Contents
Acknowledgments
How to Use This Book
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
Hypertension Can Be Prevented and Cured
SIX LINES OF EVIDENCE POINT TO THE SAME CONCLUSION
THE NEW PERSPECTIVE: SIX RELATED INSIGHTS
Just lowering dietary sodium misses the point
It’s not so much in your genes as it is in what you eat
Hypertension can be prevented and can be cured!
Drugs aren’t the best treatment
A DECREASE IN THE K FACTOR OF BODY CELLS HAS AMAZINGLY FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES
THE PROGRAM
HOW DO WE KNOW THIS REALLY WORKS?
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Sources of Confusion
INTRODUCTION
Why Haven’t You Heard of These Developments?
THE CONFUSION OF EMPIRICISM WITH SCIENCE
THE INFLUENCE OF AN OUTDATED MECHANICAL VIEW OF REALITY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR NEW PERSPECTIVE
THE “DEIFICATION” OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE MYTH OF CONTROLLING NATURE
THE NATURAL CAUTIOUSNESS OF PHYSICIANS
BRINGING HEALTH CARE INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY
Working in Balance with Nature Instead of Trying to Control Nature:
The Road to Health Instead of Disease
Working in Balance with Nature Instead of Trying to Control Nature: The Only Answer to Our Exploding Medical Costs
The Key to the Success of the Revolution is Cooperation and Involvement of the Public
CHAPTER 1
What Is
High Blood Pressure?
WHAT IT ISN’T
WHAT IT IS
HOW IT’S MEASURED
WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN
FIGURE 1
Arterial Blood Pressure
WHEN IS IT HIGH?
TYPES OF HYPERTENSION
TABLE 1
Classifications of Blood Pressure
THE DANGER ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE
Diastolic Blood Pressure
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 2
Drugs-The Usual Treatment
TYPES OF DRUGS
HOW DRUGS ARE USED
FIGURE 3
Risk Stratification and Treatment
SIDE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS
THE EVIDENCE IN FAVOR OF USING DRUGS
THE SURPRISING RESULTS OF DRUG TREATMENT
SUMMARY OF STUDIES
CHANGING RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
NEW SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS
CHAPTER 3
Hypertension:
Much More than Just High Blood Pressure!
HYPERTENSION INVOLVES AN ABNORMAL RESPONSE TO INSULIN
HYPERTENSION INCLUDES ABNORMAL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
DO DRUGS HELP THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?
CHAPTER 4
The Action at the Cell Membrane
THE ORDER OF THE CELL
PUMPS AND BATTERIES
THE SODIUM-POTASSIUM PUMP
FIGURE 5
The Sodium-Potassium Pump
The Sodium-Potassium Pump in the Cell
The Role of the Sodium-Potassium Pump in Hypertension
The “Sodium Battery”
The Cell Membrane Voltage
The “Sodium Battery”
THE CALCIUM PUMP
FIGURE 9
The Sodium-Powered Calcium Pump
The Acid Pump
The Sodium-Powered Amino Acid and H+ Pumps
WHY TALK ABOUT THE NA+/CA++ EXCHANGE PUMP AND THE NA+/H+ EXCHANGE PUMP IN A BOOK ON HYPERTENSION?
“Insulin Resistance” Does Not Mean Lack of Insulin Response
HOW MIGHT ELEVATED INSULIN PLAY A ROLE IN HYPERTENSION?
Activity of the Na+/H+ Exchange Pump is Increased in Hypertension
Why Would Increased Activity of the Na+/H+ Exchange Pump Be Important?
BUT WHY IS ACTIVITY OF THE NA+/H+
EXCHANGE INCREASED IN HYPERTENSION?
Regulation of the Na+/H+ Exchange Pump by Insulin
HOW DO THESE PUMPS AND
BATTERIES RELATE TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
FIGURE 11
The Pump, Hose, and Nozzle System
Cross Sections of Arterioles
HOW IT ALL BEGINS TO FIT TOGETHER
THE KEY PROBLEM: AN IMBALANCE IN
THE RATIO OF POTASSIUM TO SODIUM (THE K-FACTOR)
FROM K FACTOR TO BLOOD PRESSURE AND/OR STROKE: THE CAUSAL CHAIN
The K Factor and Cellular Calcium
Is Calcium Bad?
HOW ABOUT MAGNESIUM?
A Strong and a Weak Artery
TESTING THE MODEL
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 5
High Blood Pressure Is Not Inevitable: Cultural Evidence
THE STONE AGE DIET
THE STONE AGE DIET TODAY
FIGURE 15
Map Showing Locations of These Indigenous Peoples
The Clincher:
Even in industrialized cities, being a vegetarian virtually eliminates hypertension.
THE K FACTOR
COMPARING THE K FACTOR IN DIFFERENT ETHNIC DIETS
Frequency of Hypertension in Various Populations
YOU DON’T HAVE TO EAT A STONE AGE DIET OR BE A VEGETARIAN TO AVOID HYPERTENSION
WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE K FACTOR?
