Nutritional therapies and anti-aging research

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Nutritional therapies and anti-aging research
Nov 30, 2001
by Meschino, James
Dynamic Chiropractic



Reducing High Blood Pressure: Evidence-Based Natural Therapies

In day-to-day practice, many practitioners encounter patients with hypertension problems that are not being managed effectively. Some patients will discontinue with their prescribed medications because of undesirable side-effects, or for other reasons.

As natural health practitioners, we are often asked if there are any dietary supplements or nutritional therapies that can lower blood pressure in a more natural way without producing unwanted side-effects. Research studies conducted over the past 15 years support the use of specific dietary and. supplementation practices, and participation in physical activity as natural interventions to reduce high blood pressure. In some cases these natural solutions are all that are required to control blood pressure; in other cases theses practices can significantly lower the requirement for medication, helping to reduce the likelihood of adverse sideeffects occurring from the use of these drugs.

Trends in Hypertension

High blood pressure affects approximately 25 percent of the adult population in developed countries like the U.S. and Canada. In up to 75 percent of these cases, hypertension manifests in a mild form, which is highly sensitive to nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle practices.1,22 Even the most current medical literature stresses that people with documented hypertension should receive intensive nonpharmacologic therapies to improve control of their condition and reduce the risk of developing further cardiovascular disease.2 Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and cigarette smoking are considered the cardinal risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate that lowering a patient's blood pressure from 160/90 to 140/80 mmHg may decrease the risk of heart disease by more than 30 percent.3

From a medical standpoint, the use of anti-hypertensive drugs dominates the management of these conditions, and little attention is often given to nutrition and lifestyle approaches. However, many patients discontinue their drug regiment due to side-effects from these drugs, which can include fatigue; male impotence; elevated cholesterol levels; light-headedness; dizziness; and skin eruptions.4 In Canada, 22 percent of adults have hypertension, but only 16 percent of this population are treated and controlled. This leaves 84 percent of hypertensive patients uncontrolled and sometimes unaware that this silent killer is even present.5,6 In general, hypertension across the population is not well controlled. An effort by alternative health care providers to help remedy this situation is urgently needed, as cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of premature death in our society.

Effective Nutritional Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions

Weight loss: Hypertensive patients who are overweight experience a drop to normal in their readings in approximately two-thirds of cases by simply losing 10-15 pounds.7,8 Overweight patients tend to display insulin resistance, especially in cases where there is a propensity for abdominal weight gain (android obesity). Insulin resistance results in higher secretion rates of insulin to help overcome the resistance to insulin displayed by peripheral body cells.

One of the consequences of hyperinsulinemia is increased retention of sodium by the kidneys, which tends to drive up blood pressure in sodium-sensitive individuals. Thus, moderate weight loss helps to reverse insulin resistance, lowering basal and postprandial insulin blood levels. This, in turn, encourages less sodium retention and a natural lowering of blood pressure. It is estimated that in up to half of adults in the U.S. whose hypertension is being pharmacologically managed, the need for drug therapy could be alleviated with only modest reductions in body weight.9

In conjunction with dietary advice to help reduce excess weight, engaging in regular endurance-based exercise (at least 40-60 minutes of brisk walking four to five times per week) has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. Exercise further increases insulin sensitivity, accelerates weight loss, and induces other changes within the cardiovascular system to lower blood pressure.6,10 Clearly, health practitioners should become more involved in providing patients with safe and effective nutrition and lifestyle practices that reverse weight gain and enhance the patient's overall level of cardiovascular fitness.

Lower alcohol consumption: Studies indicate that excess alcohol consumption is a culprit in hypertension. Restricting alcohol consumption to two or fewer drinks per day (fewer than 14 weekly for men, and nine for women) has been shown to help lower blood pressure in individuals who consume alcohol.7

Sodium restriction: Approximately 40-50 percent of hypertensive patients are thought to be sensitive to sodium intake, which is at least a partial cause of their problem. Salt sensitivity appears to be more common among blacks, diabetics and the elderly. Reducing sodium intake to 2000 mg per day is a prudent step in the global management of hypertension. This requires restricted use of discretionary salt, and avoiding heavily salted processed foods (e.g., prepared soups, pickles, salted snacks, foods containing MSG, etc.).7.11,12,13


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