Download The Untold Truth About High Blood Pressure

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SHOPPINGLIST FOR
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The Untold
TruthAbout
HighBlood
Pressure
The Untold Truth About High Blood Pressure
Diagnosing Hypertension: What to Look Out FOL
How High Is High?
Hypertension Classification System
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Diet Is Key to Healthy Blood Pressure
Pay Attention to Sodium, But Don't Forget About
"Mineral K"
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Shopping Listfor Lowering Blood Pressure
How to Lower Blood Pressure Fast
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Exercise Your Way to Normal Blood Pressure
Nutritional Supplements: Indispensable Therapies for
Hypertension
Antioxidants Guard Against Free-Radical Damage
B-Complex Vitamins Protect the Arteries
Magnesium Relaxes the Arteries
Fish Oil Has Broad Benefits for the Cardiovascular
System
Coenzyme QlO for Hypertension
Hawthorn: An Herb for the Heart
A Gift From the Sea
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Other Effective Therapies for Hypertension
EDTA Chelation Therapy Gets the Lead Out
Breathingfor Hypertension
EECP Improves Circulation
Reverse Stroke Damage With HBOT
Commit to Optimal Health
Resources
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@2006,HealthyDirections,LLC.Photocopying,reproduction,or quotationstrictly prohibitedwithoutwritten permissionfr
Note: Julian Whitaker, MD,has extensive experience in the areas of preventive medicine and natural healing. All recomme
report have met stringent criteria for safety and effectiveness; however, they have not been reviewed by the Food and Dru
The recommendations in this report are not intended to replace the advice of your physician, and you are encouraged to se
competent medical professionals for your personal health needs.
T
he next time you're out in a crowd, take a look
around you. Nine out of ten of those in their midfifties and older either have high blood pressure or
will develop it at some point in their lives. Hypertension
has truly reached epidemic proportions in our country. It
currently affects 65 million Americans - one in three
adults - and the worst of it is that a third of them don't
even know they have it.
This is bad news, because hypertension isn't called
"the silent killer" for nothing. The relentless stress elevated blood pressure places on the heart and blood vessels
has serious repercussions. It triples your risk of dying
from a heart attack, quadruples your risk of heart failure,
and increases your risk of stroke sevenfold. It is also a
significant contributor to kidney disease and dementia.
Worst of all, it has few warning signs. Some hints
of undiagnosed hypertension are headaches in the back
of the head and upper neck, dizziness, fatigue, abnormal
sweating, insomnia, shortness of breath, excessive flushing, and vision problems. However, it sneaks up on most
people and often goes undiagnosed until you find yourself in the emergency room with a heart attack or stroke.
Now for the good news. Despite these alarming statistics, hypertension is not inevitable. The truth is that
most of the risk factors for high blood pressure are firmly
within your control. And if you've already been diagnosed with hypertension, by following my recommendations in this special report, chances are very good that
you will be able to control your blood pressure naturally
- without resorting to a lifetime of prescription drugs
and their many side effects.
DiagnosingHypertension:
Whatto
LookOutFor
You've all had your blood pressure measured with
a sphygmomanometer (an inflatable cuff attached to
a gauge) and a stethoscope. It measures systolic blood
pressure, which is generated when the heart beats, and
diastolic pressure, which is maintained between beats
when the heart is at rest. Your total blood pressure is
expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), systolic
first, then diastolic:
have hypertension. Don't buy it. Blood pressure is not
constant, and lots of things can temporarily elevate it.
Ask for repeat readings in both arms several minutes
apart. Do not chat with the person taking your blood
pressure, and abstain from smoking and drinking coffee
for a couple of hours prior to your test - all these things
can raise blood pressure.
Still high? Return to the clinic for two to five
repeat tests on separate days. If after taking all of
these precautions your blood pressure is elevated, ask
your doctor about 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure
monitoring (ABPM). It involves wearing a small device
that measures your blood pressure every 15 to 30
minutes for 24 hours. I like this test because it gives
a true picture of a patient's around-the-clock blood
pressure. It is not uncommon for blood pressure to be
normal most of the time, then, because of the stress and
anxiety of being in a doctor's office, to jump up during
an examination. In fact, it's so common that it has a
name: White coat hypertension.
The reason I'm so concerned about the importance
of getting a true reading on blood pressure is because as
many as 12 million Americans may be misdiagnosed.
According to a study published in the Journal of the
American Medical Association (JAMA), "twenty-one
percent of the patients diagnosed as having borderline
hypertension in the clinic were found to have normal
blood pressure readings on ambulatory monitoring."
If patients were treated with lifestyle changes like
those we will discuss below, that would be one thing.
But they're not. At the first sign of hypertension,
conventional physicians whip out the prescription pad,
and patients are started on a merry-go-round of drug
dependency that may last a lifetime.
