Archive for the 'Blood Pressure Reduction' Category

Should You Be Worried About Diabetes and Hypertension?

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on April 12th, 2007

Though not commonly considered, there is a direct link between diabetes and hypertension. Many overlook this fact, because they believe the two to be unrelated. After all, diabetes deals with blood sugar levels and hypertension deals with blood pressure. This misconception is quite false, however. There is an easily proven, easily seen correlation between diabetes and hypertension. It is important to understand this in order to maintain your highest degree of health when faced with either or both of these conditions.

The link between them, to simply explain it, is this: when your body produces more insulin than normal, it can effect certain key points, such as blood vessels found in the kidneys. These vessels can expand with the insulin and begin to retain salt. Your kidneys can malfunction with that. Also, diabetes can cause the vessels to harden. This restricts the flow of fluids and causes blood pressure to rise, resulting in hypertension.

As shown above, having diabetes puts you at high risk for developing hypertension. Hypertension is twice as likely to occur in individuals with diabetes than those without and it will develop in over sixty percent of people with Type II diabetes.

Because of this, it is essential that you understand how to avoid hypertension. Diabetes takes enough of a toll on your body without adding these serious effects. Together, diabetes and hypertension can raise the risk for heart attack, kidney malfunction, heart failure and more. So you must learn the steps to take to avoid hypertension. Discuss this with your doctor and also note some of the basic lifestyle changes listed below:

One: lower your blood pressure with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Meat and dairy products can raise your pressure levels. Try to substitute them with a vegetarian diet. While you do not have to completely cut meat and dairy products out entirely, you should to eat them moderation.

Two: exercise. The easiest way to keep both your blood pressure down and also maintain a healthy insulin level is to exercise. Consult with your doctor to discover your healthy bodyweight and then take the steps to achieve it. Steady, daily exercise will do much for your body.

Three: medication. There are some medications available that could help keep your blood pressure in check. You must, of course, make sure that these will not combat against any other medicine you are taking. Your doctor will be able to prescribe them to you and explain just what they do.

Diabetes and hypertension are related. Yes, it is possible to have one without the other and, yes, there are certainly millions of people who do. That does not change the fact, however, that you are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure when you have diabetes.

It cannot be stressed enough that diabetes and hypertension are linked together and you it pays to do everything you can to stop them both from forming in your body. Of course, some may suggest different types of therapy, along with the lifestyle changes we mentioned above. Techniques such as color therapy are quite popular these days and have sparked much debate over their efficacy. Should you decide to try these methods to replace or compliment your other efforts, it is important to understand the way they work, and to consult with your doctor.

By Paul Johnson. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover more information about the link between diabetes and hypertension plus information about proven natural natural blood pressure cures.

 

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10 Tips to Get You Going on a Hypertension Exercise Program

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on April 5th, 2007

Starting a hypertension exercise program can be difficult and not just because it can involve going to the dreaded gym. Finding the right kind of motivation can prove to be more of a challenge than the exercising itself (and this is why so many people fail before they ever start!). You can’t go through this process with a defeatist attitude. A successful exercise program requires positive thinking and realistic goals. To make this happen–since everyone needs a little help when beginning–we offer these ten hints:

One: get your doctor involved. Before beginning any kind of hypertension exercise regime, you should consult your doctor. Let him or her explain what is best for your situation–what your body needs, what it can handle, etc. This will make constructing an exercise plan easier since you will know what targets you should be aiming for.

Two: find yourself some help. The best way to stay motivated is to have someone to remind you that you are not alone. Whether you have a friend exercise with you or just have a family member to cheer you on, this is the best way to keep yourself from feeling defeated. They will help keep you focused and make exercising seem less like a chore and more like just spending time with someone you love.

Three: remember that results take time. Too many people assume that, after that fast initial weight loss, all results will continue at the same pace. You may lose five to ten pounds quickly but your body will then adapt to the changes. Do not become discouraged because of this; it’s natural. A lifestyle change is not a quick process and you shouldn’t be put off when results take time.

