Health Letter - Volume 1, Issue 4

Hypertension Blood Pressure

This Blood Pressure article will sound complicated and overwhelming but it is worth your while to read the whole article.  We will show you ways of controlling your blood pressure or simply eliminating the problem.  This article is important to read for complete success in solving your blood pressure issues.  A GLOSSARY at the end or on the last page will help you with difficult terms.

Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and recorded as two numbers that represent systolic (peak pressure, shown first) and diastolic (base pressure, shown second). Either or both numbers can be elevated. When the first number is the only one elevated the condition is called Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH); when the lower number is elevated it is called Diastolic Hypertension.

Optimal blood pressure is below 120/80mm Hg. When a person has a reading above 140/90, she/he is considered to have high blood pressure. In the past, many physicians relied on diastolic blood pressure to diagnose hypertension. Recent research, however, has found that diastolic blood pressure rises until about age 55 and then declines, while systolic blood pressure increases steadily with age.

Systolic hypertension (ISH) is a major threat to health, especially for older people. Many older Americans suffer from ISH, defined as a systolic reading at or above 140mm Hg and diastolic reading under 90mm Hg. In fact, for older Americans, ISH is the most common form of high blood pressure: 65% of all hypertensives older than age 60 have ISH. Unfortunately, many older Americans do not have their blood pressure under control.

For many years we were taught that diastolic blood pressure counts more. That may be true for younger people but we now know that, as people get older, systolic blood pressure becomes more important. If you are middle aged or older, systolic blood pressure is a better blood pressure indicator than diastolic of your risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the first- and third-leading causes of death among Americans. High blood pressures can lead to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney damage, dementia, and blindness. While it can be cured, systolic hypertension can be treated and its complications prevented.

Diastolic Hypertension occurs when the lower number is sustained at levels greater than 90mm Hg.

Primary (essential) hypertension: In many cases, hypertension occurs without any symptoms whatsoever, and has no known cause. These patients are classified as having "essential" hypertension. While heredity is a predisposing factor, the exact mechanism is unclear. Environmental factors (e.g. dietary sodium, obesity, stress) seem to act only in genetically susceptible persons.

Secondary hypertension: Only about 5% of people have a cause for their elevated blood pressure (such as pre-existing kidney disease) that can be reversed and this places them in the category of "secondary" hypertension. This condition is associated with kidney disease (e.g. chronic glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis, polycystic renal disease, collagen disease of the kidney, obstructive uropathy) or pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism, hyperthyroidism, myxedema, coarctation of the aorta, or renovascular disease. It may also be associated with the use of excessive alcohol, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics, corticosteroids, cocaine, or licorice root.  Hypertension can also be drug induced.

Pulse Pressure: Although current guidelines for the management of high blood pressure (BP) rest almost completely on the measurement of systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) blood pressure, a new study has found that something known as the "pulse pressure" may actually be a better predictor of heart disease risk. The pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures. For example someone with a blood pressure of 120/80 has a pulse pressure of 40.

This study was a meta-analysis combining the results of several studies, including nearly 8,000 elderly patients. A 10mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was found to increase the risk of major cardiovascular complications and mortality by nearly 20%. The authors contend that this association of pulse pressure to risk of heart disease helps to explain the apparent elevations in risk associated with low diastolic pressure. The authors of the study note that some high blood pressure medications may actually increase the pulse pressure. For example, if someone has an elevated BP of 150/95 (pulse pressure = 55) and medication brings it down to 140/80 (pulse pressure = 60), then according to this study's findings, this person may actually be at GREATER risk of heart disease than before.

Signs & Symptoms
Primary hypertension is usually without symptoms until complications develop in target organs (e.g. left sided heart failure, atherosclerotic heart disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency with or without stroke, renal failure). Dizziness, flushed face, headache, fatigue, epistaxis (nasal bleeding), and nervousness are not caused by uncomplicated hypertension.

Diagnosis & Tests
To find out if you have ISH - or any type of high blood pressure - see your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly. Everyone - including children - should have their blood pressure measured every time they see a doctor. Special attention should be paid when there is a family history of hypertension requiring at least annual measurements beginning at age 20.

Recent work possibly explains the cause of 30-40% of essential hypertension. Parathyroid Hypertensive Factor (PHF) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid gland. When elevated, it can cause any increase in blood pressure. PHF levels can be tested, and elevated levels could serve to predict salt sensitivity, and calcium treatment responsiveness. Meridian Valley Laboratory in Seattle, Washington is one lab that does this test.  It would be important to find out why the Parathyroid is dysfunctional being that it is related to calcium uptake and bone density.

Diagnosis of primary hypertension depends on repeatedly demonstrating higher-than-normal systolic and/or diastolic blood-pressure (BP) and excluding secondary causes.

