What is “Blood Pressure?”
Blood pressure is the measure of the stress or force of the blood’s mass upon arteries in the body.
This force is based upon 4 factors:
- The energy created by the pump action of the heart to move blood.
- The elasticity of the walls of the arteries.
- The actual volume (amount) of blood present.
- The viscosity (thickness and stickiness) of the blood.
There are two components of blood pressure:
The Systolic measurement (blood moved away from the heart) is the maximum level of pressure created in arteries occurring near the end of the heart’s left ventricular contraction. Arteries carry this blood away from the heart and through the body.
The Diastolic measurement (blood moving into the heart) represents the minimum level of arterial pressure, which occurs while the left ventricle of the heart is refilling with blood. This number measures the blood returning to the heart, which is then sent to the lungs, by the right ventricle, where it becomes re-oxygenated before it begins its journey back through the left heart again and is pumped out through the arteries.
The numerical components of blood pressure are regulated by both the amount of blood that the heart pumps with each beat and the resistance to that blood flow out of and then back to the heart. The more blood pumped per beat, the greater the arterial elasticity and the lower the amount of heart beats necessary for proper circulation. Also the lower viscosity of well-nourished blood allows this “pumping machine” to perform at peak efficiency. Due to our uniqueness as individuals, each person pumps a slightly different amount of blood under different pressure, but pressure readings allow us to determine simplified norms for all to depend on.
The Silent Killers: Hypertension and Hypotension
We call a high blood pressure reading for systole, diastole (or both) readings “Bad” and the diagnosis of hypertension is given. Blood pressure that is too low is known as hypotension.
With new guidelines in effect, a reading of 120/80 now is considered a borderline high reading. Those within this range should perceive this as a warning and take action. This is a most important wake up call.
Hypertension is far more life-threatening than hypotension but both are referred to as the “silent killers” due to the difficulty in detecting the onset of the diseases. In the case of both high and low blood pressure, there is a strain on the body from reduced circulation. This added burden directly affects the major organs: the heart, kidney, lungs and all blood vessels. Over time, or often immediately, the systems weaken and the likelihood of damage intensifies.
Think about this:
Reduced circulation means less blood flow to tissues. This means that less oxygen and nutrients are carried to the cells, which in turn suppresses cell function. This then creates degeneration, an impaired immune system and so on.
The “ugly” of high blood pressure is that this is a rapidly growing problem in the U.S. and is a primary component in the “cardio-circulatory-disease package” we collectively refer to as heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. It leads to heart attacks, strokes, a shorter lifespan, and/or to many other very unpleasant and avoidable problems.
The “good” news about the blood pressure story is that if we are tested early on and there is a developing problem, we can head it off at the pass.
Many heart disease problems are preventable.
We are now able to address and improve these problems and in many cases eliminate this disease symptoms altogether. It all begins with health choices and lifestyle factors – especially diet. The other “good” part about blood pressure is that the recent medical guidelines of 120/80 being thought of as “pre” hypertension will alert us early on so that we can make life changes and choices immediately. Early detection opens our eyes to “primary prevention.”
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” — every time!
Primary Prevention and Correction
Most hypertension responds quickly to 3 primary factors:
(There are genetically induced hypertension tendencies which still can be naturally and easily improved upon with a little more effort)
- Reduced stimulation from emotional stress and/or stimulant abuse. More rest and recreation certainly helps here.
- Increased aerobic and mid-range anaerobic exercise promotes the strength and elasticity of the cardiovascular system.
- Re-balancing metabolic function by adjusting intakes of specific nutrients such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, selenium, cadmium, vitamin D, B2, and B12.
- There are both stimulating nutrients (i.e. sodium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, selenium, vitamins A, B6 & E) and calming nutrients (i.e. magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamins B2, B12 & D).
- Stimulating nutrients increase blood pressure while calming nutrients reduce blood pressure.
Order your BioCorrect Nutrition™ Analysis today to precisely know how your vitamin and mineral status is affecting your metabolism. This information can be used immediately to rebalance mineral abnormalities affecting your metabolism as a natural first step to primary prevention and correction!
Know Precisely What Your Body Needs
Learn more about how to rebalance your vitamins and minerals to naturally calm your blood pressure by referring to your BioCorrect Nutrition™ Analysis (BNA) report or order your BNA today. The BioCorrect Nutrition™ Analysis is a medically-proven, clinical laboratory test that measures 36 trace and toxic minerals in a patient’s hair sample; which correspond to an individual’s biochemical and metabolic status. With these test results; a personalized food and supplement plan is designed to safely biocorrect each person’s unique biochemistry into metabolic balance by eliminating the excesses and building up the deficiencies.
Stop the Guesswork… It’s In Your BNA!
Suggested Reading:
1. Tefft, GH. Your Personal Life. Westlake Village, CA: Angel Mind, 2006
2. Tefft, GH. For Your Body Only: Discover the Diet You Were Born to Eat. Dragon Door Publications, 2003
3. Watts, D.L. “Commonly Asked Questions About Hair Mineral Analysis.” US: Trace Elements, 1999
4. Watts, D.L. Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients. T.E.I., 1995.
These statements have not been directly evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease as a substitution for standard medical care.
