Managing Hypertension Anthology Series
A collection of posts looking at approaches to managing and reducing hypertension.
The following is a work-in-progress which scoured the literature to see what is available with respect to dealing with hypertension.
Here, the topics provided are looking at dynamics outside of purely pharmaceutical methods, looking at ion intake, supplements, and functional foods for hypertension.
Please remember that, like with all posts, the information provided is intended to be purely informative and not prescriptive- remember to always conduct further research and discuss personal approaches to managing hypertension with medical professionals.
Part I: Balancing Ions
Sodium tends to be the main ion in question when discussing hypertension. Most diets and recommendations may suggest a low-sodium diet, and many anti-hypertensive medications may act as diuretics to help balance sodium levels.
However, sodium is not the only ion responsible for hypertension. Rather, it’s a balance between various ions within the body that overall elicits a hypertensive effect.
Potassium, magnesium, and calcium are also highlighted in this post as key players in hypertension. Thus, it’s the balance of several ions that are critical in managing hypertension.
Part II- Vitamin C and Vitamin D
Vitamins greatly influence hypertension in the same way that ions do. The following post looked at two vitamins in particular; Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Information relating direct effects of these two vitamins are mixed, although it’s generally assumed that Vitamin C’s role as an antioxidant may help maintain endothelial function. Vitamin D appears to have a more direct role in inhibiting renin production and the downstream hypertensive effects.
This series will be further updated when I can return to it and add additional posts in the future, so please be on the lookout for more!