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Prevention and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
Cigarettes, stress, stimulants such as coffee or tea, high salt intake, being overweight, weak kidneys, a genetic predisposition, and consumption of fatty diets causing plaque in the arterial walls, all contribute to hypertension. Some researchers also suspect that viruses, chemical exposures, and excess copper in the blood, or contamination with mercury, lead, and cadmium can play a part in the development of heart disease.
What can I do to lower my blood pressure?
Take these vital nutrients:
· Calcium 1,500-3,000 daily
· Magnesium 750-1,000 daily
· Potassium as directed on label
· CO- Q10 120 mg daily for eight weeks reduces blood pressure by about 9%
· Essential fatty acids: flaxseed oil, olive oil, or evening primrose oil, consume 2 tablespoons flax oil daily.
· Fresh Garlic or extracts from the health food store
· Selenium 200 mcg daily
· Vitamin E 400IU daily
These supplements are also helpful:
· Chinese red yeast rice to lower cholesterol
· Chinese mushroom extracts (reishi, shiitake, and maitake)
· Vitamin B complex (niacin lowers BP), take 300 mg of each major B vitamin daily
· Hawthorn 100 to 300 mg three times a day decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and strengthens contractions.
NO SALT ALLOWED! Though only 1/4 of the population is really salt sensitive, everybody eats too much! Watch labels for soda, sodium, or the symbol ‘NA’. Avoid: Accent flavor enhancer, baking soda, canned vegetables and soups, any foods with preservatives, diet sodas, sugar substitutes, meat tenderizers, soy sauce, MSG, and ibuprofen products (Advil and Nuprin).
Avoid all animal fats, and particularly processed meats. NO bacon, bouillon, corned beef, milk and cheese, sausage, hot dogs, pork products. Meat should be a garnish, no more than 4 ounces a day, about the size of a deck of cards!
Base your diet on foods as they are found in nature, with lots of whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat, oats, and millet; fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid all caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
Many people find great success with a 1 or 2 day juice fast. If this is too difficult for you, for one day a week eat only fruits and vegetables. You can also add apple pectin to your diet
Exercise! Walk at least 1/2 hour per day. Lose weight, and you may be able to stop your medications. For more information read: “Healing with Whole Foods”, by Paul Pitchford.
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