Download Blood pressure

Central West Naturopathic
PH: 02 6342 3887
104 Kendal St. Cowra 2794
24 Spring Street Forbes 2871
email: [email protected]
www.centralwestnaturopathic.com.au
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Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the result of the heart beat, when the muscles of the heart
squeeze blood into the arteries of the body, to distribute various nutrients to the
body cells, and to re-oxygenate the blood in the lungs, and forces waste in the
blood through the filters in the kidney and liver.
Blood pressure can be too low, in which case a person may feel giddy after
standing from a sitting or laying position or after bending down. If the blood
pressure is too low, whether due to inactivity or reduced circulating volume (as
occurs in low thyroid function, for example), vague headaches can occur, and
concentration may be poor, as the blood is not moving through the fine blood
vessels as well as it could, supplying cells with oxygen and nutrients, and
removing waste. The person may also complain of feeling cold, or have poor
peripheral circulation, with numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Blood can
get thicker (as in diabetes) or clot in low pressure situations, such as when sitting
for long periods (as in aircraft travellers getting DVT(Deep Venous Thrombosis)).
Blood pressure can be too high, as a result of kidney problems, or stress induced
adrenalin surges or mineral imbalance. Salt has been implicated in some forms of
high blood pressure, but going salt free will not always help. Studies undertaken
by the American Society for Hypertension have shown how low sodium diets
affect the body’s nutrient uptake, increases harmful cholesterol, and actually
raised blood pressure!
Blood pressure constantly changes throughout the day and increases naturally as
you age, to take into account the increasing stiffness of arterial muscles. The
main minerals which regulate arterial pressure – are calcium which makes the
arteries contract (squeeze), and magnesium which helps arteries relax.
Magnesium deficiencies are commonly seen in elevated blood pressure. On hot
days minerals can be lost in sweat, so giddiness or fainting can occur. The need
for electrolyte drinks is well supported in these instances, but unnecessary long
term use of electrolyte drinks can create higher than necessary mineral levels,
causing other health problems.
The blood pressure is described in 2 numbers, for example 145 over 80 (145/80).
The 145 is when the heart is squeezing, the 85 is when the heart is at rest,
between beats. Fluid retention raises the lower number but fluid retention can
occur due to other factors, such as steroidal drugs or estrogen dominance, as in
late pregnancy. If blood pressure is too low then tissue nutrition can suffer. Some
medications and supplements can be used to control blood pressure; however
they do not cure the cause of the pressure variation. ‘High’ or ‘low’ blood pressure
is a symptom of a problem, not a problem by itself. If you stop your medication
the blood pressure disorder will return if the cause is not corrected. It is because
the underlying cause is not corrected increased amounts of medication are often
required. You need to ask your health care practitioner – ‘why do I have elevated
blood pressure’ and fix that, rather than simply rely on medication controls. Diet,
weight, medication, or other health issues may be contributing to the problem.
Many studies have shown the impact of mineral nutrients and vitamin E on blood
pressure, and an international medical symposium was held in Rome on the
benefits of pressure normalising herbs such as garlic and gingko biloba. Hawthorn
berry and mistletoe are available as teas which ease blood pressure.
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Author: Stephen Tamplin, RN, ND, DAc
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Central West Naturopathic
PH: 02 6342 3887
104 Kendal St. Cowra 2794
24 Spring Street Forbes 2871
email: [email protected]
www.centralwestnaturopathic.com.au
_____________________________________________________________________
Remember, we are all built differently. What is high blood pressure for one person
may be low for another. To set arbitrary limits on what blood pressure should be
for everyone, without taking individual differences into account may be contrary
to an individual health and functional needs. It is most important that when
checking blood pressure you have sat for a few minutes, and don’t rely on only
one reading. It will be high during and immediately after periods of activity. Take
a few readings over a couple of minutes to get a more accurate picture of how
your blood pressure really is.
Blood pressure check, cholesterol tests and test for cardiovascular risk scores
(ACVR%) are available at my clinics. Our health food shop also carries all natural
supplements and mineral supplements for
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Author: Stephen Tamplin, RN, ND, DAc
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