At least two BP determinations should be taken on each of 3 days before a patient is diagnosed as hypertensive. More BP determinations are desirable for patients in the low hypertension range and especially for patients with fluctuating BP. Normal BP are much lower for infants and children. Sporadic higher levels in patients who have been resting for greater than 5 minutes suggest an unusual liability of BP that may precede sustained hypertension. For example, office or white coat hypertension refers to BP that is consistently elevated in the physician's office but normal when measured at home or by ambulatory BP monitoring.  This is known as white coat syndrome”.

Treatment & Prevention
Primary hypertension can be cured, but treatments are tailored to each patient. It is estimated that only 24% of hypertensive patients in the USA have their BP controlled to less than 140/90mm Hg, and 30% are unaware that they have hypertension.

No one need put his or her health at risk from uncontrolled hypertension, but treatment for hypertension must begin early to prevent organ damage - whatever the patient's age. Treatment options for ISH are the same as for other types of high blood pressure, in which both systolic and diastolic pressures are high. Except in patients over 65 years of age, the goal of therapy should be to reduce blood pressure to less than 135/80mm Hg or as near to this level as tolerable. Measuring BP at home is generally a good idea with adequate training and equipment.

You should try to achieve normal pressure through lifestyle and diet changes such as extra rest, moderate weight reduction, reduced salt (NaCl) intake, dietary potassium (K) supplementation, exercising and selected nutrient supplementation as a first attempt in an effort to avoid medications. Meditation and other therapies (e.g. biofeedback) have also been found to be effective.

Dietary restrictions can help control diabetes mellitus, obesity, and blood lipid abnormalities. In cases of low grade hypertension, weight reduction to ideal levels, modest dietary sodium restriction to less than 2gm per day, and alcohol consumption to less than 1oz per day may make drug therapy unnecessary. An exercise habit should be started, and smoking stopped.

Lifestyle modifications alone are sometimes not as effective as conventional antihypertensive drug therapy. Patients with uncomplicated hypertension need not restrict their activities as long as their BP is controlled.  If you include the proper supplementation with lifestyle, the blood pressure should return to normal.

Complications
There are no early pathologic changes that occur in primary hypertension. Ultimately, hardening of the arteries develops, where it is particularly apparent in the kidney (nephrosclerosis). Left sided heart muscle enlargement and, eventually, dilation develop gradually. Coronary, cerebral, aortic, renal, and peripheral atherosclerosis are more common and more severe in hypertensives because hypertension accelerates the thickening of artery walls. Hypertension is a more important risk factor for stroke than for atherosclerotic heart disease.  The bodies innate intelligence knows to thicken the artery walls to prevent a rupture.

An untreated or poorly-treated hypertensive patient is at great risk of disabling or fatal left-sided heart failure, heart attack, stroke (cerebral hemorrhage or infarction), severe circulatory problems, or kidney failure at an early age.

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke and one of three risk factors (along with cigarette smoking and hypercholesterolemia) predisposing to coronary atherosclerosis. Higher the BP creates more severe changes in the retina, the worse the prognosis. Effective medical or nutritional control of hypertension will prevent or forestall most complications and will prolong life in patients with ISH or diastolic hypertension.

Peaks of fluctuating hypertension can be as strong a risk factor for cardiovascular disease as established (sustained) hypertension. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death among treated hypertensive patients. Systolic BP is a more important predictor of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events than diastolic BP. In a follow-up of men screened for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, overall mortality was related to systolic BP, regardless of diastolic BP.

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Hypertension

Lab Values - Common

Counter - indicators

Symptoms - Head - Ears

Some patients may notice a "swishing" noise in either ear with each heartbeat. This sound may occur as blood flows past a blockage in a carotid artery.

Symptoms - Head - Nose

Recurrent nosebleeds are a sometimes a sign of an underlying disorder, such as hypertension, a bleeding disorder, or a tumor of the nose or sinuses.

Conditions that suggest Hypertension

Circulation

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually a hereditary disorder, although incidence of this form of cardiomyopathy may also be higher in people with hypertension.

Lab Values - Common

Mental

Hypertension is a risk factor for reduced circulation in the brain, sometimes called ischemic vascular dementia (IVD).

Musculo-Skeletal

Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.

Organ Health

High blood pressure can affect the vessels in the eyes; some blood vessels can narrow and thicken / harden (arteriosclerosis). There will be flame-shaped hemorrhages and macular swelling (edema). This edema may cause distorted or decreased vision and is a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy.

Risk factors for Hypertension

Addictions

Malignant hypertension and renovascular hypertension are more common in people who smoke. Approximately 15% of hypertension is attributable to smoking. Smoking interferes with the metabolism of multiple anti-hypertensive medications, neutralizing their effectiveness.

