ALPHABETICAL REFERENCE OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT

Formula Catch Phrase

Key Benefits

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Antioxidant Support

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an important intracellular antioxidant for the management and prevention of diabetes and diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. Also improves insulin sensitivity, and supports energy production and heavy metal chelation.

B12/Folate (5-MTHF) for Cellular Health

Many of the negative health outcome associated with the MTHFR polymorphism may largely be overcome by ensuring an adequate folate status. Interestingly Vitamin B2 has also been shown to improve blood pressure in those with an MTHFR polymorphism.

Indian Barberry and Milk Thistle for Blood Glucose Metabolism and Liver Function Support

In obese individuals, excess energy stored within visceral organs promotes insulin resistance, leading to elevations in blood insulin, glucose and cholesterol. A blend of berberine, milk thistle and chromium in combination with diet and lifestyle support can help rebalance these patterns of metabolic dysfunction that may contribute to hypertension.

Enhanced Bioavailability Coenzyme Q10 150 mg

Coenzyme Q10 is shown to independently reduce BP and may reduce the requirement for antihypertensive medication. CoQ10 is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for a broad range of cardiovascular disease.

High Potency Taurine, Glycine and Magnesium for Cardiovascular Health

Magnesium supports vasodilation, insulin sensitivity and endothelial NO function as well as supporting cardiac energy to protect the CV system. Combined with nutrients to support healthy methylation, essential to detoxification & managing homocysteine levels.

High Purity, Low Reflux, Concentrated Fish Oil Liquid or Capsules

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are consistently shown to reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy lipid profiles, blood pressure and protecting arteries.

Herbal Support for Hyper HPA and Stress

An herbal blend that reduces the impact of SNS drive and vasoconstriction, that leads to hypertension, and non-dipping hypertension. Including zizyphus and magnolia which interacts with calming dopamine, serotonin and GABA benzodiazepine receptors to soothe nervous tension and anxiety.

Mixed Tocopherols & Tocotrienols for Free Radical Defence

A mixed form vitamin E supplement of the highest potency, including all 8 isoforms of vitamin E for broadest range of activity with cardio-protective benefits. Shown to reduce cholesterol synthesis and LDL oxidation, reduce apoB, increase APOA1, as well as being antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory. Safe for long-term CV protection.

Resveratrol Age Well

Resveratrol is demonstrated to increase sodium secretion and would therefore be helpful in the management of salt sensitivity hypertension. Salt sensitivity hypertension is more associated with atherosclerotic and renal changes in ageing, and resveratrol offers potent antioxidant protection to the cardiovascular system due to supporting cellular resilience and insulin sensitivity.

Vitamin D3

Low vitamin D intake &/or sun exposure is linked to increased risk of developing insulin resistance with increased cardiovascular risk, leading to type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.

Vitamin K2 for Bone and Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin K2 provides cardioprotection via reducing vascular and soft tissue calcification, while also supporting healthy blood coagulation.

SUPPORTIVE LIFESTYLE PROGRAMS

Shake It Practitioner Weight Management Program

There is growing evidence that obesity is a disorder of energy homeostasis, and that the set-point for obese individuals is set to a higher level. The Shake It Practitioner Weight Management Program is a novel 3 phase program structure to prevent metabolic adaptation, reset the patient’s metabolic set point, and provide regular psychological breaks from active dieting in order to achieve sustained weight loss. The program as collection of supportive materials in order to implement behaviour change techniques and two diet options: Ketogenic (low carbohydrate, higher fat), or Low fat (lower fat, liberal carbohydrate).

Category

Systolic

Diastolic

Optimal blood pressure

105-119 mmHg

60-80 mmHg

Pre-Hypertension

120-139 mmHg

80-89 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 1 (mild)

140-159 mmHg

90-99 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 2 (moderate)

160-179 mmHg

100-109 mmHg

Hypertension Stage 3 (severe)

≥180 mmHg

≥110 mmHg

Isolated systolic hypertension

≥140 mmHg

<90 mmHg

AETIOLOGY / RISK FACTORS

Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of hypertension include the following:

• Family history of hypertension
• Existing cardiovascular disease (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolaemia)
• Insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Low birth weight
• Renal disease
• Certain endocrine conditions (e.g., Diabetes, Cushing’s Syndrome)
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Stress
• Chronic heavy alcohol use
• Long term use of NSAIDs
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Taking medications that contain pseudoephedrine
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Heavy coffee drinking (5 cups or more per day)
• Use of cocaine
• Smoking
• Prolonged use of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
• High sodium intake
• High carbohydrate intake
• Cadmium and/or lead toxicity
• Food sensitivities
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Low fibre intake
• Male gender
• Age over 55
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Mood disorders, particularly depression, anxiety and repressed anger

SIGNS AND SYMTPOMS

Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a few people with high blood pressure may experience:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nosebleeds
• Tinnitus
• Confusion
• Papilloedema
• Tiredness
• Anxiety
• Increased perspiration
• Florid skin complexion

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Dietary and lifestyle guidelines that may assist in management of hypertension:

• The DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) has shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products with reduced saturated fats and total fat can lower systolic BP by 5.5mm Hg and diastolic BP by 3.0mm Hg more than a control diet. These principles of a heart healthy diet are similar to a Mediterranean diet.
• Obesity is also considered to be the leading cause of therapeutic failure. Abdominal obesity increases the risk of hypertension as angiotensinogen (the precursor to Angiotensin II) is over expressed, especially in visceral fat. Obesity may also contribute to hypertension via various other mechanisms, and obesity exacerbates the atherogenic consequences of hypertension. As this is such a critical factor for hypertension, achieving a healthy weight is essential to reducing or resolving hypertension.
• Smoking cessation is essential to managing hypertension, and for overall cardiovascular health.
• Restrict salt intake to <2-4g sodium per day. This equates to 1-2 teaspoons of salt daily, and education of hidden salt in foods is essential.
• Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation and exercise are advised
• Regular aerobic exercise (starting slowly and increasing as patient’s fitness improves). Walking is recommended and has been shown to enhance collateral cardiac circulation

Clinical Assessments

TEST

INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES

Blood pressure

(Refer to reference ranges above)

It is important to take blood pressure correctly, as a one-off reading may lead to inaccurate assessment.

• Patient should be encouraged to avoid caffeine, alcohol or nicotine consumption 1 hour before test.
• Once consulting with the patient, taking BP towards the end of the consultation may reduce white coat syndrome.
• When preparing for the test have your patient sit in a chair with a supportive back for 5 minutes prior.
• Remove any clothing that covers cuff placement, and ensure you select the appropriate cuff size to fit the patients arm.
• Place cuff with lower end 2-3 cm above antecubital fossa (elbow pit) to allow placement of stethoscope.
• Support arm so it is resting level with heart (e.g. books, pillow).
• Patient should relax. Neither the Practitioner nor the patient should talk.
• Take 2 readings at least 1 minute apart. If more than 5mmHg difference between the first and second readings, a third reading should be taken and the average used.
• Readings should be taken in both arms on the first assessment. A difference in readings greater than 10-14 mmHg has been associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaques.