Chol Results - Tada

(Duane Storey) said:

Well, I've been doing a Low Carb diet for around 4 months now.. Prior to that, I was doing a low
fat diet for nearly 1.5 years.. here are the results..

Jul 02 Jul 03 Dec 03 Chol 6.1 5.7 4.9 LDL 4.2 4.0 3.3 HDL 1.4 1.2 1.4 Trig 1.2 1.0 0.5

I lost around 20 lbs between Jul 02 and Jul 03, and around 25 lbs between Sep 03 and Jan 04. Any
comments?

Great job! I see your HDL has not changed much. What medications are you taking? Any niacin?

what is your view on trans fats?

--
Patrick Blanchard, M.D. Board Certified in Family Medicine

SonoScore Winning against heart attack and stroke sonoscore.comsonoscore.comOpen ↗

Duane Storey said:

Well, I've been doing a Low Carb diet for around 4 months now.. Prior to that, I was doing a low
fat diet for nearly 1.5 years.. here are the results..

Jul 02 Jul 03 Dec 03 Chol 6.1 5.7 4.9 LDL 4.2 4.0 3.3 HDL 1.4 1.2 1.4 Trig 1.2 1.0 0.5

I lost around 20 lbs between Jul 02 and Jul 03, and around 25 lbs between Sep 03 and Jan 04. Any
comments?

The weight loss is key.

Congrats.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Cardiologist
http:/www.heartmdphd.com/

I stay away from it.. Because I'm low carbing, I don't eat any french fries or the like.. I gave up
marginine in favour of real butter.

No medications whatsoever -- I'm all natural baby!

What surprised me is that losing 20 lbs on low fat hardly had an affect on my profile at all, while
losing the last bit on low carb made a huge difference. I'm not sure if the macronutrient
composition is the key, but as an insulin-resistant person, it might have been.

D.

"Patrick Blanchard M.D." <pbmd@<nospamwamego>.net> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Duane Storey) said:

Well, I've been doing a Low Carb diet for around 4 months now.. Prior to that, I was doing a low
fat diet for nearly 1.5 years.. here are the results..

Jul 02 Jul 03 Dec 03 Chol 6.1 5.7 4.9 LDL 4.2 4.0 3.3 HDL 1.4 1.2 1.4 Trig 1.2 1.0 0.5

I lost around 20 lbs between Jul 02 and Jul 03, and around 25 lbs between Sep 03 and Jan 04. Any
comments?

Great job! I see your HDL has not changed much. What medications are you taking? Any niacin?

what is your view on trans fats?

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it because
I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while I was on it
-- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a pile of weight,
it's still hovering around 140/85 or so.. Are there are natural methods that are effective? I'm 26
years old BTW, with a history of CVD in my family.

Thanks.

Duane Storey said:

I stay away from it.. Because I'm low carbing, I don't eat any french fries or the like.. I gave
up marginine in favour of real butter.

No medications whatsoever -- I'm all natural baby!

What surprised me is that losing 20 lbs on low fat hardly had an affect on my profile at all,
while losing the last bit on low carb made a huge difference.

The closer you get to "ideal" body weight, the bigger the impact of each pound on lipid profile.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Cardiologist
http:/www.heartmdphd.com/

Duane Storey said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while I
was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a pile
of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so..

What is your current weight and height?

Quoted message said:

Are there are natural methods that are effective?

More weight loss if your weight is not ideal. Because Mattb@sorbet is likely going to ask how:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

Would suggest you ask your doctor about this.

Quoted message said:

I'm 26 years old BTW, with a history of CVD in my family.

Thanks.

You are welcome :-)

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-certified Cardiologist
http:/www.heartmdphd.com/

(Duane Storey) said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while I
was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a pile
of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so.. Are there are natural methods that are
effective? I'm 26 years old BTW, with a history of CVD in my family.

Don't be in a hurry; your current plan may work without any modifications in the next month or so.
If you want to try natural remedies, exercise is a freebie. Walking is fine. Of course no smoking.
Caffiene in moderation or not at all; changing to green tea is even better.

As to non-prescription supplements, consider the following: L-arginine: this is a precurser to
nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator of the blood vessel. 500 mg daily or twice daily Fish oil:
this will improve the ability of the endothelium (also known as the intima) to convert L-arginine
into NO. 3 caps AM 3 caps PM. Soy: buy a bunch of roasted salt free soy nuts and munch on these
frequently. Water: plenty of it, especially since you are low carbing. Niacin: improving lipid
metabolism in the liver may indirectly help lower your blood pressure as well. 1,000 mg at bedtime.
Be prepared for the niacin flush but don't panic, it will pass.

