by Allan Wohrnitz (BSc)

Normal blood pressure is vital to the nutrition of cells. It is necessary to force food and oxygen, or plasma carrying sugar, amino acids, vitamins and minerals into the tissues through porous microscopic capillary walls. It is also necessary to attract tissue fluids carrying waste from the cells to the blood vessels.

Factors that create High Blood Pressure (High BP)

1. Stress – larger than normal amounts of water and sodium are held in the body
2. Tension – causes the muscular walls of the arteries to contract, hence arteries become smaller.
3. Cholesterol – arteries are plugged by cholesterol compressed in beds of fat or shrunk by scar tissue that may be calcified.

Most persistent high BP results from a combination of those factors.

Why is High BP dangerous?

The blood vessels are made to take a certain amount of pressure. At higher pressures, the walls are not able to withstand the extra force and can burst. A minor break, a clot forms and perhaps cuts off circulation to millions of cells. A major break may result in paralysis or death (heart attack or stroke – cerebral haemorrhage). A high BP forces the heart to pump against greater resistance, putting it under constant strain.

Symptoms

High BP is associated with and often a symptom of diseases of the heart and kidneys.

Symptoms: headaches, dizziness, noises or ringing in ears, haemorrhages in eyes.

Kidneys

One function is to control Blood Pressure. When Oxygen is inadequate, a hormone is secreted to elevate the BP in order to increase the oxygen supply to the cells. Taking Vit E decreases the need for oxygen, a very important vitamin for persons with high BP.

Deficiencies: Cholin, vit C or vit E cause haemorrhages in the kidneys and bring oxygen starvation to the kidney cells. This stimulates the hormone to elevate BP. Choline increases the strength of the capillary walls and allows the blood vessels to dilate and puts less stress on the heart.

Sodium (table salt) and Potassium

In normal circumstances, potassium remains largely in the cells and sodium in the surrounding fluids. They both control the passage of substances into and out of each cell. When the potassium content decreases due to a deficiency, sodium passes into the depleted cells and attracts so much fluid and the tissues become waterlogged. A lack of Magnesium in the diet allows greater losses of Potassium. Magnesium has a property of keeping Potassium in the cells and from being depleted from the cells.

Excess salt causes the loss of 9 times more potassium than when the salt intake is limited. In a potassium deficiency, the volume of blood increases and BP is elevated. High BP is virtually unknown where little salt is used. Decrease the sodium intake, not a severe restriction of salt – not a wise option.

High BP caused by salt toxicity can be decreased or prevented by generous amounts of choline, vit B5, B2, C and potassium

Diets deficient in potassium resulting in high BP are from eating junk foods. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for your natural source of potassium. Richest source – cooked green leafy vegetables.

Damaged kidneys – potassium is lost more quickly

Carbohydrates cause salt and water to be retained in the body

Cholesterol

Deposition of cholesterol in kidney arteries reduces the oxygen supply, releases the hormone to elevate the BP. Vit E, reducing the need for oxygen, can delay the high BP. High BP hastens the deposition of fatty substances and makes the condition worse.

Vitamin C,  L-Lysine and Proline

A high intake of Vit C and the amino acids L-Lysine and Proline are key to the structure and flexibility of the blood vessels. It enables the vessels to withstand high pressure without bursting. When deficient, blood vessels bruise easily. If your teeth gums bruise after brushing your teeth, this is an indication of a low level of Vit C, L-Lysine and Proline in your tissues.

Stress!

Increases BP and prepares the body for “fight or flight”. Emotional stress causes the pressure to rise by contraction of tiny muscles in the arterial walls. Such hypertension continues as long as the emotions exist. If the emotions are expressed, the BP subsides.

ACTION: Steps to take to reduce high BP:

– Eat small frequent meals

– Restrict on the salt intake or take 5 to 20g of Potassium Chloride or other potassium salts daily as an effective way of reducing high BP. (Buy and use Vita C Cal Mag with Potassium by Max Up – contains Vitamin C, Magnesium and Potassium as well as Maximum Immunity by Max Up to build strong, smooth and flexible blood vessels as well as repair them)

– Increase cholin intake (best source from lecithin)

– Vit C & E to prevent blood vessels from breaking easily. Vit E can increase the strength of the heartbeat – elevates BP – take 300iu at first and gradually increase to 600iu. Vit E can prevent the destruction of cells in a haemorrhage

– All nutrients to meet the demands of stress

– All nutrients to lower cholesterol

– All nutrients to rebuild kidney tissues

– Remove as much stress

An ideal diet must gradually rebuild damaged blood vessels, kidneys, heart and brain.

References: Nutrition advice by Adelle Davis. Dr Rath

by Allan Wohrnitz (BSc)