Road to Health ? High Blood Pressure Drug Risk

A new report is out now indicating that a specific class of pharmaceuticals have a high risk of users developing cancer

Cancer link to common heart drugs - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/10295126.stm

You might be healthier if you begin to educate yourself about more natural ways to resolve high blood pressure - from our Road to Health Care Naturally series

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block the action of angiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on the muscles surrounding blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate), and blood pressure is reduced.

Examples of ARB drugs include:

• losartan potassium (Cozaar), 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5­ylphenyl)benzyl]imidazole-5-methanol monopotassium salt. Death is higher in users than placebo for this drug, and it can cause sudden cardiac death. At one point FDA was going to remove it from the market but did not follow though with the action.
• irbesartan (Avapro), 2-butyl-3-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]non-1-en-4-one. The manufacturer states that there is "No evidence of carcinogenicity was observed when irbesartan was administered at doses of up to 500/1000 mg/kg/day (males/females, respectively) in rats and 1000 mg/kg/day in mice for up to 2 years. For male and female rats, 500 mg/kg/day provided an average systemic exposure to irbesartan (AUC0-24 hour, bound plus unbound) about 3 and 11 times, respectively, the average systemic exposure in humans receiving the maximum recommended dose (MRD) of 300 mg irbesartan/day, whereas 1000 mg/kg/day (administered to females only) provided an average systemic exposure about 21 times that reported for humans at the MRD. For male and female mice, 1000 mg/kg/day provided an exposure to irbesartan about 3 and 5 times, respectively, the human exposure at 300 mg/day."
• valsartan (Diovan), N-(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2 '-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) [1,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-valine. In studies completed by the manufacturer they state "There was no evidence of carcinogenicity when valsartan was administered in the diet to mice and rats for up to 2 years at doses up to 160 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively."
• candesartan (Atacand), (±)-1-Hydroxyethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[p-(o-1H­tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-7-benzimidazolecarboxylate, cyclohexyl carbonate (ester)."There was no evidence of carcinogenicity when candesartan cilexetil was orally administered to mice and rats for up to 104 weeks at doses up to 100 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively."
• olmesartan (Benicar), 2,3-dihydroxy-2-butenyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]imidazole-5-carboxylate, cyclic 2,3-carbonate. The manufacturer denies any carcinogenicity in tests up to 2 years of length.
• telmisartan (Micardis),4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl [2,6'-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl]-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid, and, according to the manufacturer, "There was no evidence of carcinogenicity when telmisartan was administered in the diet to mice and rats for up to 2 years." It is important to note that the report found Micardis to be the most at risk drug, and especially for people with diabetes, heart problems, and kidney function issues.
• eprosartan (Teveten), monomethanesulfonate of (E)-2-butyl-1-(p-carboxybenzyl)-α-2-thienylmethylimidazole-5-acrylic acid . "Eprosartan mesylate was not carcinogenic in dietary restricted rats or ad libitum fed mice dosed at 600 mg and 2000 mg eprosartan/kg/day, respectively, for up to 2 years."

Note that most of the drugs contain a benzene ring, known to be linked to carcinogenesis. Benzene has been linked to aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, and other cancers since reports were published in the Lancet in 1961.

Oddly ABC's reporter/MD did not seem to understand why these drugs would be a risk. I say 'oddly' because as an MD he, like I did in my health professional medical education to countless hours of pharmacology.

Keep looking for that benzene ring in any pharmaceutical drug and you know you may have a risk at hand.

Garlic Gives You That Sulfur

UPDATE: 20 August, 2010 -  Garlic to lower blood pressure

Garlic was once used to combat the Black Death, but doctors now claim it can tackle a modern-day epidemic of heart disease.
Just 12 weeks' treatment with garlic tablets led to a 'significant' cut in blood pressure, slashing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Researchers claim people with hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure, could control their condition better by adding garlic to conventional medication. Read complete article

My comment to this article is that it is good information except for the misunderstanding that the researchers focus on standardized supplements rather than food based products.  We recommend you consider using the garlic you'll find in the right column, or Immortal Garlic or our specific unique garlic. 

UPDATE: 29 April, 2010 - More on the health benefits of sulfur bearing foods and compounds -

Lower levels of 'rotten egg' gas (hydrogen sulfide) in blood linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and poorer circulation

ScienceDaily (2010-04-28) -- Researchers have for the first time identified a link between blood levels of the gas hydrogen sulfide (a gas more commonly associated with the smell of rotten eggs), obesity and type 2 diabetes. ... > read full article

Originally posted in 2008
For several decades I've offered clients a garlic supplement that is known for reducing blood pressure. Now it seems that we need to wait for some new recombinant drug because of another medical study that overlooks the natural and known natural remedies.

