Natural Ways To Control Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure

Concern ever high blood pressure and cholesterol are very common in today's world. As we age, our risk of having high blood pressure increases. On the other hand, cholesterol problems can begin even at a young age. Doctors commonly prescribe medications for blood pressure and cholesterol. However, most people are not aware that both of these conditions can be controlled by natural means. Blood pressure is evaluated by two measurements: systolic (the first number) and diastolic (the second number.) Normal readings should range between 120 and 140 on the systolic level and 80 and 90 on the diastolic

You can indulge in a fragrant body oil massage under a balmy palm tree feeling the trade winds breeze over your body and I haven't even mentioned the gourmet foods prepared by island chefs and the exotic fruit drinks you may enjoy any time of day. Those individuals who have age related hypertension (high blood pressure) may combat their condition with prescribed medications, but they may also experience side effects. One way to reduce high blood pressure is by taking celery seed extract, a natural diuretic. Usually two capsules per day will reduce blood pressure within a couple of days. Another option is to consume three or four celery stalks per day. Fish peptides, an extract from the Japanese Bonita fish, have been shown in clinical studies to reduce blood pressure. The fish peptides act in the same way as anti-ACE inhibitors (a drug for blood pressure). Fish peptides are 100% natural and do not have side effects. They should not be taken if you are on an anti-ACE inhibitor drug.


The Kuna Indians, who dwell on San Blas Island, are the only people who do not experience aged related hypertension. Medical researchers have studied the Kuna Indians to determine why they don't have blood pressure problems as they age, despite the fact that most of the Kunas consume more salt than we do. After careful study, the researchers determined that the Kunas consume a natural cocoa drink four to five times a day. Cocoa is abundant on their island and, in fact, when the Kunas move away from the island to Panama City, their blood pressure tends to go up. The researchers found that the cocoa contains natural flavanoids that reduce blood pressure. The secret is that you need to drink unrefined, unprocessed cocoa to achieve these results. Unprocessed cocoa is usually available in health food stores. Additional ways to reduce blood pressure include eating garlic or taking garlic supplements, potassium (from food) and magnesium gluconate or citrate.
In dealing with cholesterol, there are three readings you should be concerned about. They include LDL (low density lipoprotein,) HDL (high density lipoprotein,) and triglycerides. An easy way to remember is that you want the LDL (bad)cholesterol low (ideally under 3.0) and the high cholesterol (HDL) high (ideally over1.0). Ideally triglycerides should be under 1.0.

One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for cholesterol is Lipitor. Drugs such as Lipitor can have side effects including muscle fatigue and neuropathy. If you are taking Lipitor or a "statin" drug similar to Lipitor, you should supplement with Coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a co-factor nutrient that is mostly stored in the heart. Studies have shown that over time "statin" drugs reduce levels of CoQ10. Low levels of this nutrient can be detrimental to your heart. If you're taking a "statin" drug, take100mg of CoQ10 daily, preferably with food. CoQ10 needs fat to be properly absorbed in the body.
A product called Sytrinol is probably one of your best choices if you don't wish to take medication for cholesterol. Sytrinol is a patented product consisting of 70% polymethoxylated flavones and 30% tocotrienols. It has been studied for over ten years and has no reported side effects. The most recent study was completed in December of 2007. The study included 120 people between the ages of 19 and 65. Sytrinol reduced LDL (bad cholesterol) between 19% and 27%, total cholesterol by an average of 30% and even slightly increased HDL. The dosage used in the study was 300mg.
Another way of reducing cholesterol is to incorporate more fiber in your diet through foods like oat bran, apples, and oatmeal. Plant sterols (fats naturally found in plants) are effective in reducing cholesterol. When you eat nuts and seeds, you are consuming some plant sterols. Unfortunately, it would be almost impossible to consume enough sterols from food to reduce cholesterol. Research for over twenty years on plant sterols has shown a reduction of LDL by an average of 15%. Plant sterol supplements have no side effects but should not be taken if you have had an organ transplant because they increase the immune system and interfere with immunosuppressive drugs.

The products mentioned in this article are usually available in health food stores. More information may be obtained at: www.thehealthybug.com