Four: find exercises you can enjoy. We do not all have to sign up for aerobics classes. Some may prefer swimming, biking, hiking, etc. Find things you can look forward to doing and this will get rid of the whole “I’m exercising” mindset. It doesn’t even have to be ‘traditional’ exercise, a regular dance class will prove just as beneficial. This will make motivation a much easier thing. If you can enjoy what you’re doing, then you certainly won’t mind doing it.

Five: build a routine. You should not do a hypertension exercise program sporadically. The point is to develop a consistent schedule and actually follow it. Do not make excuses; just do as you need to. Your routine should reflect your health concerns and target the areas your doctor has suggested.

Six: keep a journal of your progress. If you are looking for ways to chart your successes (what works, what doesn’t, how much weight has been lost, how your blood pressure is doing, etc.), then keep a journal. This can serve as tangible proof that your new lifestyle is working and keep you motivated.

Seven: make other lifestyle changes. Just exercising is not enough; you need to change your diet as well. Consult with your doctor over which foods would best help lower your blood pressure and incorporate them. You do not have to deprive yourself of all of your favorite foods, just learn moderation and good eating sense.

Eight: create a schedule that works. You have to make your hypertension exercise work for you; this means developing a schedule that is tailored to your particular lifestyle. Know when you will have the most time to exercise and when it will be impossible. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and like the program is taking from your life, rather than adding to it.

Nine: remember why you are doing this. Yes, it may be difficult and, yes, it can seem tedious. But you have to remember that this program is for your health, to ensure that you lower your blood pressure and get yourself in shape. Keep that in mind when you feel like taking time off from the plan.

Ten: understand the value of reward. This does not mean that you should gorge yourself on fatty foods or consume alcohol for celebrating. You should, though, set up small rewards as a way to boost motivation. Whenever you reach a goal, treat yourself to an activity you love. This will just make the event easier to handle if you have something worthwhile waiting at the end of it.

With these steps, you can create a hypertension exercise strategy and stay motivated throughout it.  With your doctor’s help, this will be much a easier and effective effort.  Just make sure to mention any pre-existing conditions that you may have, such as diabetes, which may also impact your hypertension.

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Can a Vegetarian Diet Be a Natural High Blood Pressure Cure?

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on March 29th, 2007

There is debate over whether taking on a vegetarian diet is a natural high blood pressure cure or not. Some claim that this is the best way to keep your blood pressure in check, citing reasons that meat is the root cause of high levels. Others say that the effects of eliminating all meat can be just as dangerous and keep your body from receiving the nutrients it needs. Which side is correct: both, to put it simply.

There is evidence for each side of the vegetarian versus meat argument and it comes down to you deciding what is best for your particular lifestyle. Is the vegetarian diet a natural high blood pressure cure? It can be, if you understand the other risks.

There are, essentially, three forms of vegetarian diet. The lacto vegetarian will eat dairy products but not eggs; the ovo vegetarian will eat eggs but not dairy products. And, finally, the vegan diet does not allow either, and even restricts the use of such animal byproducts as honey. Any of these diets can lower blood pressure. They are not, however, always healthy.

By cutting out meat and dairy products, you deprive your body of protein and other vitamins that it needs. This can have serious health effects. When you remove certain foods, you can lose things like iron, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, protein, etc. These are essential to maintaining a healthy body.

Before you adopt a vegetarian diet, in any form, you must consult with your doctor and learn how to get these nutrients without the usual practices of eating meat and dairy. He or she will inform you of the certain vegetables and fruits that can provide them, as well as offer alternatives like vitamin pills and soy products. Lowering your blood pressure will do little good if you are hurting your body in other ways.

Becoming a vegetarian is a life choice and, often, people cannot handle it. Whether this is because they happen to crave meat or can’t get enough nutrition through their selection of fruits and vegetables (such as with pregnant or nursing women, who generally require more than this diet would allow), they fail. Becoming a vegetarian is a radical change of eating and you need to understand that. Otherwise, you may find this type of natural high blood pressure cure impossible to stick with.

First, consult your doctor. Know exactly how high your blood pressure is; this can dictate the steps you need to take to lower it. If it is not too above normal, switching to a vegetarian diet (at least, the more strict vegan form) may be more drastic than needed. Instead, your doctor would simply recommend that you cut back on your meat products and exercise more regularly.

