High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

As the blood flows around the body it exerts pressure on the artery walls. High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the pressure on the artery walls is above the normal level. This puts the circulatory system under considerable pressure and it may result in a stroke or heart failure if it is left untreated.

High blood pressure is often asymptomatic and is only picked up with some screening or routine recording of the blood pressure. The blood pressure rises gradually with age and mildly raised blood pressure is very common but is by no means serious.

High blood pressure may be caused by a number of nutritional deficiencies including:

fatty acids,
calcium, and
magnesium.
What you can do to help

Magnesium can be taken at 200 to 300 mg daily to help lower the blood pressure and to improve the balance of potassium, which is often reduced in high blood pressure. Potassium should not be supplemented but it is suggested that you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables daily to get adequate amounts of potassium.
Calcium may have a role in lowering the blood pressure and should be taken at 500 to 1,000 mg daily.
Fish oil supplements have been shown to lower blood pressure and should be taken daily.
Coenzyme Q10 has now been shown to reduce blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on the walls of the blood vessels. It should be taken at between 120 and 360 mg per day.
Garlic can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
If you smoke one of the best things that you can do is to quit. Try to find a program or group that will assist you with this process. (see ... for suggestions)
Get plenty of exercise (see for suggestions ....) and if you are overweight take steps to lose it. Excessive body weight is associated with high blood pressure.
Reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates and sugars that you consume.
Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.