Sulfur is one of the most important healing molecules we have known of and used in natural therapies for eons. It is mentioned in this 'special form' in my book, "Blood Pressure Care Naturally".

Oh, for the day when these folks get to recall all of the pharmacopoeia that first came from Mother Nature.

'Fart gas' link to blood pressure
The gas best known for being used in many stink bombs may also control blood pressure, say US researchers.

Small amounts of hydrogen sulphide - a toxic gas generated by bacteria living in the human gut - are responsible for the foul odour of flatulence.

But it seems the gas is also produced by an enzyme in blood vessels where it relaxes them and lowers blood pressure.

The findings in mice may lead to new treatments for high blood pressure, the Science journal reported.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, in Maryland, found that the gas is produced in the cells lining blood vessels by an enzyme called CSE.

We know hydrogen sulphide is not good for us at high levels but it seems that at the lower levels in the body it is essential
Professor Amrita Ahluwalia

In mice engineered to be deficient in this enzyme, levels of hydrogen sulphide were almost depleted compared with levels in normal mice.

The CSE-deficient mice also had blood pressure measurements about 20% higher than the normal mice, comparable to serious hypertension in humans.

When the engineered mice were given a drug which relaxes normal blood vessels - methacholine - there was no difference, indicating the gas is responsible for the relaxation.

Treatments

Another gas, nitric oxide, is already known to be involved in control of blood pressure.

Researcher Dr Solomon Snyder said: "Now we know hydrogen sulphide's role in regulating blood pressure, it may be possible to design drug therapies that enhance its formation as an alternative to the current methods of treatment for hypertension."

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, an expert in vascular pharmacology at Barts and The London Medical School, said: "This study shows that smelly hydrogen sulphide is also likely to have a role in regulating blood pressure and it will be a bit of an impetus for scientists to develop more specific tools to work out what's going on.

"We know hydrogen sulphide is not good for us at high levels but it seems that at the lower levels in the body it is essential."

Dr Allan MacDonald, a reader in pharmacology at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: "Treatments based on hydrogen sulphide could become important in a variety of cardiovascular diseases," he said.

Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/7686911.stm
Published: 2008/10/24 © BBC MMVIII

Find 30+ posts regarding blood pressure on Natural Health News Read more

Too many Drugs, Too High Doses: Too Much for Elders

My mother was an Elder.  She was over-drugged for a number of years in a Florida Five-Star facility and the threat of forced relocation was held over her POA if she wasn't drugged.  I'm sure Medicare fraud is an issue here but needless to say, she was not alone.

I'm also wondering why doctors can't look at magnesium and B complex before drugs for hypertension, or even other natural approaches.

Old heart patients 'over-drugged'

Elderly patients are being treated too aggressively for high blood pressure, researchers claim.

They say the "oldest olds", meaning patients aged 80 plus, are being given too many drugs and in too large doses, which may do them more harm than good.

The Cochrane scientists who looked at the available data say doctors can set their targets lower for octogenarians.  This makes good economic and clinical sense given the expanding elderly population, they told bmj.com.

But doctors said high blood pressure is largely under-recognised and under-treated in the UK.

Growing need

Experts say the "oldest olds" are the fastest growing sector of the world's population.

According to latest estimates, the UK population of 85-year-olds will go up by a third by 2020.

And more than half of these will need treatment for high blood pressure, the British Medical Journal reports.

“ Most sensible GPs - which most GPs are - take a pretty cautious view to doling out drugs to old people. ”  Professor Peter Weissberg British Heart Foundation

But head of the Cochrane research group, Dr James Wright, says clinicians should change what they are presently doing and move towards a more conservative approach for the over 80s.

"I have done so with my patients," he said.

'Less better'

His review of existing studies, including data from two new trials which looked specifically at the effect of blood pressure drugs in this age group, found little evidence that aggressive treatment saves more lives.

Although fewer patients died of strokes, the total number of deaths from all causes was unchanged.

The only trial that found a significant reduction in overall mortality was the most conservative in terms of number of drugs and dose of drugs allowed.

Based on the findings, he suggests a target blood pressure of 150/80 mmHg is more sensible, and says doctors should not be worried if only half of their most elderly patients achieve it.