How HighIs High?
If a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg is
indicative of hypertension, what is normal? In 2003, the
Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and
Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), a National
Institutes of Health task force, updated their blood pressure
guidelines as follows:
Hypertension Classification System
120 mm Hg - systolic blood pressure
80 mm Hg - diastolic blood pressure
If your systolic blood pressure is greater than
140 mm Hg or your diastolic pressure is greater than
90 mm Hg, your doctor will probably tell you that you
[!J
Classification
Systolic
(mm Hg)
Diastolic
(mmHg)
Normal
Pre-hypertension
Stage 1
Stage 2
<120
120-139
140-159
~160
<80
80-89
90-99
~1O0
The update isn't much different from previous
versions, except for the new classification of prehypertension, and I have a problem with that. I believe
that it is very important to aim low - less than 120/80
mm Hg is ideal. My concern, however, is that with these
new guidelines, millions and millions of previously
healthy people now have a "disease": Pre-hypertension.
This is ridiculous! If people use the knowledge that
their blood pressure is creeping upward to motivate them
to institute lifestyle changes, fine. But if, as I fear, their
physicians go straight to drug therapy, we're in for lots of
problems down the road. Blood pressure lowering drugs
are far from benign, and their side effects are so serious
that half of all patients prescribed them quit taking them
within one year. Anyway, they don't even work very well.
A study published in The Lancet found that beta blockers,
which have been prescribed for 30 years to treat high
blood pressure, are not only ineffective, buy may actually
increase risk of stroke in people who take them. Another
study, published in the December 2004 issue of lAMA,
showed that calcium channel blockers - another popular
class of drugs for treating high blood pressure - alone, or
in combination with diuretics, can increase risk of death.
.
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What CausesHighBloodPressure?
Given the poor track record of the drugs used to treat
hypertension, it's high time we approach it from another
angle: correcting the underlying factors that contribute to
hypertension. Some of them you just cannot do anything
about. These include sex (hypertension is more common
in men until women reach menopause), race (Africanand Hispanic-Americans are at increased risk), and age
(age-related thickening of the arteries increases risk).
However, far more factors are under your control than
you might suspect. Here are the most important ones:
Poor diet: Excesses of unhealthful saturated and trans
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fats, sugar and other refined carbohydrates, and salt,
and low intake of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables
are definite players in hypertension. Many of these
dietary factors also figure in insulin resistance (another
risk factor for hypertension that we will discuss below).
A healthful diet is the first step toward blood pressure
control.
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Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intakes of
potassium, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium,
essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins have
all been linked to increased risk of hypertension.
The only way to get optimal levels of these and
other important nutrients is to take nutritional supplements.
.
Inactivity: The human body is wired for exercise,
and a sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor
to hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other
cardiovascular ailments. Exercise improves every
single aspect of cardiovascular health, blood pressure included.
Obesity: The single most significant risk factor for
hypertension is obesity (being at least 20 percent
above your ideal weight). It raises your risk of high
blood pressure threefold. Merely losing weight has
been enough to normalize blood pressure for many
of my patients. A prudent diet and regular exercise
are the only proven ways to achieve normal weight.
Insulin resistance: At least 50 percent of all people
with hypertension have an underlying condition
called insulin resistance. Marked by elevated levels
of insulin in the bloodstream, insulin resistance is
also associated with increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevations in cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. The diet, exercise, and nutritional supplement
suggestions in this report will help control insulin
resistance as well as hypertension.
Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking just two
cigarettes can result in increases of 11 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 9 mm Hg in diastolic blood
pressure. Smokers with hypertension are also at much
higher risk of heart attack and stroke, compared to
people with hypertension who don't smoke. Giving up
tobacco is imperative - and recent research suggests
that pipes and cigars are harmful as well. To cut nicotine cravings, try Sulfonil, a sulfur-based supplement
that binds to nicotine receptors. It is available from
the Whitaker Wellness Institute at 800-810-6655.
Dehydration: Chronic dehydration contributes to
hypertension by causing the body to hold onto sodium.
This increases blood volume and thus blood pressure.
Make a point of drinking a minimum of eight and preferably 10 to 12 glasses of purified water every day. This
surprisingly simple step can truly make a difference in
blood pressure control.
Excessive alcohol use: Although moderate use of
alcohol protects against heart disease, excessive use is
linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. In
a study conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Medical
Care Program, having more than two to three drinks
per day increased blood pressure by an average of
10 mm Hg. A drink or two a day is fine; more than
that harms virtually every aspect of your health.
Chronic stress: The stress response, which kicks into
gear when we feel threatened or afraid, is a normal
survival mechanism. Chronic stress, however, is associated with elevated levels of stress hormones that raise
blood pressure. It is important to do whatever it takes
(yoga, meditation, cutting back on things to give your-
[2l
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self more free time, or whatever works for you) to get
a handle on stress.