Circulation

Diet

Researchers estimate that 26% of Americans with normal blood pressure and about 58% of those with high blood pressure may be salt sensitive. [Feb. 16, 2001 supplemental issue of Hypertension]

Family History

Heredity is a predisposing factor, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Environmental factors such as dietary sodium, obesity and stress seem to act only in genetically susceptible persons.

Hormones

Lifestyle

Metabolic

Nutrients

One study found that high dose fish oil can produce a small but significant reduction in blood pressure in men with essential hypertension. [NEJM, April 20, 1989; 320: pp.1037-1043.]

An Alabama researcher found that lack of enough sunshine exposure may increase risk of hypertension in blacks and other dark-skinned people. Those with greater amounts of pigment in the skin require six times the amount of ultraviolet B (UVB) light to produce the same amount of vitamin D3 found in lighter-skinned people.

Organ Health

As IgAN progresses, it is common for patients to develop high blood pressure. It is very important to treat hypertension by whatever means are necessary, because hypertension itself greatly increases the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease.

Personal Background

Hypertension occurs more often in black adults (32%) than in white (23%) or Mexican American (23%) adults, and morbidity and mortality are greater amongst blacks.

Respiratory

Hypertension is prevalent in patients with OSA, although the exact relationship is unclear. It has been shown, however, that treating OSA can modestly lower blood pressure.

A study from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine suggests that sleep apnea is a risk factor for chronic hypertension and heart disease. [New England Journal of Medicine May 2000]

Supplements and Medications

A side-effect of treatment with prednisone can be hypertension.

Current birth control pill use
Statistics now show that the wide use of the Pill has given rise to health hazards such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease on a scale previously unknown in medicine.

Symptoms - Food - Beverages

Caffeine raises the production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol causes the blood vessels to constrict and the heart to pump harder, which leads to high blood pressure. Studies have shown that coffee seems to worsen the symptoms of persons with high blood pressure, and can nullify the effect of high blood pressure medications, making expensive drugs useless.

Symptoms - Food - Intake
Counter-indicators

A study of 9,600 Americans found that those who ate plenty of legumes had lower blood pressure and were less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. [Archives of Internal Medicine 2001; 161: pp.2573-8].

Hypertension suggests the following may be present
 
Diet

Researchers estimate that 26% of Americans with normal blood pressure and about 58% of those with high blood pressure may be salt sensitive. [Feb. 16, 2001 supplemental issue of Hypertension]

Habits

Those with high blood pressure should have a yearly eye examination.

Musculo-Skeletal

Gout is strongly associated with obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.

Uro-Genital

Hypertension can lead to:

Circulation

Mental

Hypertension is a risk factor for reduced circulation in the brain, sometimes called ischemic vascular dementia (IVD).

Recommendations and treatments for Hypertension

Amino Acid / Protein

Lysine has a beneficial effect on high blood pressure.

Botanical

 One effect of Ginkgo extract is that of promoting vasodilation and blood flow.

One study found that aged garlic extract at 7.2gm per day reduced total and LDL cholesterol, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Diet

At least a half dozen controlled studies of patients with hypertension concluded that short-term weight loss is usually associated with a reduction of blood pressure. In patients who experienced a weight loss of 11.7 kg ( about 25.7 lbs), an average blood pressure reduction of -20.7/-12.7mm Hg was recorded. A similar study found that a decrease in blood pressure of -2.5/-1.5mm Hg per kilogram of reduction of weight, and further demonstrated a significant correlation between weight change and blood pressure change.

Raw Food Diet
In a study of 32 patients whose diets were changed to include 62% of calories from raw foods, their mean diastolic pressure reduction was 17mm Hg. This study was conducted over a period of 6 months. Of these patients, 28 were also overweight. [South Med J 1985 Jul; 78(7): pp.841-4]

Increased Legume Consumption
A study of 9,600 Americans found that those who ate plenty of legumes had lower blood pressure and were less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. [Archives of Internal Medicine 2001;161: pp.2573-8].

Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption
Fruit and vegetable consumption (a minimum of five portions daily) was associated with modest reductions of systolic and diastolic blood pressures in a controlled study of 690 healthy people ages 25-64. [Lancet May 28, 2002]

High/Increased Fiber Diet
A study suggests that oatmeal can improve blood pressure and reduce drug costs for 60 million hypertensive Americans. The study found that 73% of participants, each of whom who ate oat cereal daily for 12 weeks, were able to reduce or eliminate their need for blood pressure medication. Consumption of high-fiber cereals is an easy and simple way for a person to increase total and soluble fiber intakes, thus helping to reach the dietary fiber goal of 25-30gm per day. [Preventive Medicine in Managed Care; March 1, 2002]

Therapeutic Fasting
Fasting is a way to correct high blood pressure without drugs. Fasting will normalize blood pressure in the vast majority of cases; the blood pressure will remain low after the fast if a person follows a health-supporting diet and lifestyle.