Professor Peter Weissberg, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Most sensible GPs - which most GPs are - take a pretty cautious view to doling out drugs to old people.

"Hypertension is still largely under-treated. By and large, in the UK population, half of people with high blood pressure are not identified."

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8426199.stm
Published: 2009/12/23 © BBC MMIX

Are You Having A Stroke? Watch For These Signs

By Barb Hicks

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain has been halted
due to a clot or bleeding into the brain. Therefore, blood
is unable to reach all destinations of the brain, resulting
in a stroke. The person experiencing a stroke will begin to
exhibit signs and symptoms. Some signs come and go usually
within 5 minutes and leave no lasting effects. However,
symptoms lasting longer may indicate a major stroke is
occurring. Even if symptoms are short lived, it is
imperative to get medical help immediately. If not treated
as soon as possible, major brain damage and lifelong
disabilities could result.

What are the signs?

- Tingling sensation in the face or extremities - Paralysis
or weakness on one side - Difficulty speaking - Inability to
understand speech - Blindness - Dizziness - Pain -
Nausea/vomiting - Sudden intense headache

If you believe someone around you is experiencing these
symptoms call 011 and seek the help of medical professionals
immediately.

Risk Factors for Stroke:

- Age: At age 55 the risk of stroke doubles every ten years
after - Race - Gender: Typically, women are less likely to
experience a stroke than men - Previous stroke - Fractures
resulting in a fat embolism - Family History - Atrial
Fibrillation

Reducing your risks:

Take all medications prescribed by your physician. Monitor
blood pressure. Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Quit Smoking. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of exercise.

Physicians use a CT, MRI or Angiogram to determine the
location of a stroke, the amount of damage it caused as well
as what type of stroke was experienced.

Treatment involves clot busters, such as tPA that must be
given within hours of the onset of symptoms. Surgical
intervention is an option for ischemic and hemorrhagic
strokes.

Care after stroke:

Recovery after a stroke may take a few days to over a year
to complete. In many cases, occupational, physical and
speech therapy may be required.

Types of Medications:

Thrombolytics - Clot busters that loosen or break up blood
clots. The debris is cleaned up by phagocytic cells.
Antiplatelet - Prevents platelet s from sticking together,
thus preventing clot formation. Anticoagulants - Stops
clots from forming, particularly those with A-fib who are
prone to blood clots due to the rapid contractions of the
atria of the heart.

If you have other diseases such as diabetes or high blood
pressure, it is very important to monitor and manage them
properly. Proper care will help ensure that the risk of a
stroke is lessened and a quality, productive life prevails.

Having an exercise regimen at least three days a week can
lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is the number one
factor in bringing on a stroke or hemorrhagic strokes.

A healthy diet containing fresh fruits, whole grains and
nuts, vegetables and lean meats is another great way to help
lessen the risks for stroke.

Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured
health writer on Clivir.com. You can find here her lessons
on
(http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/what-causes-a-stroke-common-cause-of-stroke.html)
Stroke Causes and other information about
(http://www.clivir.com/lessons/show/early-warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-a-stroke.html)
Early Warning Signs of Stroke.

High Blood Pressure - Does Race Play a Part?

There are many different things that can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure. If there is something in your life that makes it hard for your heart to work the way that it should, you are going to experience high blood pressure, even if you are doing some things in a healthy way. However, one of the things that has long been felt by many in the medical community to be a factor in high blood pressure is your race. It has long been thought that there are some genetic factors that make one race more apt to have high blood pressure than another. While this might be true, there are certain things that you should try and do for yourself no matter what race you are.

First of all, a big part of high blood pressure is the foods that we eat. If you come from a racial background that richly celebrates every occasion with meals that are high in fat and cholesterol, your entire family is going to see that they might have problems with high blood pressure. This might be something that is linked to race, because different races celebrate things in different ways, and the traditional cooking is much different from place to place, as well as from race to race. If you belong to a culture that has a tendency to eat foods often that are high in fat, you might want to consider changing the way that you cook on a day to day basis. If you still want to participate in your family functions and eat the foods that everyone else is eating, it is okay as long as this is only practiced in moderation. If you can cook for yourself every single day and eat foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, you are going to have a better chance of lowering your own high blood pressure. You can also encourage your family to use low fat substitutes when they are celebrating. Exercise plays a role as well.