Certain drugs and environmental toxins: Some
drugs, including corticosteroids, oral contraceptives,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antihistamines, and over-the-counter drugs and herbs containing
caffeine or ephedra derivatives, can raise blood pressure. If you are taking one of these drugs, discuss this
with your doctor. Elevations of lead, mercury, and other
heavy metals can also increase blood pressure. Consider
having a heavy metals test, and if your levels are high,
undergo appropriate detoxification.
Now that you know what may be causing your
hypertension, I want to tell you about the program I've
been using at the Whitaker Wellness Institute for more
than 25 years to successfully help thousands of patients
get their blood pressure under control.
Diet Is Keyto HealthyBlood
Pressure
Diet is paramount for blood pressure control. Some
experts maintain that proper diet could eliminate hypertension in 80 to 90 percent of those suffering with this
condition. One of the largest, most comprehensive studies on the effects of diet in hypertension was the DASH
(Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study,
which compared the effects of three different dietary
approaches on 459 people with hypertension. The conclusion of this study was that a diet low in total and
saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat
dairy foods had a profound effect on blood pressure. It
lowered systolic blood pressure by 11.4 mm Hg and diastolic by 5.5 mm Hg - a reduction comparable to the
effects of drugs!
The diet utilized in the DASH study is very similar
to what I've recommended to patients for years: fruits,
vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and lean
animal protein. Here's what to aim for in a diet for
reversing hypertension.
Fats: Eat moderate amounts of the right types of
fat. These include omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed and
cold-water fish, monounsaturated oils such as olive oil,
and unprocessed omega-6 polyunsaturated fats in nuts,
seeds, and vegetable oils. While these fats nourish the
blood vessels and promote cardiovascular health, saturated and trans fats are another story. Saturated fats
(in meat, whole-fat dairy, and other animal products)
and especially trans fatty acids (in fried and processed
foods) have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular
system and should be avoided.
Protein: Make sure you get adequate amounts of
high-quality, low-fat protein from skinless poultry, fish
and seafood, eggs, dairy products, tofu, whole grains,
beans, legumes, and occasional servings of lean beef.
The suggested serving size is four ounces of animal
protein or tofu, a cup of nonfat or low-fat cottage
cheese, or four to six egg whites. (The latest research
gives whole eggs the thumbs up, as long as you limit
your intake to seven a week. If you want more, eat as
many egg whites as you please - they are almost pure
protein.)
Carbohydrates: Vegetables, fruits, and beans
should be a mainstay of your diet. One reason is
because they contain copious amounts of potassium,
which is absolutely essential for people with hypertension. (More on this below.) They also have a lowglycemic index and promote a slow, sustained release
of blood sugar and insulin. You should avoid starches,
sugars, and other carbohydrates with a high-glycemic
index. They are rapidly broken down in the digestive
tract and cause a sharp rise in blood sugar and insulin.
High-glycemic index foods contribute to insulin resistance, which, as discussed above, is a common underlying cause of hypertension.
PayAttentionto Sodium,But
Don'tForgetAbout"Mineral K"
Most people with hypertension try to watch their
salt intake, and excess sodium certainly can drive
blood pressure up in susceptible individuals. It does
this by increasing the amount of fluid in the bloodstream, which places more pressure on blood vessel
walls. However, "mineral K" (potassium - K is its
chemical abbreviation) is equally important, for it helps
control sodium levels and has independent actions on
blood pressure. In addition to promoting the excretion
of excess sodium, potassium helps relax the smooth
muscles of the arteries and is required for the proper
functioning of blood-pres sure-regulating hormones in
the kidneys.
We eat way too much sodium. The average
American gets 5,000 mg of sodium a day -
the equiva-
lent of two and a half teaspoons of salt. I certainly
recommend that my patients with hypertension monitor their sodium intake, but I also tell them something
conventional physicians rarely recommend: To eat more
potassium-rich foods. Research suggests that the ideal
ratio of sodium to potassium is 1:4. This means that for
every milligram of sodium, you need 4 mg of potassium. If you follow the dietary guidelines outlined in
this special report, you should have no trouble achieving
this ratio.
[2]
(Continued on page 5)
ShoppingListfor LoweringBloodPressure
Make your grocery store your pharmacy with this list of foods for lowering blood pressure.
Vegetables
Eat lots of non-starchy vegetables, from broccoli to spinach to green beans and everything in between. Both fresh and frozen vegetables are great sources of fiber, potassium,
and protective phytonutrients; canned tend to contain too much sodium. Potatoes and
other starchy vegetables have a high glycemic index and should be eaten in moderation.