Plant-Based Nutrition
The prevalence of hypertension among vegetarians is about one-third to one-half that of non-vegetarians [1-3]. A study of Caucasian Seventh-day Adventists found hypertension in 22% of omnivores, but only 7% of vegetarians. Among African Americans, the prevalence was 44% of omnivores and 18% of vegetarians [3]. Adopting a vegetarian diet significantly lowers blood pressure in both normal and hypertensive individuals [4-8].
 
1. Ophir O, Peer G, Gilad J, Blum M, Aviram A. Low blood pressure in vegetarians: the possible role of potassium. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37: pp.755-62
2. Melby CL, Hyner GC, Zoog B. blood pressure in vegetarians and non-vegetarians: a cross-sectional analysis. Nutr Res 1985;5: pp.1077-82
3. Melby CL, Goldflies DG, Hyner GC, Lyle RM. Relation between vegetarian/nonvegetarian diets and blood pressure in black and white adults. Am J Publ Health 1989;79: pp.1283-8
4. Rouse IL, Armstrong BK, Beilin LJ, Vandongen R. Blood-pressure-lowering effect of a vegetarian diet: controlled trial in normotensive subjects. Lancet 1983;1: pp.5-10
5. Rouse IL, Belin LJ, Mahoney DP, et al. Nutrient intake, blood pressure, serum and urinary prostaglandins and serum thromboxane B2 in a controlled trial with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet. J Hypertension 1986;4: pp.241-50
6. Margetts BM, Beilin LJ, Armstrong BK, Vandongen R. A randomized controlled trial of a vegetarian diet in the treatment of mild hypertension. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1985:12: pp.263-6
7. Margetts BM, Beilin LJ, Vandongen R, Armstrong BK. Vegetarian diet in mild hypertension: a randomized controlled trial. Br Med J 1986;293: pp.1468-71
8. Lindahl O, Lindwall L, Spangberg A, Stenram A, Ockerman PA. A vegan regimen with reduced medication in the treatment of hypertension. Br J Nutr 1984;52: pp.11-20

Caffeine raises the production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which causes the blood vessels to constrict and the heart to pump harder, which leads to high blood pressure. Studies have shown that coffee seems to worsen the symptoms of persons with high blood pressure, and can nullify the effect of high blood pressure medications, making expensive drugs useless.

An increased risk of developing or increasing hypertension was associated with drinking one or more cups of coffee per day depending on the person s sensitivity to caffeine and coffee.

The relationship between dietary fats and blood pressure has not been definitively answered. However, evidence suggests that the multiple components of the "Mediterranean diet", i.e. low saturated fatty acids (SFAs), high monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and carbohydrate, fiber, and micronutrient content have favorable blood pressure effects, and therefore that this diet is desirable for health. Dietary MUFAs may have a greater protective effect than initially realized.

Digestion

Not recommended:

While bromelain is considered to have very low toxicity, caution is advised when treating individuals with hypertension. One report has indicated that those with pre-existing hypertension might experience tachycardia following high doses of bromelain. [Hawaii Med J 1978; 37: pp.143-6]

Drug
Not recommended:

GHB should be avoided in cases of severe hypertension.

Habits

Mineral

If you have high blood pressure, reducing the level of salt in your diet will reduce your blood pressure. In some people with mild high blood pressure this could free them from blood-pressure-lowering medications entirely. In people with marked high blood pressure, it should mean that a reduction in medications is possible. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, particularly diuretics, let your doctor know that you are reducing your salt intake.

Salt restriction is recommended for those individuals with hypertension who are "salt-sensitive" or are prone to retaining sodium, gaining weight, and developing a rise in blood pressure as a result of a high-salt diet. Those who are "salt-resistant", on the other hand, do not experience change in weight or blood pressure on either high- or low-salt diets. For the salt-sensitive population, extreme amounts of salt restriction are not needed for improvement of blood pressure. Several studies have shown that diets containing 1600 to 2300mg of sodium per day are associated with average reductions in systolic pressure of -9 to -15mm Hg and in diastolic pressure of -7 to -16mm Hg in salt-sensitive individuals. Thus, salt restriction in this range is recommended in the dietary management of most individuals with hypertension.

The blood pressure lowering effect of supplemental potassium may be greater in patients receiving a high-salt diet. The amount of dietary potassium required to achieve this effect is, however, not easily obtained.