Consider asking your doctor for an ALT level; this is a liver enzyme and is used to make certain
your liver is tolerating the niacin. It should be checked 1 month after starting niacin, and
occasionally during treatment. You can also have this test drawn by Quest labs, without a doctor's
permission. questdiagnostics.comindex.htmlOpen ↗

Is this something your are willing to try? Let me know what you think.

--
Patrick Blanchard, M.D., A.B.F.P. Board Certified in Family Medicine
familydoctor.orgblanchardOpen ↗

SonoScore Winning against heart attack and stroke sonoscore.comsonoscore.comOpen ↗

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 3:43:27 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote
(in message <[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Duane Storey said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while
I was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a
pile of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so..

<snip>

Quoted message said:

More weight loss if your weight is not ideal. Because Mattb@sorbet is likely going to ask how:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

The man asks a serious question and Chung seizes the opportunity to push his looney diet.

Quoted message said:

Would suggest you ask your doctor about this.

Indeed, you might also check with the Tooth Fairy who has had great success on the 2PD... although
he and his friend the Easter Bunny are now giving serious thought to the 2FD.

I developed the Two Foot Diet approach (2FD) as a replacement for Dr. Chung's Amazing Logic Defying
Two Pound Diet to avoid having to carry a scale around.

Inspired by Dr. Chung's scientific approach, as described on his website, in 2003, my wife and I
attended an IMAX film about climbing the Bavarian Alps and learned that despite their exhausting
regimen, the climbers consumed only 10 packages of wieners per week. That's less than 2 feet of
wieners per day! Since none of the climbers died from starvation, I think it is safe to assume that
2 feet of food per day should be more than adequate for us non-climbing folks.

So I started a little experiment with the agreeable obese friends in my neighborhood. I gave them
ordinary 6 inch rulers with instructions to measure the length of everything substantial that passed
into their mouths. The only things exempted were water and sugar-free drinks. What I learned was
that my obese friends were consuming between 8 to 12 feet of food per day! At the time, I was about
10 lbs. over my ideal body weight so I decided to find out how much I was eating per day... 3 feet.
I cut back to less than 2 feet and was at my proper weight in one month.

My friends have responded similarly except they have taken longer because of having to lose more
weight. Admittedly, some of my obese friends were especially slow to respond. They also happen to be
the ones with an unfortunate propensity for accidentally loosing their 6 inch rulers and taking
weeks to buy replacements.

So here's the deal: measure all the food you eat, using it's longest dimension, and keep the
total length to less than two feet per day. That's all there is. No scales, no counting calories
or carbohydrates. Heck, if you loose your ruler, you can even use the first joint of your thumb
to measure.

I am making this diet available as a public service and without compensation.

If you have any questions, just see Dr. Chung's helpful FAQ and substitute "Two Feet" for "Two
Pounds" everywhere... what could be simpler?

"If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of midgets"

--
"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no
reward from your Father who is in heaven." (Mat 6:1)

Steve

Sat, 3 Jan 2004 11:25:19 GMT in article
<[email hidden]> "Patrick Blanchard MD"

blanchard@sonoscore_nospam.com said:

(Duane Storey) said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while
I was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a
pile of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so.. Are there are natural methods that are
effective? I'm 26 years old BTW, with a history of CVD in my family.

Don't be in a hurry; your current plan may work without any modifications in the next month or so.
If you want to try natural remedies, exercise is a freebie. Walking is fine. Of course no smoking.
Caffiene in moderation or not at all; changing to green tea is even better.

Excess alcohol should naturally also be avoided.