Fruit
Citrus fruits, apples, pears, berries, melons, and other fruits are also extremely nutrient
dense. Starchy fruits like bananas have a higher glycemic index, but they also contain a
lot of potassium; use in moderation. Fresh is best, but fruits that are canned or frozen in
juice (not in sugar syrup) are acceptable. Limit fruit to one or two servings a day if you
also have diabetes or high triglycerides.
Beans and Legumes
Any kind is great -
full of fiber and potassium,lowin calories.Cookbeanswithoutsalt.
If you use canned beans, rinse well in a colander to remove sodium.
Breads
I don't recommend a lot of bread. Most breads have a very high glycemic index and are
best avoided. Exceptions are sprouted grain breads, which are made without flour, 100
percent rye bread, and pumpernickel bread. An occasional whole grain cracker (rye is
best) or whole wheat tortilla is also acceptable, but don't go overboard on breads.
Grains and Cereals
Whole grains such as oatmeal (long cooking, not instant), barley, whole wheat, etc., are
rich in fiber, and moderate servings (one-half cup) have a place in a healthful diet. If
you're going to eat rice, eat it in moderation, and select long grain brown rice, which has
the lowest glycemic index. Cold cereals, on the other hand, have a very high glycemic
index and are not recommended. The only exception is 100 percent bran cereals.
Pasta
Although pasta has a moderate glycemic index, it is very carbohydrate dense, so don't
overdo it. Limit servings to one-half cup. A tip to remember with pasta is to cook it al
dente - no more than five minutes, preferably - until just barely tender. The longer you
cook pasta the higher the glycemic index.
Dairy
Low-fat or nonfat milk, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and other dairy products are
a good addition to your diet. Some cheese is fine, but be aware that it contains lots of
saturated fat, calories, and sodium, so use in moderation.
Oils
Olive oil should be your cooking oil of choice, for it contains primarily monounsaturated
fats, which are more stable when heated than polyunsaturated vegetable oils. You may use
cold-pressed sunflower, safflower, corn, and other polyunsaturated oils in salad dressings,
but do not heat them.
Meats, Poultry,
Fish, and Eggs
Lean, skinless poultry should be a mainstay of your diet, and frozen, skinned, boned
chicken breasts are particularly convenient. Turkey, fish, and seafood (salmon and other
cold-water fish contain the most protective omega-3 fats), are also highly recommended.
Look for lean beef in your health food store for an occasional treat. In addition to whole
eggs, Egg Beaters or another egg-white product is good to have on hand.
Sweeteners
Purchase only low glycemic index sweeteners such as stevia and xylitol that won't wreak
havoc with your blood sugar. Stevia is a natural, non-caloric herbal sweetener that is great
in tea and coffee and can also be used in cooking. It is available in refined liquid and
powdered form and also as an unrefined extract. (The dark liquid extract also has blood
pressure lowering properties of its own.) Xylitollooks and tastes like sugar, but it has
fewer calories and a very low glycemic index. Avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame
(Nutrasweet).
Miscellaneous
Look for low-sodium, low-sugar versions of prepared staples such as broth, soy sauce,
spices, salsa, catsup, and other condiments.
0
(Continued from page 3)
Vegetables, fruits, and other plant foods are loaded
with potassium, yet contain very little sodium - their
sodium-to-potassium ratios average 1:50. Some of the
most potassium-rich foods include low-sodium V8 juice
(12 ounces = 1,240 mg of potassium), bananas (one
medium = 440 mg), avocado (one-half cup = 680 mg),
dried coconut (one-third cup = 588 mg), beans (one= 1,000 to 1,600 mg, depending on type
third cup dried
of beans), and sea vegetables such as dulse (one-third
cup = more than 8,000 mg).
How to Lower Blood Pressure Fast
Every once in a while, a patient comes to me with
an urgent request to get his or her blood pressure down
fast. One of them was John, who had applied for a job
with the county government, had a required physical
exam, and was shocked to learn that his blood pressure
was 160/110 mm Hg. Desperate to get it down quickly,
John started on what we call the Quick Start Diet.
Originated by Dr. Walter Kempner of Duke
University in the 1940s (he called it the rice-fruit diet),
it allows all the rice, fruit, and vegetables you want, but
nothing else. John was highly motivated, and he followed the diet to the letter. Two weeks later, his blood
pressure was 130/60 mm Hg. He then added skinless
poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, egg whites, and modest
amounts of healthy fats to his diet, along with a nutritional supplement and exercise program, and within a
month, his blood pressure was within normal limits, he
lost 13 pounds, and his cholesterol fell from 231 to 168.
In a study published in the American Journal of
Cardiology, 60- to 69-year-olds with hypertension
engaged in a regular low- or moderate-intensity exercise
program for nine months. At the study's conclusion, systolic blood pressure decreased an average of 20 mm Hg
in the low-intensity group - significantly more than the
8 mm Hg drop in the moderate-intensity group. Both
groups had average drops of 11to 12 mm Hg reduction
in diastolic pressure. This study is encouraging because
it suggests that sustained, low-intensity training may be
all you need to get your blood pressure under control.
