Hypertension

The unique characteristic of cancer stem cells allows them to slip under the radar from chemotherapy and increases their aggressive nature. They exhibit pro-survival mechanisms that makes them resistant to modern cancer treatment, yet susceptible to phytonutrients.

Nutrients like the “King of Spices” (turmeric) or piperine found in black pepper, assists in the elimination of H. pylori from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and prevents the release of toxins that promote cancer. Silymarin kills cancer stem cells that give rise to colon and skin cancer by upregulating powerful antioxidant systems like glutathione and SOD (superoxide dismutase) that suppress cancerous activity.

Relying on chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation is not sufficient to remove cancer from the body. Nutrients must be incorporated to kill cancer stem cells. Other powerful nutrients that target cancer stem cells include 6-gingerol, resveratrol, vitamin D3, and EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate).

Research has shown that populations with adequate calcium intake have a lower risk of high blood pressure, so eating an adequate amount of calcium is important. Dairy products such as low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese are good sources of calcium.

Drinking low-fat milk and milk products will provide both calcium and vitamin D, which are two nutrients that work together to reduce blood pressure. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is also essential to building strong, dense bones. Vitamin D plays an important role in protecting your bones and enhances the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

A diet low in magnesium can cause blood pressure to rise. But doctors don’t recommend taking extra magnesium to help prevent high blood pressure. The amount a person derives from eating a healthy diet is usually enough. Magnesium is found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dry peas and beans.

Spinach, a popular green salad delight, is low in calories, high in fibre, and packed with potassium, folate, and magnesium, which help lower and control blood pressure levels.

Rich in magnesium, unsalted sunflower seeds can be added to salads and vegetable dishes for an additional nut flavour. Because sunflower seeds are high in salt remember to avoid adding any additional salt to meals.

Beans are a cost-effective addition to any diet because of their nutritional benefits and versatility. Black, white, navy, lima, pinto, adzuki, and kidney beans contain soluble fibre, magnesium, and potassium – all of which help lower blood pressure.

Soybeans are another excellent source of potassium and magnesium. Edamame soybeans eaten straight out of the pod are a popular, healthy Japanese snack.

Potatoes contain the minerals magnesium and potassium, which regulate blood pressure. An optimal level of these minerals can help regulate blood pressure. When potassium levels in the body are low, the body retains extra sodium, which raises blood pressure. A potassium-rich diet helps the body to excrete excess sodium. Bananas also provide potassium and are a great choice for snacks when you are out and about.

The central nervous system has one of the most important roles in the body that influences an individual’s quality of life. Even if a primary tumor is eradicated, secondary brain metastases are common following the occurrence of skin, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Secondary cancers that quickly metastasize to the spine typically originate from cancer of the kidneys, prostate, lung, or breast.

Flavonoids like the aforementioned quercetin and antioxidants found in cocoa, fruit, and tea are consistently shown in studies to exhibit neuroprotective benefits. Flavonoids protect neurons from inflammation and trauma by scavenging free radicals, thus supporting one’s ability to retain cognitive function and memory. The ascorbic acid in many citrus fruits protects against oxidative damage from neurotoxins, supports pre-existing neuron function, and stimulates the regeneration of new neurons.

Given the degenerative and systemic problems that arise from cancer, it is vital to support the health of the brain and nervous system with nutrition in the fight against any form of cancer.

While still undergoing much debate, the concept that eating chocolate could prevent or control hypertension is appealing to chocolate producers and fanciers alike. Several medical studies have found that dark chocolate has a beneficial effect on insulin action and endothelial function.

Researchers in Zurich have proposed that cocoa flavanols and their metabolites, especially epicatechin, lower blood pressure, improve vascular function and insulin sensitivity, are reduce platelet reactivity.

Platelets and leukocytes contribute to arterial thrombosis and to inflammatory processes, and cocoa flavanols have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and activation, which thins the blood in a way similar to aspirin. Cocoa flavanols also inhibit leucocyte (white blood cells) activation, which contribute to chronic inflammation.

Australian researchers performed a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials that investigated using coenzyme Q10 to treat 362 hypertensive patients. They found that coenzyme Q10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mmHg without significant side effects.

US researchers observed the effects of taking coenzyme Q10 in 109 patients who had essential hypertension for at least one year. Results showed “A definite and gradual improvement in functional status was observed with the concomitant need to gradually decrease antihypertensive drug therapy within the first one to six months”. Patients experienced significantly improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure and half the patients were able to stop taking one to three antihypertensive drugs within four months of starting coenzyme Q10.