Mineral imbalances in the body have been found to increase hypertension. In this study, young men received hair analysis testing. The findings concluded that iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, sodium and potassium accounted for 13% of systolic blood pressure variation and 15% of diastolic variation. The authors concluded that the men’s resultant poor health could be due to environmental changes and poor nutrition.
Hypertension is a multifactorial illness, and nutritional intake (both quality and quantity) is a very important factor. Nutrition plays a role in regard to the amount of minerals that are taken into the body. Debate has not been resolved about the acceptable levels of minerals in the body, too much or too little of certain minerals may cause problems, such as immune deficiency.
Specifically, the levels of sodium and potassium are considered to be the most important factors contributing to arterial hypertension, a condition which increases directly as the levels of sodium increase. The sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio is considered to be a marker of hypertension. The ratio for good health is believed to be 2/1. In this study done by hair analysis the average Na/K ratio was only 1.60/1, although some individual levels were quite high. (More natural food products tend to be higher in potassium and lower in sodium.)
Low potassium and low calcium are predictors of low magnesium due to the interrelationship of these three elements. There is more hypertension in areas where magnesium is low in the drinking water.
CONCLUSION: Hair analysis can be useful in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The results can be useful in diagnosing nutrition deficiencies which should be treated treated to reduce hypertension. Sodium/potassium ratios are especially important.
NOTE: Search for information on the Paleolithic Diet to learn more about sodium/potassium ratios (Na/K).
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PMID: 23279941.
Summary #922. nutrientmedicine