According to a National Health Interview Study,
72 percent of American women and 64 percent of
American men confess to not exercising regularly. Yet
just two hours a week is enough to make a difference.
Everyone should be able to carve two hours out of their
168-hour week for exercise. That's just four brisk halfhour walks or several 10- to 15-minute "mini sessions."
It's time to make the commitment, get started, and
repeat the profound benefits of regular exercise.
NutritionalSupplements:
IndispensableTherapiesfor
Hypertension
Most of Dr. Kempner's patients reduced their blood
pressure by at least 20 mm Hg, and I've seen similar
results with numerous patients. With results like this,
you would think that the medical community would
take notice, but, since it's a lowly diet therapy rather
than a hot new drug, the rice-fruit diet is ignored. Yes, it
is restrictive, and I certainly don't recommend it for the
long term, but if your blood pressure is alarmingly high,
talk to your doctor about trying the Quick Start Diet for
one to six weeks. It really works.
Exercise Your Way to Normal
Blood Pressure
Exercise is one of the most important things you
can do to improve health and increase longevity, and it
is particularly important for the cardiovascular system.
Exercise conditions the heart muscle and stimulates the
production of collateral blood vessels, which naturally
bypass blocked arteries. It raises protective HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, helps decrease obesity,
improves insulin sensitivity - and it reduces blood
pressure.
When you visit your doctor, you can expect to get a
prescription for a drug - it's what they do. When you
visit a doctor at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, expect
to get a prescription for nutritional supplements - that's
what we do. Our primary therapeutic tools at the clinic
are diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and a handful
of other therapies, which we will discuss below.
Just as conventional physicians have drug protocols
for specific diseases, we have supplement protocols, and
they work unbelievably well. Based on more than 25
years of treating patients with these safe, natural therapies, I'm convinced that nutritional supplements are the
most powerful tools in medicine today.
My single favorite nutritional supplement for hypertension is Balance3 (one to three tablets twice a day). It
is very effective at lowering blood pressure, and its only
side effect is that it occasionally makes people sleepy.
We turn this liability into an asset by suggesting that
patients take a larger dose at bedtime. (See Resources.)
Let's take a look at some of the other supplements I
recommend for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Antioxidants Guard Against
Free-Radical Damage
Free-radical damage is recognized as the single largest
contributor to degenerative disease, and cardiovascular
disease is one of them. These unstable molecules contrib-
0
Scores of studies indicate that folic acid and vitamin
ute to atherosclerosis,which injures the arteries, making
them harder,narrower, less elastic, and less responsiveto
changesin blood pressure.Therefore,an important part of
your supplementprogram shouldbe antioxidants,which
stabilize free radicals and end their chain reaction of
destruction.
Vitamin C is the most active antioxidant in the
water-based portions of your tissues. In addition to
blocking free-radical damage, it helps maintain the elasticity of the arterial walls. A 2001 study published in
The Lancet found that blood levels of vitamin C were
inversely related to death from heart disease - men
and women with the lowest vitamin C levels were twice
as likely to die of heart disease as those with the highest levels. The suggested dose is 1,500 to 3,000 mg per
day. Very high-dose vitamin C may cause loose stools in
some people, so start low and build up gradually.
Vitamin E, which is the most active antioxidant
in the lipid or fatty areas of cells, has been extensively
studied for its effects on the cardiovascular system. It
is especially adept at protecting LDL cholesterol from
oxidation. The Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study
(CHAOS), a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that
involved 2,002 patients, concluded that people taking
400 to 800 IU of vitamin E daily had 75 percent fewer
heart attacks than those taking a placebo. I recommend
400-800 IU of natural (not synthetic) vitamin E daily.
El2 lower the risk of homocysteine-related diseases, and
University of California San Francisco researchers proposed
that daily doses of 1,000 mcg folic acid and 500 mcg B12
in supplement form could, over 10 years, result in 310,000
fewer deaths from heart disease alone. My recommendations for B-complex vitamins are 800-1,200 mcg folic acid,
150-1,000 mcg vitamin El2, and 75 mg vitamin B6.
Magnesium Relaxes the Arteries
Magnesium is another essential nutrient for the
cardiovascular system. It increases the heart's supply
of oxygen, reduces vessel blockages, and prevents the
formation of blood clots. It decreases the frequency of
angina and has proven benefits for heart failure and
mitral valve prolapse.
This mineral also lowers blood pressure. Multiple
studies have demonstrated that people with the highest
intakes of magnesium have the lowest blood pressure. In
a 1998 study, 60 patients with hypertension, ages 33 to
74, were divided into two groups and given either oral
magnesium or a placebo for eight weeks. The two groups
were then crossed over - those on magnesium were
switched to the placebo, and vice versa, for another eight
weeks. Blood pressures were significantly lower when the
patients were taking magnesium, and those with the highest blood pressure had the greatest reductions.
