Dr. John W. Phelts, D.C. sees many people who have high blood pressure at Phelts Chiropractic P.C. located in the grand central area of Manhattan.  Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure in your arteries.  When taking blood pressure , two values are recorded.  The first is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting and pushing blood through the arteries.  This is known as the systolic pressure and is the top number in the results.   The second reading is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between contractions.  This is called the diastolic pressure and is the bottom number in the results.  The higher the pressure, the harder the heart has to work to distribute blood throughout the body.   So, it is important to regulate blood pressure to keep the heart from over exertion.  This can be done naturally through nutrition.

The body uses an amino acid called arginine to make nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, which reduces blood pressure.  Supplementing with L-Arginine can help lower blood pressure.  However, in some individuals L-Arginine has no effect.  L-Arginine must be converted into nitric oxide to have its affect.   Some people are deficient in the nutrients necessary for the conversion process.  These individuals may need to supplement with both L-Arginine and niacin to see results. 

Blood pressure can also be affected by the viscosity of blood.  Some individuals have “thicker” blood than others.  They produce more fibrinogen and thrombin and are at higher risk for stroke.  In this case, taking supplements that breakdown fibrin will help to reduce blood pressure.  These would include proteolytic enzymes, Boswellia extract, ginkgo biloba, turmeric and ginger. 

One of the main functions of the kidneys is to regulate blood pressure by modulating blood volume.  Consuming nutrients that support the kidneys can help to manage blood pressure.  These may include vitamin A from the liver, carotenoids from orange and yellow vegetables, rice bran, beets, L-leucine, and L-Valine.

Blood vessel elasticity is another factor affecting blood pressure.  Reduced elasticity produces more resistance to blood flow. This can be caused by a deficiency in nutrients required for elasticity.  Nutrients like collagen and manganese may help improve elasticity.  It can also be caused by atherosclerosis, which is a result of inflammation and scarring of the arties.  Proteolytic enzymes can reduce scarring.  Avoiding inflammatory foods like fried foods can help prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis.  A protein produced by the liver called homocysteine, also inflames and damages arteries.  Avoid foods that increase homocysteine like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and NutraSweet.  Supplement with vitamins that can decrease homocysteine like folic acid, B12, B6, B3, and Betaine.

Certain hormones increase blood pressure.  The hypothalamus releases anti-diuretic hormone.  The adrenal glands release aldosterone.  Taking supplements that help support these tissues may help regulate your blood pressure.

Dr. John W. Phelts, D.C. performs simple non-invasive applied kinesiology tests to determine which nutrients may help to modulate your blood pressure.  He also recommends lifestyle changes and dietary changes.  Call our mid-town Manhattan office at 212-286-2012 to schedule your first appointment with us.  We are located on the East side and serve the 10016, 10017, and 10018 zip codes.  We are only two blocks from Grand central station.