For those who have a blood pressure level that is high, however, this may be the change you need. By combining this and a steady exercise plan, you can lower your level and get yourself healthy. You would have to learn how to maintain this level, though, and it can be a challenge. It cannot be stressed enough, that too many people think making sweeping lifestyle changes are easy because they’re not.

You have to consider your way of life and your attitude towards adopting a meat free diet. That is the only way to know if a vegetarian diet will work for you. Of course, you need more than a vegetarian diet to act as a natural blood pressure cure. Exercise is also an essential part of staying healthy and keeping your blood pressure levels in check.

By Paul Johnson. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover more information about the different natural blood pressure cure options, plus lots of hints and tips about getting started on a blood pressure diet.

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Hypertension Kidney Effects- What you should know

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on March 22nd, 2007

Hypertension kidney effects are well publicized into today’s world of health consciousness. Doctors are constantly reminding us of their dangers. So why is it that so many people are still confused, not only by the idea of hypertension but the kidneys themselves? The answer is simple: you can’t just say hypertension kidney effects are devastating; you have to explain what they actually are. Otherwise, people will continue to suffer needlessly. Hypertension can be avoided; kidney damage can be avoided. You just have to know what these things are and what to look out for.

Your kidneys work to remove extra waste and fluid from your body (on average, they process close to two hundred quarts of blood a day). When you have high blood pressure, however, this process becomes difficult–if not impossible. High blood pressure, which can easily become the more serious hypertension, constricts the blood vessels in your kidneys. With a normal range, usually one hundred twenty over eighty, fluids are uninhibited, able to move throughout the vessels. When your blood pressure reaches the level of hypertension, though, the blood vessels grow small and fluid cannot escape. This can have devastating effects on your kidneys and the rest of your body.

This is what hypertension does to you. It can be avoided, however, with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. You must, of course, consult with your doctor before undertaking any new sort of life regimen but the suggestions below are steps that most people can do:

One: lose weight. I know this is never what people want to hear, but to combat hypertension kidney effects, you should begin an exercise and dieting program and loose those extra pounds. Blood pressure correlates with the strain you put on your body; the more your heart has to work, the higher the numbers will be. You need to start a program that will help you lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Simple actions like daily walks and cutting back on calorie-heavy foods will do much to help keep your blood pressure under control. This will, of course, help you avoid hypertension kidney troubles.

Two: learn moderation. You must at the very least cut down on vices such as drinking or smoking. It is, of course, recommended that you stop these activities entirely. Hypertension has been directly linked to those with elevated drinking patterns. Overindulging when drinking and continuing to smoke just puts a greater strain on your body. Another thing to moderate is your salt intake; this is not just a seasoning. In truth, salt plays a vicious part of hypertension kidney effects. It can easily raise your blood pressure level and constrict blood vessels. There are plenty of other seasonings you can add to food to give flavor such as herbs, garlic or black pepper.

Three: take medication. Consult with your doctor about the value of certain medications and how they will effect you. Prescriptions like angiotensin converting enzymes have been proven to provide protection to the kidneys and keep blood pressure levels in a normal range. Naturally, if you have other health issues like diabetes, then certain medicines may not be available to you. Your doctor will be able to direct you to the proper ones.

Of course, you may not need medication at all. If your blood pressure levels are closer to normal, simple life changes may be enough to maintain a healthy number and keep hypertension kidney effects from occurring. Many find that daily exercise and dieting will dramatically lower their blood pressure. There are some debates over the value of certain diets, however (such as the vegetarian lifestyle and how it relates to hypertension). Still, you will find that the changes mentioned above are healthy choices to make when you understand how they work to keep you and your body in top form.

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Can Vitamin B Help You Manage Your High Blood Pressure?