Certain blood pressure conditions are prevalent with certain races. If you are black or Hispanic, make sure you keep your blood pressure in check A number of more serious health conditions can occur if high blood pressure is not addressed, so if you are at risk, monitor it carefully, eat well, and exercise often. By doing these things, you can prevent high blood pressure, no matter what race you may be.

Your Body's Many Cries For Water

By Nicos Stylianou

The other day I finished reading a fascinating book named
"Your Body's Many Cries For Water". What impressed me the
most from reading this book, is that the author establishes
a clear association between the benefits of drinking water
and our overall wellness.

In order to support his arguments about the importance of
drinking water, the author goes on to prove, by using
medical facts, that just by getting into the habit of
regularly drinking water can relieve us from a number of
ailments that we all experience from time to time. Below, I
mention some of these ailments.

Headaches and migraines

We all suffer from headaches, or even worse migraines now
and then. Some of us more and some others less severely.
What you might find interesting to find out, is that more
often than not, we should blame ourselves for not drinking
enough water.

You see, 75% of our brain consists of water and when it
senses that there is shortage of it, it generates histamines
which cause pain and fatigue. The intention is to make us
slow down our activities, so as to maintain the minimum
water quantity that will allow our brain to function
properly.

So, the next time you think that your head will explode from
a splitting headache, resist the temptation of taking an
aspirin and do this: Drink a full glass of fresh, pure water
and then sit back and unwind for half an hour. More often
than not, you will be amazed. Your headache will just go
away!

When our back hurts

According to statistics, one out of four adults experiences
at least once in his lifetime the pain and distress
associated with a sore back. As the author claims in his
book, another one of the benefits of drinking water is that
it helps mitigate our suffering.

Let me explain.

As you might probably know, our backbone is made up of a
number of discs. While externally these discs are made up of
a hard shell, internally they are filled with water. When
the level of water inside is adequate, then they provide
ample support to the disc, helping it cope with the pressure
exerted on them when we move our upper body.

When we move our body, then pressure is exerted and released
on the discs depending on the type of movement. This creates
a suction which allows fluids in the body to enter the disc,
thus keeping them properly hydrated.

The problem begins when we don't replenish our body's
natural stock of water by drinking enough quantities. When
the discs are shifting, then there is not enough water
around them to be sucked inside, as explained above. The
result is devastating: The internal fluids are gradually
depleted and so the outer shell of the discs is no longer
supported. Without this support, our poor discs are
helpless, as the whole weight of the body is shifted on
them! Pain and swelling ensues, putting us in distress and
agony.

When our blood pressure goes up

Water also plays a vital role in the biological process
associated with high blood pressure.

According to medical experts, hypertension very often
happens when our body detects blood volume loss. Since our
blood is more than 83% water, then the most common cause of
blood volume loss is dehydration.

Our body's internal mechanisms have the ability to monitor
the level of our blood volume. When there is an alert that
this volume has fallen below acceptable limits, then our
body switches into an emergency mode, directing supply of
blood only to vital organs switching everything else off.
This redistribution of the circulatory system more often
than not leads to high blood pressure.

In summary, the examples I gave you above are just a few of
the many health benefits of drinking water, for you and your
family as well.

However, I should stress the following: Not all water that
we get at our homes is created equal. Its quality varies
greatly, depending on a lot of factors such as where it
originates (could be ground water or surface water), the
kind of treatment it undergoes, etc. The subject of water
quality is a very diverse one and is surely beyond the scope
of this article. My personal opinion is that it is
definitely worth it to spend some time investigating the
issue and decide on taking action to ensure that the water
at your home is the purest it can be.

Nicos Stylianou is a firm believer that drinking
(http://www.your-nutrition-guide.com/pure-water.html)
healthy, pure water is one of the cornerstones of a balanced
diet. Visit his (http://www.your-nutrition-guide.com/)
nutrition guide website now to find out what he recommends.

Natural Ways To Reduce Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood
vessel walls as it circulates through the body. When the
heart pumps more blood and if the arteries are narrow, the
higher the pressure. Narrow arteries also make the heart
work harder. Daily life events, such as exercise, stress or
emotions can cause the pressure to rise temporarily. This is
normal. But chronic high blood pressure must be treated.

Some of the symptoms of high blood pressure or hypertension
are headaches, nose bleeding and sweating. Hypertension is
sometimes also said to be the "silent-killer". In some
cases, it's symptom free until you have a heart attack or
stroke.