Supplementation with magnesium is particularly
important, for deficiencies are rampant. According to a
2003 study conducted by researchers at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, average intakes range
from 221 mg a day for Hispanic-American women to
326 mg for Caucasian men, and intake decreases across
all groups with increasing age. This is why I recommend
a minimum of 500 mg of magnesium a day to all of my
patients and 1,000 mg to those with any of the conditions discussed above. If you have kidney disease, talk
to your doctor before increasing your intake. Otherwise,
its only side effect is loose stools in some people.
Other antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular
system and should be taken along with vitamins C and
E are vitamin A (5,000 IU), beta-carotene (15,000 IU),
and selenium (200 mcg).
B-Complex Vitamins Protect the
Arteries
Folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6 also provide
powerful protection against heart disease and hypertension. They do this by normalizing levels of homocysteine,
a toxic amino acid that damages the arteries and initiates
atherosclerosis. Homocysteine blocks the production of
nitric oxide. Nitric oxide protects the endothelial cells lining the arteries and relaxes the smooth muscle cells of the
arteries, thus lowering blood pressure.
FishOil HasBroadBenefitsfor the
CardiovascularSystem
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil modulate many
of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. They help
reduce inflammation and excessive blood clotting, lower
cholesterol and especially triglyceride levels, and prevent
dangerous heart arrhythmias. Fish oil also relaxes the
arteries, preventing spasms that drive up blood pressure.
This essential fat has also been found to reduce the
An elevated homocysteine level is now recognized
as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In a
study published in the New England Journal of Medicine,
researchers concluded, "An increased plasma total
homocysteine level confers an independent risk of vascular disease similar to that of smoking or hyperlipidemia.
It powerfully increases the risk associated with smoking
and hypertension."
incidence of ventricular arrhythmia, the uncontrolled,
irregular beating of the heart that is a primary cause of
sudden cardiac death. In a study of more than 76,000
0
women, those with a higher intake of omega-3 fatty
acids had a lower incidence of fatal heart attacks.
drugs: ACE inhibitors. This fish peptide extract inhibits
the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE),
which in turn blocks the production of angiotensin,
a substance that activates hormones which cause the
blood vessels to constrict and drive up blood pressure.
Fish peptide extract relaxes the arteries so the "pipes"
slightly dilate, and blood pressure goes down.
The recommended dose of fish peptide extract is 750
mg twice a day. It should be taken along with a comprehensive daily vitamin and mineral supplement.It should
not be taken by people taking an ACE-inhibitor drug.
Otherwise, it is safe and has no known side effects.
The suggested dose of fish oil is a minimum of two
1,000 mg capsules a day, and some patients take six or
eight capsules daily. Fish oil is safe and best tolerated
when taken with food.
Coenzymea10 for Hypertension
Coenzyme QlO (CoQlO) is involved in cellular
energy production. In addition, it is a potent antioxidant
that scavenges the free radicals that "leak" out of the
mitochondria during energy production. It is an excellent therapy for all manner of cardiovascular diseases,
including hypertension.
Other Effective Therapies for
Hypertension
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 46 men
and 37 women with systolic hypertension were given 60
mg of CoQlO or a placebo twice a day. After 12 weeks,
there was a very impressive average reduction in systolic
blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the group taking CoQlO.
This supplement is a must for anyone with high blood
pressure. I recommend taking 200 mg a day, with meals.
I also want to mention three more therapies that
would be a tremendous benefit for anyone with hypertension - or for patients suffering with one of hypertension's
most tragic consequences: Stroke.
fOTA ChelationTherapyGetsthe
LeadOut
Hawthorn:An Herb for the Heart
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a native
European shrub with a long traditional use as a medicinal
herb. It contains a unique compound called vitexin that
has potent antioxidant activity, improves the elasticity of
the blood vessels, and enhances heart function. Hawthorn
also relaxes and dilates the arteries and inhibits ACE (an
enzyme that raises blood pressure, discussed below), thus
reducing blood pressure.
In a 2002 study, researchers randomly divided
patients with hypertension into four groups and gave
them daily supplements of one of the following: 600 mg
of magnesium, 500 mg of hawthorn, a combination of
magnesium and hawthorn, or a placebo. Blood pressure
was retested after five weeks and again after 10 weeks.
There was a significant reduction in diastolic blood
pressure in the study subjects taking hawthorn, compared with those in the other groups.
Hawthorn is safe and well tolerated, but patients taking digoxin or ACE inhibitors should check with their
doctors before starting it. The recommended dose is
360 mg a day of an extract (standardized for 4 percent
vitexin), taken in divided doses.