When potassium is removed from a healthy person's diet, blood pressure often goes up. If a person already has hypertension, low potassium will raise their blood pressure even further. This is the inverse of excess sodium. Potassium and sodium are needed in balance. Eating too much salt upsets this balance and also contributes to high blood pressure. Interestingly, reducing sodium does not lower blood pressure unless potassium is also increased.

Magnesium has a mild effect on lowering blood pressure and so is used to treat and prevent hypertension and its effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, it was demonstrated that oral magnesium resulted in a significant dose-dependent reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A mean reduction of 6mm Hg in diastolic pressure in patients with hypertension results in approximately 10% lower risk of coronary artery disease, and a 40% reduction in risk of strokes.

When magnesium levels are low, more calcium flows into the vascular muscle cells, which contracts them - leading to tighter vessels and higher blood pressure. Adequate magnesium levels prevent this.

Nutrient

Choline deficiency is associated with cardiac symptoms and hypertension.

Physical Medicine

The relaxation and exercise components of yoga have a major role to play in the treatment and prevention of high blood pressure. A combination of biofeedback and yogic breathing and relaxation techniques has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce the need for high blood pressure medication.

Out of 20 patients with high blood pressure who practiced biofeedback and yoga techniques, 5 were able to stop their blood pressure medication completely, 5 were able to reduce significantly the amount of medication they were taking, and another 4 experienced lower blood pressure at the end of a 3 month study.

Vitamins

A 1999 study found that in systolic and diastolic hypertension as well as elevated pulse rate, blood plasma vitamin C levels were reduced.

Preventive measures against Hypertension:

Botanical

Regular and substantial consumption of green tea may provide protective effect against hypertension.

Habits

One study of 6,000 healthy adults found a 52% increased risk for hypertension in sedentary individuals compared to those who were fit, while another study found a 35% increase.

Integrative medicine has two ways of working.  One way is by controlling the problem similar to Western medicine but without side effects so you are symptom free.  This way of treatment is important while you are working on eliminating the problem entirely.

The second way it works is by eliminating the entire problem as if it never existed to begin with.  This way is best but can take time to figure out how to reverse the damage that most likely took many years to create.

Most people would prefer the second way but it is important to handle it the first way and get the condition under control immediately with the least amount of medication.

The following protocol has been used for years with successful results:

First Phase

Dosage: starts at 2 tablets twice a day before meals.  Most cases can be reduced to 1 tablet twice a day after 30 days.

Dosage: starts at 15 drops under the tongue 3 times a day for 30 days following basic homeopathic guidelines.

Dosage: starts at 2 capsules twice a day for 30 days then reduce to 1 capsule twice a day.

Dosage: starts at 2 capsules twice a day before meals for 60 days then 1 capsule twice a day.

This program should start working within 24 hours.  If you are on medication you may want to discuss with your doctor on how to reduce medication. Most people know how to decrease medication on their own.  It is possible for blood pressure to drop so low that you feel fatigue, so keep an eye on your pressure while you are on the conversion between drugs and supplements.

There have been many cases reported after 3 or 4 months of controlling their blood pressure with this program the patient no longer needed to take anything to control their blood pressure.

Second Phase

This phase is designed to return your health to where it was before you ever had a blood pressure issue.
In order to be successful you must first work on discovering the cause of the blood pressure problem.

Elevated blood pressure can come from the organ or gland or blood vessel dysfunctions:

Adrenal glands, Liver, Kidney, Blood vessels, Stroke, and for intermittent elevation issues, Emotions and stress.

Sometimes this can be discovered by reviewing your genetic dispositions or past health history events.

First areas to examine are: Adrenals, Hydrochloric acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Liver/Gallbladder, calcium, and B vitamins.

When you are ready for Second Phase it is best to request help by email from help@healingedge.net or speak to a licensed health professional that is trained in integrative medicine.

Allergies Hayfever Possibly Autoimmune

More than 50 million people in the United States have allergies.  This leaves 300 million people without allergies. You can be one of the 300 million with a little investigating on your behalf.

Allergies come from many sources and can be eliminated.  It is first important to examine what you may be allergic too.

The first and most important thing to do is recognize when your allergies are at there worst.  Simplify this by: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Inside, Outside, after Eating, at Work, Driving, or around Animals.

Next you need to list all your symptoms that you are calling an allergy.  This includes skin symptoms, itching and blurred vision.

A common allergy is caused by Dust Mites which is an indoor allergy and commonly found in bedding material and mattresses.  This is the easiest allergy to solve.

To strengthen the body against allergies the following program has been used:

First Phase

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily before meals for 60 to 90 days.  The bowel movement can improve or change during the use of this product.

Dosage: 2 capsules 3 times daily between meals for 60 to 90 days.  The bowel movement can improve or change during the use of this product.

Dosage: ˝ a dropper full 3 times a day under the tongue.  Hold for 1 minute or longer and swallow.