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 6
Working with the Wisdom of the Body:
THE K FACTOR PROTECTS AGAINST STROKES IN ANIMALS
WHAT ABOUT BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AND CHOLESTEROL DEPOSITS IN ARTERIES?
THE K FACTOR ALSO PROTECTS AGAINST THESE CONDITIONS:
Kidney Disease
“Muscle-bound” Heart
THE PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF A HIGH K FACTOR ARE NOT RECENT NEWS
HOW ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE?
FIGURE 16
Response of Blood Pressure to Sodium and Potassium
Priddle and McQuarrie (1930s)
The Kempner Diet (1940s)
The Pritikin Experience (1960s–1985)
RECENT CONTROLLED MEDICAL STUDIES
The Australian Experiment (1982)
The London Experiments (1982)
A Japanese Study (1981)
A PERSONAL EXAMPLE
OTHER EVIDENCE
BUT WHAT ABOUT NEGATIVE REPORTS?
SUMMARY
THE BOTTOM LINE
CHAPTER 7
Hypertension:
A Variation of Syndrome X
WHAT COULD EXCESS WEIGHT, INSUFFICIENT EXERCISE, AND EATING FOOD WITH A LOW K FACTOR HAVE IN COMMON WITH SYNDROME X AND HYPERTENSION?
Obesity
Exercise
Table Sugar Can Raise Blood Pressure
Fasting
Can Losing Weight or Commencing
Regular Exercise Reduce the Elevated Blood Pressure,
Insulin Levels, and Cholesterol in People with Hypertension?
Losing Weight
Commencing Regular Exercise
WEIGHT LOSS, EXERCISE, AND
INCREASING THE K FACTOR—WHY DO ALL THREE?
SUMMARY
A PREDICTION
CHAPTER 8
Other Factors that Influence Blood Pressure
THE KEY FACTORS
ALCOHOL
MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM
Magnesium
Calcium
CHLORIDE
DIETARY FAT
Linoleic Acid
Linolenic Acid
SMOKING
VITAMINS C AND D
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS
MEDITATION
BIOFEEDBACK
WORKAHOLISM
CLIMATE
SUMMARY
SUMMARY: PART TWO
It’s Easy
But It’s Up to You
THE FOUR STEPS
Step One: See Your Doctor
Step Two: Eat Right
Step Three: Exercise
Step Four: Help Your Body Find its Proper Weight
Other Things You Can Do
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 9
Step One: See Your Doctor
GET A COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAM
Do You Have High Blood Pressure?
If So, What Type Do You Have?
WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
What to Expect When you Visit your Doctor
Changes in Drug Therapy
Getting a Check-up Before Starting Your Exercise Program
Following Your Progress
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 10
Step Two: Eat Right
SELECTING YOUR FOODS: IN THE SUPERMARKET
Select Foods with a High K Factor
Percent of an Adult Woman’s RDA of Vitamins and Minerals Obtainable from Milk or Potatoes
Select Foods with Enough Calcium and Magnesium
Select Low-Fat Foods
Avoid Commercially Prepared Foods with Added Sodium
The Good News
How Can You Tell?
Use Substitutes for Table Salt
Shopping Lists
HEALTHY SHOPPING LIST
AN UNHEALTHY SHOPPING LIST
PREPARING YOUR MEALS: IN THE KITCHEN
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
SELECTING YOUR MEALS: IN THE RESTAURANT
Getting the Family to Go Along
Cooking Tips
MAKING THE TRANSITION
Points to Keep in Mind
The Transition Period
The Maintenance Period
DAY 14
CHAPTER 11
Step Three: Exercise
BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE
Return of Blood Pressure Toward “Normal”
Decrease of Body Fat
Restoration of Hormone Balance
Decrease of Blood Lipids
Increasing Blood Levels of the “Good” Cholesterol
Increased Stability of Electrical Activity of the Heart
Increased Resistance to Fatigue
Decreased Smoking
Adding Life to Your Years
The Bottom Line: Adding Years to Your Life
THE CONTROVERSY ABOUT EXERCISE
Is Aerobic Exercise Safe, or Is It Dangerous?
What About Jim Fixx?
Putting Exercise-Associated Death in Perspective
Does Exercise Lengthen Your Life?
DANGERS OF EXERCISE
Sudden Death
Injuries
AEROBIC EXERCISE GUIDELINES
Begin with a Proper Medical Examination
Start Slowly
Intensity and Duration Intensity
Listen to Your Body
Frequency
Warm Up and Cool Down
Preventing Injuries
Stretching the Achilles tendon
Motivation
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 12
Step Four: Help Your Body Find Its Proper Weight
ARE YOU OVERWEIGHT?
WHAT DETERMINES YOUR BODY FAT?