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on March 8th, 2007

Garlic contains different vitamins such as vitamins B and C that are required by the body to remain healthy and strong. Clinical studies have found that Vitamin B12 is considered to be one vitamin which is beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Unfortunately, B 12 isn’t one of the B vitamins within garlic. However, some believe foods which contain a particular substance known as inluins - such as garlic - help to stimulate the growth of specific bacteria known as lactobacillus in the colon. These bacteria produce B12 and may supply the body with some of the vitamin.

How does Vitamin B12 help reduce blood pressure? Vitamin B12, contains cobalt, and is referred to as a cobalamin, playing an essential role in the formation of red blood cells. It is believed to help lower blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax, improve circulation, and by lowering homocysteine levels.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that exists in the blood. It is a toxic waste product that is created during cellular metabolism. If the levels of homocysteine become too high (which could be related to a poor diet or genetics), researchers believe it may damage the inner lining of arteries and encourage blood clots. Elevated homocysteine is also connected to a higher risk of stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary heart disease.

How can you take vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is predominantly found dairy products, eggs, fish, beef, pork and organ meats (especially kidney and liver). Some foods many foods are also fortified with it including breads and cereal products (check the label).

Usually, people who follow a non vegetarian diet will get plenty of B12 in thier diet, but those following a vegetarian diet are likey to need to fortify their diets and require supplements. However, approximately 10-30% of elderly people (65 years and older) may not be able to properly absorb Vitamin B12 from food and will require supplements.

For those who are interested in taking supplements, vitamin B12 can be found as an individual supplement, and often a part of a multivitamin. Supplements are usually in the form of a tablet or capsule and are taken daily. Before taking supplements you should read all of the product instructions and talk to your doctor about the recommended dose for treating your high blood pressure.

Is vitamin B12 safe? Vitamin B12 is usually safe and non-toxic when the recommended amount is ingested. In addition, you should never take any single B complex vitamin by itself for a prolonged period of time, as this can cause an imbalance among other essential B vitamins your body requires.

Thus, when taking B 12 supplements for managing blood pressure, you should be supervised by your health care provider.

If you are concerned about high blood pressure discover what the many hypertension symptoms are by visiting The Blood Pressure Reduction Guide where you can sign up for a free newsletter.


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High Blood Pressure vs Garlic

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on March 1st, 2007

Milk protein may be the answer to lowering high blood pressure in some people; however, it isn’t the only alternative.  In fact, did you know that making something as natural as eating garlic apart of your regular diet can actually reduce blood pressure and help you manage your hypertension?

Garlic is a vegetable that is extremely beneficial to the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.    It is considered to be a natural remedy for high blood pressure that has  significant, positive effects when made part of a daily diet.  Studies have found that by eating a single small garlic clove per day, a person can effectively manage their hypertension. 

In fact some clinical studies have found garlic to decrease the systolic blood pressure by as much as 20 mm Hg to 30 mm Hg, and the diastolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mm Hg to 20 mm Hg in participants.

For instance, one 12 week study concluded that participants with high blood pressure who ingested a single clove of garlic per day had significant reductions in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure by the end of the study. 

In addition, studies have also been conducted on testing the effectiveness of garlic powder taken in the form of a supplement for controlling blood pressure.  These studies also found a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants who suffered from mild hypertension.

How does garlic lower blood pressure?  It is believed that garlic can effectively lower blood pressure because it reduces spasms that occur in the small arteries.  It also slows the pulse rate and modifies the rhythm of the heart.  In addition, garlic can relieve gas in the digestive tract, numbness, dizziness and shortness of breath.  Thus, garlic has been used as a herbal remedy as an effective method for treating various health problems aside form hypertension including infection, inflammation and heart disease.

Moreover, research has found that there are three chemicals found in garlic that are exceptionally helpful in treating high blood pressure.  These chemicals are alliin, allinase, and allicin, and are particular effective for improving blood circulation.
How can you add garlic to your daily diet to manage your blood pressure?  The following are two recommendations:

1. Eat fresh raw garlic cloves - you can eat a single raw clove of garlic per day with a meal or by itself.  You don’t need to eat an exceptionally large clove, a small one should suffice.  Just make sure the clove is fresh, as dried garlic no longer contains the properties that are beneficial for health.

2. Take garlic supplements in capsule form – This is often the preferred method, as most people don’t enjoy chewing on a raw piece of garlic.  Herbalists recommend taking 300mgs of garlic capsule supplements three times daily (I.E. 3 capsules per day).  Note: Be sure to read the instructions on the back of supplements before taking them.

If you decide to take garlic supplements, keep in mind that you should only do so under the supervision of a health practitioner.  The reason is because garlic can thin the blood and can interact with other drugs and supplements that are prescribed for blood thinning such as Trental (pentoxifylline) and Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, gingko, and vitamin E.  Furthermore, it is often recommended that those who will be undergoing surgery should stop taking garlic as treatment a few weeks before and after surgery.

If you think garlic is a remedy you would like to try as treatment for managing your high blood pressure, be sure to talk to your doctor first for recommendations.

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Milk Protein and Blood Pressure- Is there a connection?

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on February 22nd, 2007

Nitrates play an important role in the overall health of your immune system and body.  It has the potential to lower blood pressure, but isn’t the only alternative remedy being studied.  Dairy peptides are another non-medical hypertension treatment that may prove to be an effective remedy for lowering blood pressure.

Dairy what?  Dairy peptides are tiny peptides (molecule comprised of two or more amino acids), that are produced when milk protein known as casein is broken down into smaller portions.  Two particular peptides that can be manufactured through the use of a naturally attained enzyme preparation are IPP (isoleucine-proline-proline tripeptides) and VPP (valine-proline-proline tripeptides).

IPP and VPP can break milk protein down into hydrolysed casein powder.  Furthermore, instead of using an enzyme preparation to break down casein, it can also be produced through fermentation in which case lactic acid bacteria are used.

How does milk protein benefit hypertension?  It is believed by researchers that dairy peptides work by preventing the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).  The prevention of ACE causes a reduction in angiotension II formation, and reduces the constriction of blood vessels, all of which results in lower blood pressure. 

Over the past decade, more than 20 human clinical trials have been conducted to discover the blood pressure-lowering effect of dairy peptides.  Dairy drinks that contained IPP and VPP were used in the trials.  Many of the studies found an average reduction of up to 7 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and up to 4 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure among participants treated with the dairy peptides.

The British Journal of Nutrition reported on one of the more recent studies that tested a dairy peptide’s (hydrolised casein) effectiveness of lowering blood pressure.  Hydrolised casein contains the two dairy peptides IPP and VPP.  This study was conducted on more than 130 participants who suffered from high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension.  The duration of the study was six weeks.

The study consisted of participants taking a daily dose (two tablets) of IPP and VPP.  Some of the participants were provided with 1.8mg, some were provided with 2.5mg, and some were provided with 3.6mg.  The rest were given placebos.  It was discovered that those who were taking 1.8mg had a considerable reduction in systolic blood pressure, six weeks (5.8 mm Hg) into the study.  For those taking 2.5 mg or 3.6mg, a considerable reduction in systolic blood pressure was noted during the third week (2.5mg = 3.4 mm Hg and 3.6mg = 4.1 mm Hg) and sixth week (2.5mg = 6.2 mm Hg and 3.6mg = 9.3 mm Hg) of the study. 

In the end, it was found that participants who suffered from mild hypertension responded better to the dairy peptide treatment than those who had high-normal blood pressure.

Like most of the studies being conducted on alternative remedies for treating hypertension, dairy peptides need to be tested further before any real conclusions can be made.  However, if you find these studies interesting, you may want to bring them to your doctor’s attention to find out how you can get involved or try the treatment yourself.

Finally, keep in mind that if you have milk allergies, or are pregnant, you may not be a candidate for dairy peptides treatment. 

To discover what the options are regarding hypertension medication and the natural alternatives, please visit The Blood Pressure Reduction Guide where you can sign up for a free newsletter.

 

 

 

 

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Can Nitrates Help Control High Blood Pressure?

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on February 15th, 2007

Just as CoQ10 appears to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure levels, nitrates, another alternative natural remedy, also appear to have a positive affect on reducing hypertension.

