High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):

heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Hypertension is present when the blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mm Hg at several determinations.

The cause of about 90% of hypertension is poorly understood, and it is called “essential, idiopathic or primary hypertension”. Secondary hypertension means that an elevated blood pressure results from a diagnosable disease.

Potential risk factors:

1. Poor nutrition.
2. Obesity.
3. Alcohol.
4. Sedentary life style.
5. Too much salt.
6. Kidney diseases.
7. Underactive or hyperactive thyroid.
8. Birth control pills.
9. Stress-induced (pain, anxiety, hypoglycemia, and after surgery).
10. Pregnancy.
11. Medications (corticosteroids, ephedrine, Advil, and some medications of depression).
12. Sleep apnea.
13. Heavy metal toxicity, especially lead.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Saturated fats: all animal based fats and oils except fish.
2. Foods high in Trans-fat: fries, cookies, chips, muffins, doughnuts, pastries, cakes and crackers.
3. Hydrogenated oils.
4. Processed foods.
5. Sugars and sweets.
6. Too much salt.
7. Caffeine.
8. Soft drinks.
9. Alcohol.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 liters a day. Dehydration makes hypertension worse.
2. Whole grains.
3. Legumes.
4. Foods high in fiber.
5. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Fruits high in flavonoids: berries.
7. Foods high in potassium: bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apple, asparagus, cabbage, and alfalfa.
8. Red grapes. It contains an antioxidant called “resveratrol”.
9. Green vegetables, particularly parsley, celery,
10. Garlic and onions.
11. Cold water fish: salmon, halibut, and mackerel.
12. Nuts and seeds.
13. Flaxseeds.
14. Chia seeds.
15. Hemp seeds.
16. Spices: turmeric, sumac, and cinnamon.
17. Green tea.
18. Hibiscus tea.
19. Chamomile tea.
20. Cayenne pepper.
21. Red wine.
22. Dark chocolate.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Co – Enzyme Q10: 100 – 300 mg a day.
2. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids:1 – 3 grams a day.
3. Resveratrol: 200 – 600 mg a day.
4. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
5. Grape Seed extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
6. Potassium: 99 – 198 mg a day. Warning: if you are taking a potassium sparing diuretic, or have a kidney or heart disease, consult your doctor prior to taking potassium.
7. Garlic Pills: 500 – 1000 mg a day.
8. Magnesium: 200 – 400 mg a day.
9. Calcium: 500 – 1000 mg a day.
10. Taurine: 1000 – 3000 mg a day.
11. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
12. Vitamin C: 1000 – 2000 mg a day.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Colon cleansing.
3. Regular exercise.