Cocoa made in soy milk and sweetened with stevia is good for elevated BP. Both cocoa and stevia
lower blood pressure:

Chocolate and Blood Pressure in Elderly Individuals With Isolated Systolic Hypertension Dirk
Taubert; Reinhard Berkels; Renate Roesen; Wolfgang Klaus JAMA. 2003;290:1029-1030. <URL:http://jama.ama-
assn.org/cgi/content/full/290/8/1029> (requires subscription or payment)

Dark Chocolate Is Healthy Chocolate Dark Chocolate Has Health Benefits Not Seen in Other Varieties
Aug. 27, 2003 <URL:http://my.webmd.com/content/article/73/81921.htm>

Fisher ND, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NK. Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric-oxide-
dependent vasodilation in healthy humans. J Hypertens. 2003 Dec;21(12):2281-6. PMID: 14654748
[PubMed - in process] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&lis-
t_uids=14654748&dopt=Abstract>

Hsieh MH, Chan P, Sue YM, Liu JC, Liang TH, Huang TY, Tomlinson B, Chow MS, Kao PF, Chen YJ.
Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension: A two-
year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther. 2003 Nov;25(11):2797-808. PMID: 14693305
[PubMed - in process] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&lis-
t_uids=14693305&dopt=Abstract>

Chan P, Tomlinson B, Chen YJ, Liu JC, Hsieh MH, Cheng JT. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of
the effectiveness and tolerability of oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2000 Sep;50(3):215-20. PMID: 10971305 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.g-
ov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10971305&dopt=Abstract>

Lee CN, Wong KL, Liu JC, Chen YJ, Cheng JT, Chan P. Inhibitory effect of stevioside on calcium
influx to produce antihypertension. Planta Med. 2001 Dec;67(9):796-9. PMID: 11745013 [PubMed -
indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list-
_uids=11745013&dopt=Abstract>

Liu JC, Kao PK, Chan P, Hsu YH, Hou CC, Lien GS, Hsieh MH, Chen YJ, Cheng JT. Mechanism of the
antihypertensive effect of stevioside in anesthetized dogs. Pharmacology. 2003 Jan;67(1):14-20.
PMID: 12444299 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cm-
d=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12444299&dopt=Abstract>

Jeppesen PB, Gregersen S, Rolfsen SE, Jepsen M, Colombo M, Agger A, Xiao J, Kruhoffer M, Orntoft
T, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic and blood pressure-reducing effects of stevioside in the
diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rat. Metabolism. 2003 Mar;52(3):372-8. PMID: 12647278 [PubMed - indexed for
MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1264-
7278&dopt=Abstract>

Geuns JM. Stevioside. Phytochemistry. 2003 Nov;64(5):913-21. PMID: 14561506 [PubMed - in process]
<URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14561506&dopt-
=Abstract>

Gregersen S, Jeppesen PB, Holst JJ, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2
diabetic subjects. Metabolism. 2004 Jan;53(1):73-6. PMID: 14681845 [PubMed - in process] <URL:http:-
//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14681845&dopt=Abstract>

Jeppesen PB, Gregersen S, Alstrup KK, Hermansen K. Stevioside induces antihyperglycaemic,
insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects in vivo: studies in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats.
Phytomedicine. 2002 Jan;9(1):9-14. PMID: 11924770 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.nc-
bi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11924770&dopt=Abstract>

Herbal tea lowers blood pressure, say doctors The China Post, Monday, April 2, 2001
<URL:http://www.taiwanheadlines.gov.tw/20010402/20010402s6.html>

The Nutraceutical Corner.........Stevia: A Sweet Choice for Some
<URL:http://sun.science.wayne.edu/~nfs/news/basfsp00.htm#Stevia>

Stevia Sweetener, a Sugar Alternative <URL:http://nutrition.about.com/library/weekly/aa092099.htm>

Stevia Research <URL:http://herbsforhealth.about.com/cs/herbsasfood/a/aa121997_2.htm>

Stevia : by Ray Sahelian MD , stevia sweetener stevia recipes stevia cooking
<URL:http://www.raysahelian.com/stevia.html>

Stevia, Herb Monograph - Flora Health Herb Encyclopedia
<URL:http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/healthinformation/encyclopedias/Stevia.asp>

Monograph : Stevia rebaudiana (requires free registration)
<URL:http://www.phytotherapies.org/monograph_detail.cfm?id=262>

Medicinal herbFAQ Part 2/7 (scroll down the page to find Stevia) <URL:http://www.faqs.org/faqs/medicinal-
herbs/part2/>

Stevia rebaudiana <URL:http://www.rain-tree.com/stevia.htm>

Stevia - The Natural Sweetener <URL:http://www.healthy.net/nutrit/kitchen/foods/stevia.asp>