Dosage: 2 to 5 tablets 3 times a day for 4 weeks then dosage can be reduced to 2 tablets 3 times a day for 2 months.

Second Phase

This phase may be able to return your health to where it was before you had symptoms of allergies.

In order to be successful you must first work on discovering the cause of the allergy reactions.

Many allergies are caused by different types of medication including over the counter ones.

Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome is a common cause of some allergies involving the gastrointestinal system.

Sometimes this can be discovered by reviewing your genetic dispositions or past health history events.

First areas to examine are: Diet, work environment, stress levels, medication taken daily and entire past health history from birth.

When you are ready for Second Phase it is best to request help by email from help@healingedge.net or speak to a licensed health professional that is trained in integrative medicine.

Brain Chemistry Depression Anxiety Insomnia

Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia in almost all cases is related to our brain chemistry and the same or similar brain chemicals.  There are different kinds of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.  To eliminate these symptoms it is important to discover the details of the condition.  It is common in patients who have one of these conditions to have another one.  The worst of the 3 conditions is the insomnia.  Lack of sleep can lead to depression, anxiety, pain, and immune deficiency.

The first thing that needs to be discovered is the condition situational or chronic.  Situational most often has a known cause.  Chronic is long term more then 3 months and sometimes the cause is unknown.  Proper research can lead to discovering the cause of any of these conditions.

In many case these condition are easy to reverse with very little investigation.  If someone has 2 or all 3 of these s condition it is best to work on the insomnia first.  Solving insomnia can eliminate the other 2 conditions entirely. 

There is a new therapy in the US that came from 6 years of research in Germany that is FDA licensed.  This therapy treats all 3 conditions with only 10 sessions.  This therapy is designed to balance the chemistry in the brain back to normal.  We are not yet ready to recommend this therapy until we do further investigation for its success, safety, and side effects.  With everything Healing*Edge recommends we do our due diligence which we abbreviate SSS which stands for success, safety and side effects.  If the therapy is approved under our SSS guidelines it does not need to be FDA licensed for Healing*Edge Sciences to recommend it.  We should know more about this new therapy by August 2008 and will report in it in the August News Letter.

When you are dealing with any of these conditions your diet should be free of the following:  Caffeine, chocolate, synthetic sweeteners, diet pills, diet soft drinks, and drugs known to cause these symptoms.  Remember these conditions are not diseases they are only symptoms of chemical imbalances or some other underlying infection in the brain or body.

The following programs have helped many people regulate their brain chemistry back to normal.  The changes can be permanent if the underlying cause is discovered and corrected.

 First Phase - Insomnia

Dosage: Shake well 20 to 25 drops in water or mouth 15 minutes before bedtime.

Dosage: 1 capsules one hour before bedtime.

Dosage: 2 capsules before breakfast and lunch.

Dosage: 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 to 3 capsules one hour before bedtime.

First Phase - Depression

Dosage: 2 capsules upon rising and 2 capsule before lunch daily.  Take with water only and avoid dairy for one hour.

Dosage: 2 capsules upon rising and before lunch.

Dosage: 2 capsules before breakfast and lunch.

Dosage: 2 tablets before breakfast and before lunch.

First Phase - Anxiety

Dosage: 2 capsules upon rising and 2 capsule before lunch daily.  Take with water only and avoid dairy for one hour.

Dosage: 2 capsules before breakfast and lunch.

Dosage: 15 drops under the tongue 3 times a day or more if needed.

Dosage: 1 capsule upon rising and 1 capsule before lunch.

Second Phase

First we recommend reading a new book released from France called Joy over Fear”.  Knowledge is most often the only thing you need to get over a health challenge.  This book is so new it is only available in download form.

To help clients resolve these conditions on a more permanent level this will take a health assessment to be completed.

 

Gas Bill As promised we will teach you how to lower your home gas bill.

During the winter months homes use the most amount of gas each time they the heater turns on.  In the attic of the average home there is between 50 and 100 yards of duct work that runs between the heater unit and vents also known as regulators or grills.  This duct work also known as ductwork or Flexible ducts is connected on the heater side and the vent or regulator side.

To start you should turn on your heater and then enter the attic.  If it feels quite a bit hotter in the attic then you can be sure you are wasting gas.  The duct work should be checked on both ends to make sure there are no leaks.  Also the duct work itself can have cracks or breaks in them and may need to be replaced or re-duct taped.  It has been known that 9 out of 10 homes have duct work that needs to be repaired.  This will also force more heat in the home and the heater will not have to run as long.  The average home will save $20.00 or more per month after you make all the repairs.

If you plan to hire a heating company to repair the problem you may be better off hiring a handyman.  Part of the problem is a result of having a heating company do the original work to begin with.

