Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure, is recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. It is diagnosed using the following ranges:

  • Normal: 90-119/ 60-79
  • Pre-hypertension: 120-139/ 80-89
  • Stage 1: 140-159/ 90-99
  • Stage 2: >160/ >100

People with long-standing hypertension are at significant risk for stroke and progressive heart disease.

It is estimated the over 80% of patients with hypertension are either in the pre-hypertensive stage or stage 1, and most of these cases can be brought under control using diet and lifestyle strategies.  There is plenty of research now that shows that diet, lifestyle and relaxation strategies are effective and may even be more beneficial to the hypertensive patient than drug therapies.  Although it means a change in lifestyle, these health strategies provide enormous benefit to how a person feels.

Lifestyle habits that cause high blood pressure include:

  • Excessive coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Lack of exercise
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High salt intake
  • Low fiber, high sugar diet
  • Diet high in saturated fats
  • Essential fatty acid deficiency

“I use the lessons I learned on a daily basis, and have been much healthier because of the time I spent at Vitalia.”  Joanie L., Oregon

At Vitalia, we offer a diet and lifestyle program that is scientifically proven to treat hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.  We help the patient eliminate lifestyle factors that contribute to hypertension.  Based on a detailed intake and sometimes specialized lab testing, we can treat mild and moderate hypertension using nutrient therapy, herbal medicines and homeopathic medicines.  In cases of severe hypertension, where the patient is on many medications, Naturopathic medicine can act as a supportive adjunct to conventional treatment.