What are nitrates? Nitrate is a salt of nitric acid, and is an essential plant nutrient found in soil that is taken in by plants and used as their primary nitrogen source.  Thus, nitrate is a natural part of all vegetables, fruits and cereals.   Nitrate should not be confused with nitrite – a chemical substance within the body created by the digestion of foods containing nitrite (fish, mean and poultry preservatives) or nitrate.

How can nitrates help with hypertension?  New studies have found that nitrates, nutrients found in leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach, may actually help control blood pressure by maintaining the health of blood vessels.   This may not come as a surprise to some people, especially considering the fact that past studies have discovered that the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, can lower blood pressure.

However, although the DASH diet has had a positive effect on those with hypertension, researchers are not sure what exact nutrients within vegetables and fruits are responsible for lowering blood pressure.  For this reason, new studies that focus on nitrate have been conducted to determine if nitrate is one of the main reasons for the drop in hypertension.

One short-term study involving 17, non-smoking and healthy young adults, observed the effects a nitrate supplement had on the participants.   Each person was given a daily dose of nitrate supplement that equalled the amount found in 150-250 grams of vegetables rich in nitrate (IE. lettuce, spinach, beetroot, etc.).  They were to take the supplement for three days, and then take a daily placebo during three different days. 

The results of the study concluded that although the nitrate supplement did not reduce systolic blood pressure (the higher number of a blood pressure reading), it lowered diastolic blood pressure by an average reduction of 3.7 mm Hg.  The researchers that conducted the study found that the benefits of the nitrate supplement were similar to those found in the DASH studies that were also tested on healthy individuals.

Nevertheless, despite the findings, it is clear that more research needs to be done in order to find out just how effective nitrate supplements are in lowering blood pressure.

That being said, you don’t need to wait for research to prove the affects nitrate has on lowering blood pressure, when it is common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet and are required to maintain a strong and healthy immune system.  Therefore, there is no harm in adding more nitrate-rich foods to your diet and cutting back on fatty fried foods. 

The following is a list of foods high in nitrates.  You may find that you’ve already made many of these foods an active part of your lifestyle:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Beets
• Radishes
• Carrots

Nitrate can also be found in the air, water and is also a preservative found in foods including cheese, processed meats, and fish, as well as in spirits and liqueurs.

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Managing High Blood Pressure with Coenzyme Q10

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on February 8th, 2007

For some people, regulating their high blood pressure can be a real problem.  Unfortunately, this means, many people take long-term medications to help control it.  However, many studies are being conducted on different non-drug alternative remedies that may prove useful in reducing and controlling high blood pressure.  One such remedy being studied is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

What is CoQ10?  CoQ10 is a coenzyme, which means that it is an enzyme with two parts.  One part is a vitamin-like substance that is found in each cell in the body, and plays a vital role in the production of energy within every cell.  CoQ10 is needed in order to maintain the health of cells, tissues and organs. 

The second part is an enzyme, which means it is also required to facilitate numerous chemical reactions within the body and act as a catalyst to these reactions.  CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and is effective at destroying free radicals in the body. 

CoQ10 is manufactured by the body.  It is believed that the vitamins including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, niacin, and folate, help the body convert tyrosine (an amino acid) into coenzyme Q10.  Although it exists throughout the body, CoQ10 is stored in the heart, liver and kidneys, and the heart and liver contain the highest levels.

How does CoQ10 help lower blood pressure?  Many people who have hypertension are deficient in Coenzyme Q10.  Furthermore, they require increased tissues levels of CoQ10.  The reason is because CoQ10 helps to prevent fatty acids from accumulating within the heart muscle and coverts them and other compounds into energy.  Thus, it is believed that CoQ10 helps remaining muscle cells work more effectively.

A number of studies have discovered that when used as a supplement, CoQ10 has modest blood pressure lowering effects.

One 10 week study conducted on 10 participants with hypertension treated the participants with 100 mg of CoQ10 supplement once a day.  When the study was complete, there was an average 10% drop in systolic pressure (161 mm HG to 142 mm Hg) and in the diastolic blood pressure (98 mm HG to 83 mm Hg).  Improvement was even seen in the cholesterol levels of these same participants.