Blood Pressure numbers:

Systolic and Diastolic are the two measurements used in
blood pressure. For example, 120/80. Systolic, 120 from the
example, is the measurement of the blood pressure during the
heart beat. Diastolic, 80 from the example, is the blood
pressure level when the heart is at rest in between heart
beats. It is said to be in normal range when the measurement
is 120/80.

Diet and life style changes:

Consuming a diet rich in plant foods is one of the best ways
to reduce blood pressure. Plant foods are generally richer
in blood pressure-lowering potassium than animal products.
Also, they are not loaded with sodium, as many packaged
foods are. Salt (sodium chloride) plays a major role in
hypertension. People who consume less salt have little
problem with hypertension.

One teaspoon of salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. In order
to lower the blood pressure its suggested to take 1,500 to
2,000 mg daily. But remember to consult with your own doctor
for individual intake levels. Some of the main source of
excess sodium in your system comes from packaged and
processed foods.

Some of the foods that are low in fats and high in
potassium, calcium and magnesium, which help lower the blood
pressure, are as follows: Whole grains, fish, nuts and
poultry. Celery, onions and garlic also can help reducing
blood pressure.

Is There A Link Between Coffee And High Blood Pressure?

It's no surprise to my friends and family that I pride
myself on living a healthy lifestyle. This is why, I
suppose only half-joking, that they refer to my Grande
coffee from Starbucks as my "vice."

A friend recently told me to "watch out," while at Starbucks
the other day as I drank my coffee because her doctor told
her that coffee can contribute to high blood pressure, or
hypertension.

Watch out? My friend was telling me this quite literally,
as she was exhaling cigarette smoke. Did her doctor mention
that this behavior is far more a contributor to high
blood pressure?

Did the doctor actually state that more than anything, my
friend's overindulgence in food, smoking and sometimes
alcohol largely caused her hypertension but she only heard
"coffee?" Hard to know but I was curious, why did the
doctor even list coffee as a contributor?

To date, there is no definitive evidence that coffee leads
to the development of high blood pressure.

Some studies have shown that drinking coffee does raise
one's blood pressure slightly, but only temporarily. In
fact, these same studies have shown that over time, this
slight increase in blood pressure is reduced.

Researchers are starting to notice that the reason coffee is
so often associated with the actual contributors to
hypertension (cigarettes, and obesity) is because many
people tend to combine drinking coffee with these bad
behaviors.

Does this mean that coffee causes hypertention? No - it is
not coffee's fault that some people cannot drink a cup of
coffee without partnering it with cigarettes and/or over
eating.

While I'm always excited to read about amazing results from
people who've given up coffee and reduced their blood
pressure, I'm even more interested in knowing what other bad
behaviors where dropped when these people gave up coffee.

I believe moderation truly is the key as far as coffee (and
well, everything) is concerned. I like my coffee and will
continue to drink my occasional cup until proven otherwise.

Low Magnesium, High Blood Pressure

While the original purpose for ADVENTURX was to prevent arm pump in xtreme sports many other benefits have been found during the four years my formula has been available.

Most of us who study natural healing and nutrition already know how magnesium helps reduce blood pressure. Magnesium is nature's ACE inhibitor.

The added benefit of oxygen producing elements in ADVENTURX may be helpful to the process of lowering blood pressure as well.

Evidence that increased reactive oxygen species are link between magnesium deficiency and hypertension
The relationship between high blood pressure and magnesium deficiency has been explored in several studies, producing conflicting evidence. A study published in the November 2002 issue of the Journal of Hypertension submits the hypothesis that insufficient levels of magnesium may lead to hypertension by increasing the formation of reactive oxygen species, harmful molecules that cause oxidative damage.

The University of Montreal researchers divided stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats into three groups that received a control diet containing normal levels of magnesium, a magnesium-free diet and a high magnesium diet, and systolic blood pressure was measured each week for sixteen weeks. In a second experiment, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats received a control diet, a magnesium-free diet and a magnesium-free diet combined with Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic for seven weeks. Superoxide dismutase is one of the antioxidants naturally produced in the body.

Rats in the low magnesium group experienced an exacerbation in the development of hypertension after five weeks, accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress markers which increased rapidly after two weeks. The ability of blood vessels to dilate in response to acetylcholine was decreased in the low magnesium group compared to controls. Vessel wall hypertrophy was greater and vascular superoxide higher in the rats who received the magnesium deficient diet compared to those on the high magnesium diet. However, rats on magnesium-free diets receiving Tempol did not experience a progression of hypertension or the vascular changes seen in magnesium deficient rats who did not receive the antioxidant.

