Friday 21 January 2011

Functional Medicine Times: Naturally sourced blood pressure regulators -part two

Co-enzyme Q10 is just as effective as many anti-hypertensive drugs but without the side effects - it is one of the most potent supplements for lowering high blood pressure is co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) — a natural substance produced in the body. For many people, it can lower blood pressure as effectively as prescription medication and without the adverse side effects.

In a double-blind clinical trial, a group of 76 patients with hypertension took 60mg of CoQ10 or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the CoQ10 group had an average reduction of 18 points in their blood pressure, leading the researchers to conclude: CoQ10 may safely be offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option. This is no doubt a small study, but further research is ongoing.

But remember, not all CoQ10 is equal. Make sure you take only the best form of CoQ10, known as UBIQUINOL... it allows your body to absorb up to 8 times more beneficial CoQ10 than ordinary store-bought CoQ10.

Taurine and arginine – a powerful duo for keeping your blood pressure down

The amino acid taurine regulates blood pressure in two ways: by balancing the ratio of sodium to potassium in the blood (too much sodium or too little potassium cause blood pressure to rise) and also by reducing production of the hormone adrenaline, which raises blood pressure. Taking six grams of taurine a day for just one week could dramatically lower your systolic blood pressure by nine points.

Another amino acid that has a profound effect on blood pressure is arginine, which is thought to work by producing nitric oxide. This regulates the tone of the blood vessels and prevents them going into spasm, which constricts blood flow and raises blood pressure. Take six to ten grams of L-arginine daily.

Use these natural products and watch your blood pressure fall to acceptable levels - you will be glad you did.

To your abundant health,

Dr Ike
Functional Health Expert and Health Coach

References:

The Immune System and Hypertension. 'The Kidney and Blood Pressure Regulation', by Dr. David J Dzielak, Hypertension. 19(1) Supplement I:I-36-I-44, January 1992.

Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 63 (3, Suppl.): 423S-425S, 1996

Nutrition Reviews 47(10): 291-300, 1989

Lancet ii:742-3, 1983

New England J. Med. 329(18): 1177-82, 1989

Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 45(2): 469-75, 1987

J. Hypertens. 12: 1071-75, 1990

Medical Hypotheses 32:21-28, 1990; Eur, J. Clin. Pharmacol. 40(suppl.):49-51, 1991

Clinical Therapeutics 8(5):537-45, 1986

NEJM 1989; 320(16): 1037-43

Circulation 1987; 75(3): 525-32

Am J Hypertension 2000; 13: 547-551

No comments:

Post a Comment