Another study examined the affect CoQ10 supplements would have on those who suffer from isolated systolic hypertension (ISH).  This form of high blood pressure is the most common in America and is predominant in people older than 65.  ISH is characterized by having a systolic blood pressure of more than 140 mm HG, and a normal diastolic blood pressure that is less than 90 mm Hg. 

The 12 week study involved just over 80 participants with ISH.  Half of the participants were given a placebo and the other half 60 mg of CoQ10 supplement to be taken twice a day.  Throughout the entire study, each participant had their blood pressure checked twice per week.  At the end of the study, it was found that on average those who took CoQ10 had an 18 mm Hg reduction (165 mm Hg to 147 mm Hg) in systolic pressure.

Most studies have found CoQ10 to be beneficial for some individuals with different forms of hypertension; however, although the findings are promising, CoQ10 usually doesn’t show much of an improvement until 4 – 12 weeks after treatment begins.  Furthermore, it has yet to prove that it offers a significant benefit to most who suffer from hypertension.  More studies still need to be conducted.

If you are interested in taking CoQ10 for lowering your blood pressure talk to your doctor.

To find out more information about how to lower blood pressure naturally or to get the lowdown on different natural high blood pressure cures please visit The Blood Pressure Reduction Guide where you can sign up for a free newsletter.
 

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High Blood Pressure in Children- Why it is on the rise and how you can protect your child

Posted in Blood Pressure Reduction on January 25th, 2007

Although you may find it surprising that Cold and flu medication can increase blood pressure, you may be even more surprised to learn that high blood pressure is becoming more and more common among children.  In fact, it is estimated that nearly 5% of American children suffer from hypertension.

Why do so many children suffer from high blood pressure?  There are different reasons such as:

• Birth complications – babies who have high blood pressure are often born premature or have problems with their heart or kidneys
• Heredity – There is a history of high blood pressure in the family
• Unhealthy lifestyle – Many children live a sedentary lifestyle and eat poor diets, causing them to become overweight and experience unnatural stress.

An unhealthy lifestyle is the leading cause of high blood pressure in children.  Many children have become obese from eating a diet rich in high fatty processed foods, and consuming high sugar and caffeinated beverages such as soda.  Furthermore, children of today are much more content sitting in front of a TV or computer for hours on end. 

Due to the fact that they are consuming too much fat and are failing to burn it off, this creates many health problems including high blood pressure, which can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in children.

Like adults, children should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis, starting at the age of 3.  Regular blood pressure checks will be different depending on the health of the child in question.  If you discover that your child’s blood pressure is higher than normal, they should have their blood pressure checked again in 6 months.

It is imperative that you have your child’s blood pressure monitored regularly, because if it is not checked and he or she has hypertension, you will be oblivious to the condition until your child begins to exhibit the signs and symptoms including visual problems, dizziness, headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath.  Usually by the time these sings become present, the child is suffering from a sever case of high blood pressure.

How can hypertension be prevented in children?
Aside from taking your child for regular blood pressure checkups, you can help them maintain a healthy blood pressure level and prevent hypertension, even if the condition is hereditary, by –

• Providing a healthy diet – Limit processed and high fat foods, as well as sugar and caffeinated beverages.  Make sure your child is receiving plenty of water and the necessary portions of foods that contain the essential nutrients they need to help them grow and stay healthy. 
• Encouraging exercise – Make sure your child exercises every day by bicycling, running, swimming, dancing, engaging in sports, etc. 
• Reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke – If you or anyone in your home smokes, it’s time to quit.  Frequently exposing your child to the nicotine in second hand smoke increases their blood pressure.

Essentially, ensuring that your child lives a healthy lifestyle also means adopting a healthy lifestyle yourself.  You can’t expect your child to make healthy choices without your guidance.  You are their role model.

Finally, remember that even if your child is overweight but doesn’t have high blood pressure, it is still imperative that you do everything you can to help them attain their ideal weight by ensuring better eating habits and exercise.  The reason is because children who are overweight have a dramatically higher risk of developing high blood pressure and dangerous health complications such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke when they become overweight adults.

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