There are over 35 million Hypertensive people in the United States, with twice the occurance in black adults. Most cases can be brought under control with changes in diet and lifestyle habits. Hypertension is closely related to dietary factors, although behavior patterns and stress can play an important role. Some causes other than genetic are:

• Weight - elevated cardiac output, increases blood sodium due to increased insulin levels.
• Lifestyle - Coffee consumption, alcohol intake, lack of exercise and smoking.
• Caffeine - Long term caffeine use can cause elevation in blood pressure.
• Alcohol - Even moderate amounts of alcohol can produce acute hypertension. Chronic alcohol use is one of the strongest predictors (other than sodium intake)
• Smoking - Cigarette smoking is a contributing factor in hypertension, even chewing tobacco.

Smokers also show an increased sugar, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. Smokers also have higher levels of cadmium and lead and lower concentrations of ascorbic acid than non smokers.

• Stress - can be a causative factor in hypertension.
• Exercise - Strongly reduces both stress and high blood pressure.
• Heavy Metals - Chronic exposure to lead from environmental factors, including drinking water. Cadmium levels can induce hypertension, found in cigarette smoke.

Diet - A high potassium/low sodium diet will reduce blood pressure levels. Sodium restriction alone will not do it. It must be combined with high potassium intake.

Vegetarian Diet - vegetarians generally have lower blood pressure levels and lower incidence of other cardio-vascular diseases. A typical vegetarian diet contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, calcium, magnesium, vit. C and Vit. A which is beneficial on blood pressure.

Fibre -A high fibre diet can be effective in preventing and treating many cardio-vascular diseases. The most beneficial are the water soluable gel-forming fibres such as oat bran, apple pectin, psyllium seed, guar gum and gum karaya.

Sugar - Common table sugar elevates blood pressure! It would also account for elevated insulin levels, increased sodium retention, increased aldosterone secretion, and increased adrenaline secretion.

Calcium and Magnesium Supplements - have a blood pressure lowering effect. Coenzyme Q10 can be of considerable benefit. Also Vitamin C. Zinc has been shown to reverse cadmium induced hypertension.

Garlic and Onion both have blood lipid lowering effects, garlic having hypotensive qualities. Daily intake in fresh, or capsule form. Include it in your diet as much as possible. Hawthorne berries contain many biologically active flavanoid compounds. Their effects have an ability to increase intracellular vit. C levels and decrease capillary permeability and fragility. Hawthorne extracts are effective in reducing blood pressure and angina attacks, and lower serum cholesterol levels, preventing the deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls. Hawthorne is a safe, widely used cardio- tonic. Other herbs with a hypotensive action are Linden, Yarrow, Crampbark, Valerian. Other factors may have to be addressed as well. Nervine relaxants can be used in cases associated with stress. Valerian, Crampbark, Skullcap, or Linden can be used. With associated headaches, add Meadowsweet or Wood Betony. For palpitations, use Motherwort or crampbark. If depression is associated, include St. Johnswort and Lavender. With indigestion Chamomile can be safely used. Cleansing Herbs for the digestive system, including the kidneys and liver would be very important. Our kidneys help to regulate our blood pressure, so supporting the kidneys with Yarrow, Uva Ursi, or Dandelion leaf would be highly beneficial. Make sure bowel elimination is very regular, two to three times per day is ideal.

Hypotension is the lowering of blood pressure upon rising to a upright position. This may cause dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness. Hawthorne is still used as a cardio-tonic, but usually combined with ‘Broom’ which has a well known effect of raising low blood pressure. They can be combined with Ginger, Rosemary and Gentian as circulatory stimulants.

In the prevention and treatment for arteriosclerosis it is of utmost importance to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood. Elevated levels of cholesterol are overwhelmingly associated with heart disease. The most effective treatment seems to be prevention by diet and lifestyle habits. While vegetarians have a much lower risk developing heart disease, switching to a vegetarian diet can be quite effective in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis. The diet should be rich in fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, increase the daily intake of dietary fiber (flax seed, oatbran, pectin, etc), cold pressed vegetable oils, cold water fish, and garlic. Reduce or eliminate animal products, (including dairy which is high in fats and salt), saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar, avoid all fried foods. Ginger, Garlic, and onions should be included in the diet liberally! Of course stopping smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine will greatly increase overall health. The intake of good UNsaturated oils, such as Flax Seed Oil or Evening Primrose oil, should be included DAILY! This is essential for the optimal function of the heart. Avoid ALL hydrogenated oils such as margarine and spreads. Check many food labels that include hydrogenated oils such as crackers, cookies, etc. Include a good, natural broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, as well as Vit. C and Vit. E should also be included. Fiber supplements may also be included such as guar gum, psyllium seed, oatbran, or other water soluable fiber.

Physical activity can have a direct effect on cholesterol levels. Start with walking every day. Jogging, running, bicycling, and aerobics are all very helpful in reducing stress and cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of coronary artery disease.

• The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Dr. Michael Murray, ND, and Joseph Pizzorno, ND. Prima Publishing.
• Flax Oil as A True Aid Against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer, and Other Diseases by Dr. Johanna Budwig, Apple Publishing Co. Canada.
• The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman, Medical Herbalist.

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