A GiftFromthe Sea
A Japanesediscoveryis one of the newestand most
promising natural blood pressure lowering agents I've
seen in a long time. Peptides (small protein fragments)
from the bonito fish lower blood pressure in a manner
similar to one of the most effective antihypertensive
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EDTA is a synthetic amino acid that, when administered intravenously, binds to minerals and toxic heavy
metals and carries them out of the body in the urine.
It is a very effective therapy for cardiovascular disease
because it removes calcium from arterial plaque, reduces
free-radical damage to the arteries, and, perhaps most
important, lowers the burden of lead and other toxic
heavy metals that contribute to hypertension and other
cardiovascular problems.
The case for lead as an overlooked cause of hypertension is strong. The kidneys play an important role
in blood pressure regulation, and there is a strong link
between elevated levels of lead, kidney damage, and
hypertension. In a study published in March 2003,
researchers measured the blood lead levels of more
than 2,000 women, ages 40 to 59, and found that levels
"well below the current US occupational exposure limit
guidelines (40 mcg/dL)" were associated with the risk
of hypertension.
Although we've made strides in recent years in
reducing environmental lead levels, a lifetime of exposure from automobile and industrial emissions, lead
paint, and other sources have made our bones a storehouse of lead and other heavy metals. The average bone
level of lead today is hundreds of times higher than
before the industrial revolution 200 years ago.
EDT A chelation therapy is the primary FDAapproved method of getting lead out of the body. For
more information on this therapy and for physician refer-
rals, contact ACAM at acam.org or 888-439-6891. For an
appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call
800-488-1500 or visit whitakerwellness.com.
EECPImproves Circulation
Enhanced External Counter Pulsation (EECP),
developed by Harvard physician Harry Soroff, MD,
almost 50 years ago, is an excellent therapy for hypertension, angina, and any problem involving the circulatory system. It dramatically increases blood flow
throughout the body by squeezing blood from the lower
extremities toward the heart. The patient lies on a bed
with a series of inflatable cuffs wrapped around the
body from the ankles to just below the waist. The cuffs
sequentially contract, timed with the heart beat, forcing
blood out of the legs and throughout the body.
EECP has been best studied for the relief of angina,
and it is so effective at relieving chest pain that Medicare
reimburses for it. As they should, for it is the closest
thing going to a natural and much less expensive bypass
surgery. This is because EECP creates collateral circulation, new avenues of blood around coronary artery blockages. EECP also boosts the arteries' production of nitric
oxide, which improves the health of the arteries and their
ability to dilate. Thus it also results in significant drops
in blood pressure.
An EECP treatment session lasts about an hour,
and aside from the squeezing sensation, there is no
discomfort or danger whatsoever. A usual course is 35
one-hour treatments, given once or twice daily. For more
information, contact Vasomedical at naturalbypass.com
or 800-455-3327.To learn about EECP treatment at the
Whitaker Wellness Institute, call 800-488-1500.
Reverse Stroke Damage WithHBOT
Hypertension increases risk of stroke 700 percent.
Fortunately, the recommendations in this report will not
only help you get your blood pressure under control, but
they will also dramatically reduce your risk of such a
catastrophic event. However, I also want you to have a
heads up on what you should do if, heaven forbid, you or
a loved one were to have a stroke.
First, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Major advances in acute stroke care have been made in
the past few years, but time is of the essence. Second,
get hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and the sooner
the better. Brain damage during a stroke is caused by
insufficient oxygen, and breathing 100 percent oxygen
under increased pressure in a hyperbaric chamber allows
this essential element to reach all areas, even those
deprived of blood flow.
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Breathingfor Hypertension
Life may not be "measured by the number of
breaths we take, but by the moments that take our
breath away,"but hypertension might be. The average
respiratory rate (number of breaths taken) for adults
is between 14 and 18per minute. However, scientists
have discovered that periodically reducing this rate
to fewer than 10 breaths per minute can normalize
blood pressure.
Many people are having great success lowering
their blood pressure using therapeutic breathing
devices. These gadgets incorporate music to interactively guide you through a breath-slowing routine.
Studies show that using these machines three or
four times per week for 15 minutes at a time leads
to an average blood pressure reduction of 14/9 (systolic/diastolic). A good brand is Resperate, available
without a prescription by calling 877-988-9388or by
visiting resperate.com.
You don't actually need equipment to train
yourself to slow down your rate of breathing. This
practice is a cornerstone of yoga and meditation. A
simple exercise you can try is to sit or lie comfortably, and close your eyes. Slowly inhale for a count
of five, then exhale for a count of five. Continue for
15 minutes, lengthening your count as you become
more relaxed. At the very least, you'll get some peace
and quiet!
We have seen remarkable recoveries with HBOT.