Stevia - Frequently asked questions <URL:http://www.stepa.be/faqs.html>

How Sweet Is Stevia <URL:http://www.life.ca/nl/83/stevia.html>

As for food, garlic and celery are usually recommended for hypertension. For diet I would check out
DASH diet and Harvard food pyramid:

The DASH Eating Plan <URL:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/>

Facts About The DASH Diet <URL:http://seniorhealth.about.com/library/nutrition/bldash.htm>

The DASH Diet for Hypertension <URL:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743410076/104-8027332-
3099139?v=glance>

Food Pyramids: Nutrition Source, Harvard School of Public Health
<URL:http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramids.html>

Quoted message said:

As to non-prescription supplements, consider the following: L-arginine: this is a precurser to
nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator of the blood vessel. 500 mg daily or twice daily Fish oil:
this will improve the ability of the endothelium (also known as the intima) to convert L-arginine
into NO. 3 caps AM 3 caps PM. Soy: buy a bunch of roasted salt free soy nuts and munch on these
frequently. Water: plenty of it, especially since you are low carbing. Niacin: improving lipid
metabolism in the liver may indirectly help lower your blood pressure as well. 1,000 mg at bedtime.
Be prepared for the niacin flush but don't panic, it will pass.

Other potentially useful supplements:

- Garlic suppplements 1500 - 6000 mg/d and Coenzyme Q10 200-300 mg/d in combination.

- Magnesium 500 - 1500 mg/d

- Calcium 1000 mg/d

- Potassium 400 - 500 mg/d

- Vitamin C 1000 - 6000 mg/d divided into at least three portions during the day. Depot (time
relase) tablets are preferable.

- Amino acid taurine 1/4 - 1/3 teaspoonful 2 - 3 times a day, up to 6 g/d.

- Vitamin D 2000 IU/d in the winter time if one lives far north or far south (outside the 40th
latitudes), or if one for some other reason get enough sunshine (not much is needed, only about
20 minutes whole body exposure per day in the summer time is needed by light skinned people for
the _maximum_ production of vitamin D in the skin; people with very dark skin may need up to 2-3
times that).

Some References and links
=========================

Vitamin C
_________

Treatment of hypertension with ascorbic acid Stephen J Duffy, Noyan Gokce, Monika Holbrook, Annong
Huang, Balz Frei, John F Keaney Jr, Joseph A Vita Lancet, Volume 354, Number 9195, 11 December 1999
<URL:http://www.thelancet.com/journal/vol354/iss9195/full/llan.354.9195.original_research.2536.1>

Taddei S, Virdis A, Ghiadoni L, Magagna A, Salvetti A. Vitamin C improves endothelium-dependent
vasodilation by restoring nitric oxide activity in essential hypertension. Circulation 1998; 97: 2222-
29. <URL:http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/97/22/2222>

Jeserich M, Schindler T, Olschewski M, Unmussig M, Just H, Solzbach U. Vitamin C improves
endothelial function of epicardial coronary arteries in patients with hypercholesterolaemia or
essential hypertension - assessed by cold pressor testing. Eur Heart J. 1999 Nov;20(22):1676-80
<URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10543931&dopt-
=Abstract>

Taurine
_______

Militante JD, Lombardini JB. Treatment of hypertension with oral taurine: experimental and
clinical studies. Amino Acids. 2002;23(4):381-93. Review. PMID: 12436205 [PubMed - indexed for
MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1243-
6205&dopt=Abstract

Harada H, Kitazaki K, Tsujino T, Watari Y, Iwata S, Nonaka H, Hayashi T, Takeshita T, Morimoto K,
Yokoyama M. Oral taurine supplementation prevents the development of ethanol-induced hypertension in
rats. Hypertens Res. 2000 May;23(3):277-84. PMID: 10821139 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http-
://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10821139&dopt=Abstract>

Dawson R Jr, Liu S, Jung B, Messina S, Eppler B. Effects of high salt diets and taurine on the
development of hypertension in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat. Amino Acids. 2000;19(3-4):643-
65. PMID: 11140367 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcg-
i?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11140367&dopt=Abstract>

Nittynen L, Nurminen ML, Korpela R, Vapaatalo H. Role of arginine, taurine and homocysteine in
cardiovascular diseases. Ann Med. 1999 Oct;31(5):318-26. Review. PMID: 10574504 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10-
574504&dopt=Abstract>

