that reduce stress such as exercise, yoga, meditation, massage, taking a walk, listening to your iPod, watching a movie, taking a trip, spending time with family/friends, getting a pet, etc.

Moderate alcohol intake. It is now known that a moderate amount of alcohol can help decrease your risk for heart problems. 

Exercise regularly, and keep your weight within normal limits (see weight loss), and Stop smoking.

Nutritional Recommendations

Avoid sodium (salt) intake. One-third to one-half of the people with hypertension are significantly benefited by lowering salt intake. Many respond better to their medications when on a low salt diet. Avoid foods containing salt like potato chips, salted nuts and seeds, ham, and other mostly canned and prepared foods. Too much salt is typically added to many foods and menu items.

Green vegetable juices esp. kale, spinach, and kale. Buy them at the store or make in juicer. Also there are pill forms, however if broccoli is included in the ingredients, it might be difficult to digest. Caution when on blood thinners.

Coenzyme Q10, 200 to 300 mg per day to lower blood pressure, prevent oxidation, and stabilize cellular membranes.

Flaxseed oil and other essential oils like Omega-3 to decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and reduces the risk of arrhythmias. Keep in the freezer to avoid side effects such as burping.   UDO’s Choice is a really good brand (unless allergic to soy)

Vitamin E, 200-400 IU, as a mixture of gamma- and alpha-tocopherals and tocotrienols to prevent peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.  www.LEF.org

Vitamin C, as an antioxidant.

Arginine can improve blood pressure by dialating the blood vessels. It can also improve sexual function. Doses 900 mg. Do not take if you are currently suffering from cancer or have had cancer in the past. Discuss with your doctor if currently very high blood pressure. Do not take if suffering from Herpes infections or certain psychotic mental illnesses. Take with anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C and E.

Potassium, through the use of No-Salt or Lite-Salt, 500 mg. Potassium can also be found in bananas.

Garlic two cloves sautéed in olive oil or 1000mg supplement (caution when on blood thinners).

Super MiraForte to effectively increase free testosterone levels, thus lowering blood pressure. One to two capsules per day. www.LEF.org

Magnesium 500 mg with calcium 1000 mg.

Low-dose aspirin, 1/4 aspirin tablet every day with the heaviest meal of the day, to reduce possible cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension.

Folic acid, B6, B12, and trimethylglycine (if your homocysteine levels are over 7 micromoles/L, to prevent endothelial cell damage).

Disclaimer: this information is not evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please visit your health practitioner for specific information.  Herbs might alter prescription drug doses.