During each News Letter we will be supplying information that will save you money and time.  Every 12 News Letter should save the average person between $500.00 and $1000.00 dollars per year.

NOTE: All articles are written following the strict guideline of Government regulations.  Unfortunately many things cannot be written or clarified in the way we would like and the way that would benefit you best. We will do our best to help you see results.

GLOSSARY

Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.

Apnea
Cessation of breathing.

Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.

Arteriosclerosis
A common arterial disorder. Characterized by calcified yellowish plaques, lipids, and cellular debris in the inner layers of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries.

Atherosclerosis
Common form of arteriosclerosis associated with the formation of atheromas which are deposits of yellow plaques containing cholesterol, lipids, and lipophages within the intima and inner media of arteries. This results in a narrowing of the arteries, which reduces the blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain as well as to other parts of the body and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or loss of function or gangrene of other tissues.

BM
Bowel Movement

Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.

Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.

Carbohydrates (Carbohydrate)
The sugars and starches in food. Sugars are called simple carbohydrates and found in such foods as fruit and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates are composed of large numbers of sugar molecules joined together, and are found in grains, legumes, and vegetables like potatoes, squash, and corn.

Cardiac
Pertaining to the heart, also, pertaining to the stomach area adjacent to the esophagus.

Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Choline
A lipotropic substance sometimes included in the vitamin B complex as essential for the metabolism of fats in the body. Precursor to acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter in the brain. Choline prevents the deposition of fats in the liver and facilitates the movement of fats into the cells. Deficiency leads to cirrhosis of the liver.

Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.

Chronic Renal Failure (Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Kidney Failure, Renal Insufficiency)
(CRF) Irreversible, progressive impaired kidney function. The early stage, when the kidneys no longer function properly but do not yet require dialysis, is known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). CRI can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are not usually apparent until kidney disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and swelling, as well as possible anemia, fatigue, weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bad breath and itchy skin may develop as toxic metabolites, normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, build up to harmful levels. Over time (up to 10 or 20 years), CRF generally progresses from CRI to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, also known as Kidney Failure). Patients with ESRD no longer have kidney function adequate to sustain life and require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Without proper treatment, ESRD is fatal.

Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.

Congestive
Pertaining to accumulation of blood or fluid within a vessel or organ.

Corticosteroid (Corticosteroids)
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol
A hormone. Its most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat; it helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; it stems inflammation.

Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.

Dementia (Senile Dementia)
An acquired progressive impairment of intellectual function. Marked compromise exists in at least three of the following mental activity spheres: memory, language, personality, visuospatial skills, and cognition (i.e. abstraction and calculation).

Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.

Diastolic
Pertaining to the relaxation phase of the heartbeat, or period when the heart muscle is resting and filling with blood. When used in blood pressure readings (for example 120/80), it refers to the second/lower number.

Dietary Fiber (Insoluble Fiber, Insoluble Fibers, Soluble Fiber, Soluble Fibers)
There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge; it absorbs water and moves solid waste out of the intestines. It is found mainly in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, and legumes. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats and oat bran. It forms a gel when mixed with liquid producing a softer stool. It also prevents and reduces the absorption of certain substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.

Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.

Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.

Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of glomerulus. The glomerulus is part of a nephron, which in turn is the basic functional (working) unit of a kidney. Millions of nephrons acting together filter the blood to produce urine.

Gout
A disease characterized by an increased blood uric acid level and sudden onset of episodes of acute arthritis.

Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.

Hemorrhage (Hemorrhaging)
Profuse blood flow.

Hg
The chemical symbol for mercury, often used to indicate pressure measurements in either inches or millimeters.

Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Hypercholesterolemia
Excess cholesterol in the blood.

Hyperlipidemia
Increased cholesterol level: Elevated blood fats, either from heredity, from having so many calories in the diet that they are ending up as liver-synthesized storage fats, from an excessively anabolic metabolism. Also from a constellation of less common disease causes.

Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.

Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroid)
An abnormal condition of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones characterized by an increased metabolism and weight loss.

Ischemia (Ischemic)
Localized tissue anemia due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood. A decrease in the blood supply to a bodily organ, tissue, or part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.

ISH
Isolated Systolic Hypertension.

Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.

Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.

Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Also known as "bad" cholesterol, LDLs are large, dense, protein-fat particles composed of a moderate proportion of protein and a high proportion of cholesterol. Higher levels of LDLs are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lysine
Essential amino acid. Important for growth, tissue repair, and the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Research indicates that lysine may be useful in the treatment of migraine and herpes simplex. Precursor to carnitine in the body.

Magnesium
An essential mineral. The chief function of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate metabolism. Another role is to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle membranes. It is essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls many cellular functions. It is involved in protein formation, DNA production and function and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 percent of the body's magnesium is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in the fluid surrounding those cells.

Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.

Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.

Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.

Millimeter (Millimeters, mm)
A metric unit of length equaling one thousandth of a meter, or one tenth of a centimeter. There are 25.4 millimeters in one inch.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acid (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, MUFA, MUFAs)
A Monounsaturated Fatty Acid is missing one pair of hydrogen atoms in the middle of the molecule. The gap is called an "unsaturation". Monounsaturated fatty acids are found mostly in plant and sea foods. Olive oil and canola oil are high in monounsaturated fatty acids.

Myxedema
A condition arising from diminished thyroid function, characterized by hard swelling of subcutaneous tissue, hair loss, lower temperature, muscle debility, hoarseness and the slow return of a muscle to neutral position after a tendon jerk. Resulting thyroid cell destruction eventually progresses to thyroid failure.

Nephrosclerosis
Hardening of the kidney from overgrowth and contraction of the interstitial connective tissue.

Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.

Parathyroid (Parathyroid Gland, Parathyroid Glands, Parathyroids)
The four parathyroid glands are embedded near the thyroid, with two attached to each thyroid lobe, on opposites sides of the throat. Hormones from the parathyroid glands help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. These glands oversee the breaking down of bone cells to release more of these minerals into the blood; a hormone from the thyroid has the opposite effect, and builds up the bones. Control of this system depends on blood levels of calcium ions: low levels "turn on" hormone production to break down bone tissue, so that blood levels remain stable. It is important to absorb enough dietary calcium to avoid this breakdown of bone tissue.

Pheochromocytoma
Encapsulated tumor of the adrenal gland secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Potassium
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.

Pound (lb, lbs)
454 grams, or about half a kilogram.

Prognosis
A prediction (estimate) of the future course and outcome of a disease and an indication of the likelihood of recovery from that disease.

Prostaglandin (Prostaglandins)
Any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. A potent hormone -- similar in structure to an unsaturated fatty acid -- that acts in extremely low concentrations on local target organs; first isolated from the prostate.

Pyelonephritis (Pyelitis)
Inflammation of the renal pelvis. Pyelitis: An inflammation of the kidney pelvis, the interface between the urine-secreting inner surface of the kidney and the muscular ureter that drains into the bladder. It can be caused by kidney stones or an infection that has progressed up from the lower urinary tract. It alone is a serious condition; the next stage, pyelonephritis, since it involves the whole kidney, is still worse.

Retina (Retinal)
A 10-layered, frail nervous tissue membrane of the eye, parallel with the optic nerve. It receives images of outer objects and carries sight signals through the optic nerve to the brain.

Retinopathy
An eye disorder that does not cause inflammation but results from changes in the eye (retinal) blood vessels.

Riboflavin (B2, B-2, Vitamin B2)
A B-complex vitamin that acts as a coenzyme that activates the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is essential for cellular oxidation and necessary for healthy skin and eyes.

Saturated Fatty Acid (Saturated Fatty Acids, SFA, SFAs)
A saturated fatty acid has the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms attached to every carbon atom. It is said to be "saturated" with hydrogen atoms and at room temperature is a solid. Saturated fatty acids are mostly found in animal products such as meat and whole milk. Butter and lard are high in saturated fatty acids.

Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.

Sinuses (Sinus)
Four pairs of air pockets lined with membranes in the bones around the nose. The ethmoid sinuses are located on each side of the nose between the eyes; the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheek above the teeth and below the eyes; the sphenoid sinuses are located deeply behind the eyes; the frontal sinuses are located in the forehead.

Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.

Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.

Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).

Systolic
Pertaining to the contraction phase of the heartbeat, or the pressure in the arterial system caused by the heart as blood is being pumped out. When used in blood pressure readings (for example 120/80), it refers to the first/upper number.

Tachycardia
Excessively rapid heart rate.

Tumor (Tumors, Tumour, Tumours)
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm. Literally, a swelling; in the past the term has been used in reference to any swelling of the body, no matter what the cause. However, the word is now being used almost exclusively to refer to a neoplastic mass, and the more general usage is being discarded.

Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.

Vascular Dementia
Mental incapacity due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Vasodilation (Vasodilator)
Widening or enlarging of blood vessels, particularly arterioles, usually caused by nerve impulses or certain drugs that relax smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels.

Vegan (Veganism, Vegans)
A person who consumes no animal products of any kind. In other words, vegans do not consume meat, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, honey, or products containing gelatin or any other animal-derived ingredients such as whey powder or food colorings.

Vegetarian (Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian, Vegetarianism, Vegetarians)
A person who consumes no meat, fish or fowl (chicken, turkey, etc.), but who may consume animal products such as dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, etc.), eggs or honey.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.

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