hypertension

[filima]

Dear Docs

What is the best way to keep pressure down and not get to take stronger medicines. Currently on direuletics and that is where I want to leave it. Try to work the treadmill at least 30 mins a day but hooked on sweets (cakes, icecream, cookies). Any foods I need to increase in diet.

Thanks

[filima]

Update: had my check up and the doc's assistant said the peeing tabs were working. Pressure was 139/89...she said that was good.. To be honest I am not conviced. At 37 I think it should be lower - anyway going in over 2 weeks for another check. Now high on veggies.

Currently though I am dying of a serious gas issue and it seems like my back side is hurting like i need to go to the toilet for a long one....need to get this checked too!!:-(

[filima]

Thanks for the detailed info. Seems like I have to go vegetarian. I will ask my doc to take the Mg measure to check levels. Much apprepriated.

PS: Trying to do some exercise 30 mins at least each day and
this also probably means cut back on cakes, etc (sugars) :-(

[Red_Star]

If your magnesium level is too low, your blood vessels will constrict rather than relax, which will raise your blood pressure. Vitamin D is also a negative inhibitor of your body’s renin-angiotensin sys­tem (RAS), which regulates blood pressure. If you're vitamin D deficient, it can cause inappropriate activation of your RAS, which may lead to hy­pertension.  Studies indicate that vitamin C and E can be helpful in lowering blood pressure as well.

Good sources of magnesium include nuts and seeds such as peanuts, almonds, brazil, cashews, flaxseeds, sesame seeds;  wholegrains including oats, barley, millet, muesli and quinoa, wheat bran; green leafy vegetables (especially swiss chard and spinach) and beans. 50% of the magnesium may be lost during cooking.

The sun is the best source of vitamin D (at least 15 minutes of exposure a day) however if you live above the 35 degree latitude, there is no UVB rays (that create vitamin D) from November through to March. Very few foods contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils are among the best sources. Small amounts of vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.

Good sources of vitamin C include: parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and brussels sprouts.

Good sources of vitamin E include mustard greens, chard, sunflower seeds, turnip greens, almonds, and spinach.