Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

Nutrition Tips - High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is defined as the amount of pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries as the blood moves through them.

There are two measurements used to assess blood pressure:

· Systolic pressure is the blood pressure that is exerted when the heart beats and forces blood around the body.

· Diastolic pressure is the measure of blood pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is usually defined as having a sustained blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above; it affects as many as 40% of adults in the UK. It often causes no symptoms but is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In most cases of hypertension has no identifiable cause. Adopting the following life-style changes may help manage high blood pressure:

Regular moderate exercise of 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
Consuming alcohol within recommended levels (less than 21 units per week for men; and less than 14 units per week for women),
Eating a balanced, healthy diet; the inclusion of moderate amounts of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) has been found to reduce blood pressure.
Restricting your consumption of salt to less than 6g (0.2oz) a day. Salt may cause fluid retention and thereby cause pressure around the blood vessels which can lead to hypertension.
Increasing potassium intake. The sodium (salt) and potassium balance is critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of potassium, especially potatoes, bananas and prunes.
Losing weight.
Restricting caffeine consumption to less than five cups of coffee or tea a day
Reducing stress; exercise, breathing techniques and music may all help.

Some Key Supplements

Some key supplements, combined with life-style changes, can provide an alternative to medication for the management of high blood pressure.

Omega-3 fatty acids: The omega-3 EPA is a source of chemicals with major regulatory roles in blood pressure, blood clotting and inflammation. The omega-3 DHA is incorporated into the fatty membrane that surrounds cells; DHA gives the membrane a fluid structure, allowing messages to be sent rapidly between cells. Multiple human trials report small reductions in blood pressure with intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Coenzyme Q10: Oxidative modification of LDL cholesterol in arterial walls is linked to the development of heart disease; coenzyme Q10 inhibits the oxidation of LDL and regenerates vitamin E, which also prevents oxidative damage of fatty tissue. It is also necessary for the generation of energy. Preliminary research suggests that CoQ10 causes small decreases in blood pressure (systolic and possibly diastolic). 75-360mg has been taken daily, with the average daily dose being 225mg.

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE): Garlic (Allium sativum) is traditionally used for heart health. Human studies have reported that garlic can lower blood pressure.

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