Anuradha CV, Balakrishnan SD. Taurine attenuates hypertension and improves insulin sensitivity in
the fructose-fed rat, an animal model of insulin resistance. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1999 Oct;77(10):749-
54. PMID: 10588478 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcg-
i?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10588478&dopt=Abstract>

Ciechanowska B. [Taurine as a regulator of fluid-electrolyte balance and arterial pressure] Ann Acad
Med Stetin. 1997;43:129-42. Polish. PMID: 9471912 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.nc-
bi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9471912&dopt=Abstract>

Ji Y, Tao L, Xu HL, Rao MR. [Effects of taurine and enalapril on blood pressure, platelet
aggregation and the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in two-kidney-one-clip renovascular
hypertensive rats] Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1995 Dec;30(12):886-90. Chinese. PMID: 8712013 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=87-
12013&dopt=Abstract>

Novotny MJ, Hogan PM, Paley DM, Adams HR. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle
induced by dietary taurine deficiency in cats. Am J Physiol. 1991 Jul;261(1 Pt 2):H121-7. PMID:
1858911 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retri-
eve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1858911&dopt=Abstract>

Sato Y, Ogata E, Fujita T. Hypotensive action of taurine in DOCA-salt rats--involvement of
sympathoadrenal inhibition and endogenous opiate. Jpn Circ J. 1991 May;55(5):500-8. PMID: 2062001
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=P-
ubMed&list_uids=2062001&dopt=Abstract>

Abe M, Shibata K, Matsuda T, Furukawa T. Inhibition of hypertension and salt intake by oral taurine
treatment in hypertensive rats. Hypertension. 1987 Oct;10(4):383-9. PMID: 3308700 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=33-
08700&dopt=Abstract>

Chesney RW. Taurine: its biological role and clinical implications. Adv Pediatr. 1985;32:1-42.
Review. PMID: 3909770 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.-
fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3909770&dopt=Abstract>

Fujita T, Sato Y. The antihypertensive effect of taurine in DOCA-salt rats. J Hypertens Suppl. 1984
Dec;2(3):S563-5. PMID: 6152784 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entr-
ez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6152784&dopt=Abstract>

Kohashi N, Katori R. Decrease of urinary taurine in essential hypertension. Jpn Heart J. 1983 Jan;24(1):91-
102. PMID: 6854956 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcg-
i?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=6854956&dopt=Abstract>

taurine <URL:http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10059,00.html>

Taurine - A compilation by Ch. M. Ruessheim <URL:http://www.serve.com/BatonRouge/taurine_chmr.htm>

Therapeutic applications of taurine. <URL:http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/taurine3-2.html>
<URL:http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/.fulltext/3/2/128.html>

Taurine Elson M. Haas M.D.
<URL:http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1971>

Comprehensive Nutrient Review: Taurine Overview
<URL:http://www.lef.org/abstracts/codex/taurine_index.htm>

Vitamin D
_________

Li YC. Vitamin D regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. J Cell Biochem. 2003 Feb 1;88(2):327-
31. Review. PMID: 12520534 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q-
uery.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12520534&dopt=Abstract>

Holick MF. Vitamin D: A millenium perspective. J Cell Biochem. 2003 Feb 1;88(2):296-307. Review.
PMID: 12520530 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cm-
d=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12520530&dopt=Abstract>

"... Chronic vitamin D deficiency may have serious adverse consequences, including increased
risk of hypertension, multiple sclerosis, cancers of the colon, prostate, breast, and ovary, and
type 1 diabetes. ..."

Pfeifer M, Begerow B, Minne HW, Nachtigall D, Hansen C. Effects of a short-term vitamin D(3) and
calcium supplementation on blood pressure and parathyroid hormone levels in elderly women. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Apr;86(4):1633-7. PMID: 11297596 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
<URL:http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/86/4/1633>

"... A short-term supplementation with vitamin D3 and calcium is more effective in reducing SBP
than calcium alone. Inadequate vitamin D3 and calcium intake could play a contributory role in
the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in elderly women."

Fuller KE, Casparian JM. Vitamin D: balancing cutaneous and systemic considerations. South Med J.
2001 Jan;94(1):58-64. Review. PMID: 11213944 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nl-
m.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11213944&dopt=Abstract>

"... RESULTS: Vitamin D is an important hormone with many physiologic roles beyond those related
to bones, including blood pressure regulation and acting as a tumor suppressant. ..."

