Friday, June 27, 2008

Natural Alternatives to Blood Pressure Medications

Today's post references an article that gives some very practical, safe, and effective means for dealing with hypertension other than the typical pharmaceuticals that are handed out by the millions in this country. Statins for high cholesterol and hypertension drugs such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers are some of the most often prescribed drugs in America, and account for a large part of Big Pharma's profits as well.

As we discussed earlier this week on this blog, the use of such medications, along with other risk factors, may have contributed to the death of popular newsman Tim Russert. Unfortunately, the treatment plan for Mr. Russert was not unique, and there are literally millions of other men who are wondering if they can trust the advice given by their doctors or if they too are in peril of sudden death.

Along with a lifestyle that pursues exercise, a sensible diet, and other quality choices, this article suggests ways that hypertension can be managed and prevented naturally. Using a high quality supplement such as magnesium orotate or a good
magnesium transdermal oil will help with magnesium levels. Also a good B-Complex for stress is certainly worth consideration. Despite what most doctors will tell you, using blood pressure medications is not the only way to effectively treat hypertension. In fact, many of these drugs end up doing more harm than good to the cardiovascular system and a patient's overall health.


A Natural Approach to Treating Hypertension
by Jeremiah Smith

(NaturalNews) There are many nutrients available to individuals with hypertension who wish to take a more natural approach for addressing their condition. Clearly, improving diet and increasing physical activity are key to achieving normal blood pressure, along with a host of other positive benefits. Still, there are specific supplements that can assist in lowering blood pressure.

One very important mineral for regulating blood pressure is magnesium. Unfortunately, magnesium also represents one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in those who follow the Standard American Diet. There appears to be an inverse relationship between blood pressure and blood levels of magnesium. Furthermore, the Honolulu Heart Study showed that magnesium intake had the strongest association with blood pressure out of 60 other variables that were evaluated.

Various other studies indicate that magnesium supplementation reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Around 600 mg per day seems to be the typical dosage for those supplementing with magnesium. When taking magnesium, you should be aware that large single doses may cause diarrhea. Therefore, it might be best to take 200-300 mg, two to three times per day.

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has numerous beneficial properties, so it is no surprise to see it on a list for hypertension. The amazing thing about ascorbic acid is that it has some role to play in nearly every biochemical reaction within our bodies. Understanding this gives an appreciation for the profound health effects that it is capable of producing. In the case of hypertension, vitamin C is thought to exert its effects by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is required for dilation of blood vessels, and this dilation reduces blood pressure. Like magnesium, vitamin C blood levels have an inverse relationship with blood pressure. The goal, of course, is to get those vitamin C levels up in order to bring blood pressure down. A complete discussion on dosing vitamin C would require an entire article in and of itself.
For more information please see the references below.

An additional nutritional supplement that has shown effectiveness against hypertension is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The general dosage for CoQ10 is around 100-200 mg per day. Note that CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance and should be taken with food containing some fats or oils for maximum absorption.

The subject of oils brings us to the next superstar for bringing down high blood pressure. Fish oils, specifically the omega-3's (EPA and DHA), have proven antihypertensive benefits. In fact, the benefits of these substances are so well-established that Big Pharma decided to make a version of their own. It is marketed toward reducing high triglyceride levels. You can check it out for yourself here: (http://www.lovaza.com/) .

It appears that the omega-3 fats are capable of improving the elasticity of arteries, thus allowing the arteries to "absorb more shock" from the force of blood pumping through them. This results in decreased vascular resistance, which leads to reduced blood pressure. The amount of EPA or DHA taken daily can range from 3g to 15g.

Finally, garlic deserves a mention among nutritional agents that can be used to address high blood pressure. The overall effect of garlic on blood pressure may not be as pronounced as that of the previously discussed nutrients. However, it has demonstrated effectiveness in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The studies utilized doses ranging from 600-900 mg of garlic extract daily.

In conclusion, those individuals who are currently taking antihypertensive drugs should be aware that these nutrients have the potential to significantly lower blood pressure without the need of pharmaceuticals. For this reason, it may become necessary to reduce the drug dosage, or to discontinue the medication entirely. It is advisable to consult your physician regarding supplementation and any changes in therapy.

References:
Pelton, Ross. "Nutrients to Reduce Hypertension." Pharmacy Times, January 2005.

URL:
http://www.naturalnews.com/z023501.html

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