Blood pressure can be defined as the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls as it circulates through the body. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher the pressure. When pressure is too high it negatively affects the arterial wall and the heart must work harder. Though it’s normal for blood pressure to rise temporarily from such things as exercise, stress, or emotions, in most people this rise is temporary. But in others high blood pressure is chronic, and if left untreated, can lead to serious medical problems.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can carry such symptoms as headaches, nosebleeds, and episodes of dizziness or sweating. But in most cases, patients are asymptomatic; for this reason, hypertension is often referred to as “the silent killer.” You could be symptom free until experiencing a heart attack or stroke, or suffering brain, kidney, or vision problems!

What do blood pressure numbers mean?
Blood pressure has two measurements: systolic and diastolic. These measures are represented as a fraction (e.g., 120/80). Systolic is the top or first number (i.e., 120) and is the amount of blood pressure when the heart is beating. The bottom or second number (i.e., 80) is the amount of blood pressure when the heart is at rest—in between beats. Readings are broken down into several categories:

Normal: Less than 120/80
Pre-hypertension: 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 hypertension: 160 and above/100 and above

Risk Factors
It is estimated that 1 in 3 American adults has hypertension.  Although this disorder can affect anyone, you are at higher risk if you: 

• are overweight
• are a man over the age of 45
• are a woman over the age of 55
• have a family history of hypertension
• are African American

It is important to note that hypertension is classified into one of two groups: essential or secondary. Essential, or primary, hypertension is the most common type—accounting for about 90 percent of all cases. A single, specific cause is not known. There are however many risk factors that have been identified:

• eating too much salt, fat, or sugar
• drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
• using stimulants
• eating a low potassium diet
• not doing enough physical activity
• taking certain medicines (e.g., birth control pills)
• smoking (causes a temporary rise in blood pressure)
• having an underlying medical disorder
• chronic stress
• heavy metal toxicity such as lead

Secondary hypertension is elevated blood pressure that results from an underlying, identifiable, and often correctable cause. Only about 5 to 10 percent of hypertension cases are thought to result from secondary causes. Patients with secondary hypertension are treated by controlling or removing the underlying disease or pathology, although they may still require anti-hypertensive medication.

Prescription Medicines
Medicines can control hypertension, but they cannot cure it. Once started, these medications need to be taken the rest of your life; although in many cases the dosage can be reduced over time if there are concurrent and adequate positive changes in diet and lifestyle and targeted nutritional supplements.

Dr. Stengler's Solutions

Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Consuming a diet rich in plant foods is one of the best ways to reduce blood pressure. There are a few reasons for this. First, plant foods are generally richer in blood pressure lowering potassium than animal products. Second, they are not loaded with sodium as found in many packaged foods. Societies that consume little salt (sodium chloride) have little problem with hypertension. You can reduce salt intake by not adding salt to your meals. Salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride can be helpful to reduce added amounts to food. However, most sodium comes from eating packaged foods or dining out. One teaspoon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. Limiting your sodium intake to 1500-2000 mg daily can help some individuals lower their blood pressure. Consult with your doctor on the optimal intake for you depending on your medical status.

The DASH diet, which stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" has been shown to reduce blood pressure. The DASH eating plan includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, and has low amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages. It is high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help lower blood pressure. Potassium is particularly important in reducing blood pressure.

Source: Nutrient values from Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 17.


Other foods which can help reduce blood pressure include celery, onions, garlic. Include these often in your diet. Lastly, a number of clinical studies show that consuming both dark chocolate 46-105 grams/day, providing 213-500 mg of cocoa polyphenols, modestly lowers systolic blood pressure. Pomegranate juice has been shown to reduce blood pressure, consume 4 to 8 ounces daily.

Reduce or avoid the intake of caffeine containing foods such as coffee, tea, chocolate, or soda pop as they can elevate blood pressure in some individuals.

Stop smoking as it acts as a vasoconstrictor to elevate blood pressure and do not consume more than one alcoholic drink a day. Regular exercise and weight loss will also help to lower blood pressure effectively. Dr. Stengler also recommends deep breathing exercises shown in studies to reduce blood pressure.

Supplements
Dr. Stengler uses a combination of nutritional supplements with patients to achieve lower blood pressure. Examples include hawthorn extract, dandelion leaf, coenzyme Q10, fish oil, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, casein hydrosylate, and others.

Praises from an 81-year old patient...

"At 81 years of age I suddenly got high blood pressure. Dr. Stengler solved it naturally with two different supplements that brought my blood pressure down in two weeks. They were HTN complex and Vasotensin.  I was reluctant to go the medical route and be prescribed a blood pressure medication. I have had neuropathy in my legs and arms for 5 years. The severe pains in my legs and arms prevented me from sleeping well. Dr. Stengler suggested the natural treatment acetyl-l-carnitine. Since taking it daily I've had great relief from pain and can now sleep through the night. At 81 years of age I am almost pain free, renewed energy, improved memory and a joie de vivre (joy of living). Thank you Dr. Stengler for your amazing intellect, caring and love for your patients."
Sincerely, Marjorie Shick-Lithgow - Saint George, Utah