Vieth R. Vitamin D supplementation, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and safety. Am J Clin Nutr.
1999 May;69(5):842-56. Review. <URL:http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/69/5/842>

"For adults, the 5-microg (200 IU) vitamin D recommended dietary allowance may prevent
osteomalacia in the absence of sunlight, but more is needed to help prevent osteoporosis and
secondary hyperparathyroidism. Other benefits of vitamin D supplementation are implicated
epidemiologically: prevention of some cancers, osteoarthritis progression, multiple sclerosis,
and hypertension. ..."

Lind L, Hanni A, Lithell H, Hvarfner A, Sorensen OH, Ljunghall S. Vitamin D is related to blood
pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged men. Am J Hypertens. 1995 Sep;8(9):894-
901. PMID: 8541004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcg-
i?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8541004&dopt=Abstract>

Lind L, Wengle B, Wide L, Ljunghall S. Reduction of blood pressure during long-term treatment with
active vitamin D (alphacalcidol) is dependent on plasma renin activity and calcium status. A double-
blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Hypertens. 1989 Jan;2(1):20-5. PMID: 2643969 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE] <URL:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=26-
43969&dopt=Abstract>

"... This study supports the idea of a relationship between calcium metabolism and the renin-
aldosterone system in essential hypertension and describes a beneficial effect of vitamin D
supplementation on blood pressure in low-renin hypertension."

Vieth, R., Chan, P.-C. R, MacFarlane, G. D (2001). Efficacy and safety of vitamin D3 intake
exceeding the lowest observed adverse effect level. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 73: 288-294
<URL:http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/73/2/288>

--
Matti Narkia

"Patrick Blanchard MD" <blanchard@sonoscore_nospam.com> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

(Duane Storey) said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations while
I was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've lost a
pile of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so.. Are there are natural methods that are
effective? I'm 26 years old BTW, with a history of CVD in my family.

Don't be in a hurry; your current plan may work without any modifications in the next month or so.
If you want to try natural remedies, exercise is a freebie. Walking is fine. Of course no smoking.
Caffiene in moderation or not at all; changing to green tea is even better.

As to non-prescription supplements, consider the following: L-arginine: this is a precurser to
nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator of the blood vessel. 500 mg daily or twice daily Fish oil:
this will improve the ability of the endothelium (also known as the intima) to convert L-arginine
into NO. 3 caps AM 3 caps PM. Soy: buy a bunch of roasted salt free soy nuts and munch on these
frequently. Water: plenty of it, especially since you are low carbing. Niacin: improving lipid
metabolism in the liver may indirectly help lower your blood pressure as well. 1,000 mg at
bedtime. Be prepared for the niacin flush but don't panic, it will pass.

Consider asking your doctor for an ALT level; this is a liver enzyme and is used to make certain
your liver is tolerating the niacin. It should be checked 1 month after starting niacin, and
occasionally during treatment. You can also have this test drawn by Quest labs, without a doctor's
permission. questdiagnostics.comindex.htmlOpen ↗

Is this something your are willing to try? Let me know what you think.

You seem to be overlooking the importance of reaching "ideal" body weight, Patrick.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

Sat, 03 Jan 2004 15:55:50 +0200 in article
<[email hidden]> Matti Narkia

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Other potentially useful supplements:

- Garlic suppplements 1500 - 6000 mg/d and Coenzyme Q10 200-300 mg/d in combination.

- Magnesium 500 - 1500 mg/d

- Calcium 1000 mg/d

- Potassium 400 - 500 mg/d

- Vitamin C 1000 - 6000 mg/d divided into at least three portions during the day. Depot (time
relase) tablets are preferable.

- Amino acid taurine 1/4 - 1/3 teaspoonful 2 - 3 times a day, up to 6 g/d.

- Vitamin D 2000 IU/d in the winter time if one lives far north or far south (outside the 40th
latitudes), or if one for some other reason get enough sunshine (not much is needed, only about
20 minutes whole body exposure per day in the summer time is needed by light skinned people for
the _maximum_ production of vitamin D in the skin; people with very dark skin may need up to 2-3
times that).