In an accompanying editorial, Richard D Bukoski writes that the research provides, "the first link between an essential dietary nutrient and the key molecular pathways involved in regulating vascular smooth muscle growth and structure." (Journal of Hypertension 2002, 20:2141-2143)

Food Police in action on false facts

Standing Up To Big Pharma, Big Food, Big Medicine and Big Government

Dr. Eric Topol, a Cleveland cardiologist, one of the earliest critics of Vioxx, has learned the hard way that being outspoken and having integrity can carry a heavy price when speaking out.

In 2004, Dr. Topol published a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association that first raised concerns that Vioxx, a painkiller, could cause cardiovascular problems.

During one of the class action lawsuits against Merck, the maker of Vioxx, Dr. Topol was called to testify. He reportedly accused Merck of scientific misconduct by misrepresenting its own laboratory findings about the drug's safety.

Less than a week after this testimony, Dr. Topol was fired as chief academic official of a medical college in Cleveland. The reason given by college officials was 'administrative reorganization.'

Dr. Topol was quoted in a newspaper report as saying his firing was a direct consequence of his outspokenness. "The hardest thing in the world is just trying to tell the truth, to do the right thing for patients, and you get vilified. No wonder nobody stands up to the (drug et al) industry."

Now we have the AMA, quoting on their web site that it is the organization that is helping doctors help patients.

The AMA is calling for measures to reduce sodium intake in U.S. diet and urges the FDA to revoke "generally recognized as safe" status for salt in an effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

"Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of Americans. People who reduce dietary sodium intake are taking an important step in preventing future health problems," said AMA Board Member and practicing cardiologist J. James Rohack, MD. "We hope these recommendations will encourage food manufacturers and restaurants to modify their current practices of adding unhealthy amounts of sodium to their products."

The standard pitch for decades has been that excess sodium greatly increases the chance of developing hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Research shows most Americans consume two to three times the amount of sodium that is healthy, with an estimated 75 to 80 percent of the daily intake of sodium coming from processed and restaurant foods.

"Just one cup of canned soup can contain more than 50 percent of the FDA recommended daily allowance," explains Dr. Rohack. "A serving of lasagna in a restaurant can put a diner over their recommended daily sodium allowance in just one meal. These examples stress the importance of a national reduction in the amount of sodium in processed and restaurant foods."

The recommendations adopted today include:

* urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke the "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) status of salt and to develop regulatory measures to limit sodium in processed and restaurant foods;
* calling for a minimum 50 percent reduction in the amount of sodium in processed foods, fast food products and restaurant meals to be achieved over the next decade;
* working with appropriate partners to educate consumers about the benefits of long-term, moderate reductions in sodium intake;
* discussing with the FDA ways to improve labeling to assist consumers in understanding the amount of sodium contained in processed food products and to develop label markings and warnings for foods high in sodium.

The AMA is confident the implementation of these recommendations would reduce sodium intake, result in a better educated consumer, and eventually lower the incidence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in this country.

Now if you try to go to the core of this issue you find some very interesting things. *Some studies show it might be 'chloride' that is the culprit.
*Some studies show that it is the processing of salt, when heated to 1400 degrees F that drives out impurities, minerals, and any water in the compound that makes 'salt' the problem.

The AMA and obviously the FDA and perhaps the USDA have not looked at the food industry to take a more active role in addressing all the 'salt' in food and other consumer products. Then we have the upcoming artificial salt flavoring approved for consumption by humans without any labeling requirements. No one has look at soda. The AMA recently tabled the issue to limit the intake of soft drinks, so perhaps the pressure is on the medical mafia to ignore this source of dietary sodium.

You know you gotta start reading the labels.

And, just maybe the AMA oughta start paying more attention to the work of one of their own, Dr. John Laragh, who believes that salt is a critical factor in health.

It is true that pigs often eat their young. You might ask why, and when you do you find that the answer lies in having too little salt. You also might ask about al those salt licks used for animal health. Then you could ask just why animal studies are looked at so akin to humans. And I suppose the string could go on for more than a few miles on this one.

So where do I think this should go?

Just maybe to the use of natural salt*, you know, the funny looking stuff that is often in color but no matter the form, still is replete with precious minerals not burned out by processing.

This is just another call from me to say "Hey!" "How about reading some labels..."

It might just be that easy.

*natural salt information is readily available from the Leaflady

and look for her acclaimed book - The Road to Health Natural Care Series: Blood Pressure Care Naturally