What Happens to the Calories You Eat
heat
The Vicious Circle
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Eat Low-Fat Foods
Eat Foods Containing Complex Carbohydrates
Restrict the Total Calories You Eat
Increase the Amount of Calories You Use Up Doing Work
A Vicious Circle
Change Your Body’s Fat Set point to Increase the Amount of Calories You Burn Off
Cut Back on Foods Containing Simple Carbohydrates (Sugar)
Timing
Stress
PRECAUTIONS
Group and Professional Support
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 13
The Workbook
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR K FACTOR
Monitoring Your Diet
Potassium and Sodium Content of Foods
Calculating a Lunch K Factor
Lunch with Pickle Added: K Factor
K Factor for Entire Day
Friday K Factor with Beer and Pizza
Beer and Pizza Dinner: K Factor
Estimating Your K Factor from Urine Samples
Monitoring Your Blood Potassium
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR EXERCISE
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR WEIGHT
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Getting the Right Equipment
FIGURE 20
The circulatory system and a blood pressure cuff
Choosing the Correct Cuff Size
Checking the Accuracy of Your Equipment
Taking the Measurement
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR DIETARY FAT
USING THE PROGRESS CHART
CHAPTER 14
Why the Emphasis on Drugs?
WHY WERE WE ON THE WRONG PATH?
THE TECHNOLOGY MYTH
THE MYTH THAT CONTROLLING NATURE WITH TECHNOLOGY IS BETTER THAN WORKING WITH NATURE
THE USE OF DRUGS TO TREAT
HYPERTENSION PRESENTED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROFIT
PATIENTS DEMAND DRUGS
SUIT-HAPPY, PILL-HAPPY AMERICANS
THE NUTRITIONAL APPROACH-HIGH SCIENCE, LOW TECH, AND NO GLAMOR
THE LACK OF A CONCEPTUAL MODEL
WE IGNORED ROGER BACON’S WARNING
SUMMARY
1. THE LEVEL OF POTASSIUM IN THE
BLOOD PLASMA IS CORRELATED WITH HYPERTENSION
Hypertension in Japanese Men Compared to Serum Potassium and Dietary K Factor
“Normal” Values for Plasma Potassium May Be Too Low
2. TOTAL BODY POTASSIUM IS
DECREASED IN UNTREATED PRIMARY HYPERTENSION
3. CORRELATION OF URINARY K/NA RATIO WITH HYPERTENSION
In Japan
Blood Pressure and Urinary K/Na Ratio in Farmers from Four Regions of Japan
In the United States
In American Blacks Compared to Whites
In African Blacks
In Europeans
4. THE K FACTOR AND HYPERTENSION IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
Average Mean Blood Pressures (mm Hg) of Rats on a Constant High-Sodium Diet
HOW INCREASING DIETARY K WORKS
Direct Effect
Indirect Effects
Hypertension in the Obese
Exercise and Hypertension
Diabetes and Hypertension
Why Doesn’t Potassium Always Lower Elevated Blood Pressure?
THE WHOLE PICTURE
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 16
How Important Is Salt?
THE BODY’S ABILITY TO CONSERVE SODIUM
MANY GROUPS OF PEOPLE DO QUITE WELL WITHOUT ADDED SALT
HOW MUCH SODIUM DO WE REALLY NEED?
OUR APPETITE FOR SALT
SUMMARY
THE KIDNEYS AND BLOOD PRESSURE
The Connection Between the Kidneys, Sodium, and Blood Pressure
How the Kidneys Work
FIGURE 21
The Structure of a Nephron
FIGURE 22
Nephron Cell Movement
REGULATION OF THE KIDNEYS BY HORMONES
Antidiuretic Hormone
Endogenous Digitalis-Like Substance (EDLS)
Insulin
Aldosterone
Angiotensin and Renin
High-Renin and Low-Renin Hypertension
Natriuretic Factors
Other Hormones
REGULATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE BY THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 18
Antihypertensive Drugs
Antihypertensive Drugs
Thiazide Diuretics
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Other Diuretics
ADRENERGIC INHIBITORS
Centrally Acting Adrenergic Inhibitors
Peripherally Acting Adrenergic Inhibitors
Alpha-adrenergic Innervation of Arteriolar Smooth Muscle
mitochondrion
Adrenergic Blockers
VASODILATORS
NEWER DRUGS
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Calcium Channel Blockers
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 19
Information for the Physician
THE GOAL OF HYPERTENSION TREATMENT
Restoring the Balance
THE “DANGERS” OF POTASSIUM
Potassium is Not to Be Feared-Just Respected
The Importance of Extrarenal Potassium Regulation
What about Kidney Disease?
THE DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERTENSION
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TREATING PRIMARY HYPERTENSION
WHAT IS A DESIRABLE K FACTOR?
Getting Started
Potassium-Containing Salt Substitutes
Potassium Supplements in Pill or Liquid Form
Advantages of Increasing the
Dietary K Factor Even When Drug Therapy Is Used
Drugs That May Make the K Factor Dangerous
HYPOKALEMIA
Causes
Consequences
TREATING OBESE HYPERTENSIVES
TREATING DIABETICS WHO HAVE HYPERTENSION
EVALUATING THE PATIENT FOR AEROBIC EXERCISE
DECREASING OR WITHDRAWING DRUGS: STEP-DOWN THERAPY
SUMMARY
References
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO PART ONE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
INTRODUCTION TO PART THREE
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
Index