HBOT also benefits patients months or even years after
their stroke. This is because some of the neurons in the
affected area are not dead but "idling," and hefty doses
of oxygen wake them up. Jackie is a 76-year-old who
was literally carried into our office two weeks after suffering a stroke. After two weeks of treatments, she was
walking, and two years later, she was a bundle of energy
and activity.
Vic, a 71-year-old who had two strokes in the summer of 1999, left the hospital in a wheelchair with severe
speech, vision, and hearing deficits. After one month in
a rehabilitation center, he was sent home with no hope
for further recovery. His wife heard about HBOT, called
our clinic, and brought her husband in for therapy months
after his initial stroke. The last time we saw Vic, he was
walking around our parking lot. He still has a little trouble with balance, but he is back to his former activities.
For more information, visit hbomedtoday.com or call
561-640-4546. For information on the Whitaker Wellness
Institute's hyperbaric center, call 800-488-1500.
Committo OptimalHealth
Klatsky AL, et aI. Alcohol consumption and blood pressure.
New Engl 1 Med. 1977;296: 1194-1200.
If there is one thing I hope I've made clear in this
report, it is that high blood pressure can, in most cases,
be controlled through diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and other non-drug therapies. Given that hypertension places you at increased risk for so many other
health problems, isn't it worth buckling down and making the commitment to get your blood pressure under
control once and for all?
Lin JL et aI. Environmental lead exposure and progression of
chronic renal diseases in patients without diabetes. N Engl 1 Med.
2003;348(4):277-86.
Lenore JL, et aI. The association between midlife blood pressure levels and late-life cognitive function, lAMA. 1995;274:184651.
Lustberg M, et aI. Blood lead levels and mortality. Arch Intern
Med. 2002;162(21):2443-9.
Moore RD. The High Blood Pressure Solution, Natural
Prevention and Cure with the K Factor. Healing Arts Press,
Rochester, VT, 1993.
Yes, it will take effort, focus, and time - natural
therapies are not overnight cures. However,if you do
follow the program I've outlined, I guarantee that
withina few weeksyouwill beginto see results-
and
in more areas of your health than just blood pressure.
You can expect to have more energy and a better mental
outlook. You'll begin to shed those extra pounds you've
been wanting to lose. Your muscle tone and strength
will improve. Your cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar,
and homocysteine levels will go down, and your risk of
heart disease, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related diseases will decrease.
References
Ascherio A, et aI. Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium,
and fiber and risk of stroke among US men. Circulation. Sept. 22,
1998;98(12):1198-1204.
Mori TA et aI. Dietary fish as a major component of a weightloss diet. Am 1 Clin Nutr. 1999 Nov;70:817-25.
Nash D et aI. Blood lead, blood pressure, and hypertension in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. lAMA.
2003;289(12): 1523-32.
Pickering T. Tension and hypertension. lAMA. 1993;370:2494.
Reaven GM et aI. Syndrome X. NY: Simon & Schuster, 2000.
Roberts CK et aI. Effect of diet and exercise intervention on
blood pressure, insulin, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide availability. Circulation. 2002;106:2530-2.
Sacks FM, et aI. Rationale and design of the Dietary approaches to Stop Hypertension trial (DASH): a multicenter controlledfeeding study of dietary patterns to lower blood pressure. Ann
Epidemiol. 1995;5:108-118.
Singh M et aI. Noninvasive revascularization by enhanced
externalcounterpulsation.Mayo ClinProc 2000 Sep;75(9):961-5.
Burke BE, et aI. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial of coenzyme QlO in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med
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Chobanian AV,et aI. The seventh report of the Joint National
Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of
High Blood Pressure. lAMA. 2003;289:2560-2573.
Stamler J. Setting the TONE for ending the hypertension epidemic. lAMA;1998 Mar 18;279(11):878-9.
Stampfer MJ et aI. A prospective study of plasma
homocyst(e)iene and risk of myocardial infarction in US physicians.
lAMA. 1992;268(7):877-81.
Tice JA. Cost-effectiveness of vitamin therapy to lower plasma
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Cohen JS. Over Dose. New York: Jeremy Tarcher, 2001.
Cohn PF (ed). Study confirms high rate of uncontrolled
hypertension; Uncontrolled hypertension common in workforce.
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Ford ES, et aI. Dietary magnesium intake in a national sample
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Hagberg JM, et aI. Effect of exercise training in 60- to
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Resources
John JH et aI. Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on
plasma antioxidant concentrations and blood pressure. Lancet.
2002;359:1969-74.
You'll find most of the nutritional supplements
and herbs mentioned in this report in health food
stores, or they can be ordered from Village Green
Apothecary at 800-869-9159.
Kempner W. Treatment of hypertensive vascular disease with
rice diet. American lournal of Medicine. 1948;4:545-577.
Kinghorn AD. Food Ingredient Safety Review, Stevia rebaudiana leaves. 1992 Mar 16:6.
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