A small typo above ("does not" was left out, instead of "get enough sunshine" it should read "does
not get enough sunshine"😉. The intended form was:

- Vitamin D 2000 IU/d in the winter time if one lives far north or far south (outside the 40th
latitudes), or if one for some other reason does not get enough sunshine (not much is needed, only
about 20 minutes whole body exposure per day in the summer time is needed by light skinned people
for the _maximum_ production of vitamin D in the skin; people with very dark skin may need up to
2-3 times that).

--
Matti Narkia

Steve <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 3:43:27 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote (in message
<[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Duane Storey said:

Can any of you guys offer any ways to get my BP down? I was on HCTZ a while ago, but quit it
because I heard it created blood sugar problems (I also started having slight palpitations
while I was on it -- these went away shortly after quitting).. Unfortunately, even though I've
lost a pile of weight, it's still hovering around 140/85 or so..

<snip>

Quoted message said:

More weight loss if your weight is not ideal. Because Mattb@sorbet is likely going to ask how:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

<hissing snipped> "If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders
of midgets"

Picture a fearful midget clown standing as self-described.

You poor guy.

You remain in my prayers, neighbor.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

Thanks for everyone's help..I'm 26, 5'9", and 188 lbs as of this morning. I checked by body fat, and
I'm at 19.5% right now.. I'd like to get to around 15% or so, so that's a loss of around 10 more
lbs. That should take me less than two months.

If my BP doesn't reduce then, I guess I'll look at some natural remedies first.. I hope it goes
down though.

Thanks again, Duane

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 9:58:00 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote
(in message <[email hidden]>😉:

< recording snipped>

Quoted message said:

Picture a fearful midget clown standing as self-described.

Is this "Picture..." stuff gonna be your "new material"? If so, I can run with it :-) At least it's
a refreshing change from the "Truth/Untruth" mantras.

Picture this:

_ /'_/) ,/_ / / / /'_'/' '/'__'7, /'/ / / /" /_\ ('( /' '😉 \ / '\'
_.7' \ ( \ \

Humbly,

Steve

Duane Storey said:

Thanks for everyone's help..I'm 26, 5'9", and 188 lbs as of this morning.

I am your height and exactly 144 lbs as of one minute ago. I routinely bench press 225 lbs.

Quoted message said:

I checked by body fat, and I'm at 19.5% right now.. I'd like to get to around 15% or so, so
that's a loss of around 10 more lbs. That should take me less than two months.

If my BP doesn't reduce then, I guess I'll look at some natural remedies first.. I hope it goes
down though.

A more certain approach is described at:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

Would suggest you ask your doctor about it. You will need his/her supervision.

Quoted message said:

Thanks again, Duane

You are welcome :-)

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 13:07:57 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote
(in message <[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Duane Storey said:

Thanks for everyone's help..I'm 26, 5'9", and 188 lbs as of this morning.

I am your height and exactly 144 lbs as of one minute ago. I routinely bench press 225 lbs.

Quoted message said:

I checked by body fat, and I'm at 19.5% right now.. I'd like to get to around 15% or so, so
that's a loss of around 10 more lbs. That should take me less than two months.

If my BP doesn't reduce then, I guess I'll look at some natural remedies first.. I hope it goes
down though.

A more certain approach is described at:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

Why don't you suggest that to him a couple of more times? Are you going to tag it on to _every_ post
he makes? Has it occurred to you that he may have checked it out and simply dismissed it as
ridiculous? Of course not :-)

Picture a sad little clown with a $1.95 postal scale chasing the Fat Lady around the circus ring
shouting "2PD, 2PD, 2PD, 2PD!"

--

Steve

Steve said:

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 13:07:57 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote (in message
<[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Duane Storey said:

Thanks for everyone's help..I'm 26, 5'9", and 188 lbs as of this morning.

I am your height and exactly 144 lbs as of one minute ago. I routinely bench press 225 lbs.

Quoted message said:

I checked by body fat, and I'm at 19.5% right now.. I'd like to get to around 15% or so, so
that's a loss of around 10 more lbs. That should take me less than two months.

If my BP doesn't reduce then, I guess I'll look at some natural remedies first.. I hope it goes
down though.

A more certain approach is described at:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

Why don't you suggest that to him a couple of more times?

I am waiting for him to acknowledge that he either will or won't ask his doctor about it.

Quoted message said:

Are you going to tag it on to _every_ post he makes?

Do you want me to?

Quoted message said:

Has it occurred to you that he may have checked it out and simply dismissed it as ridiculous? Of
course not :-)

Why should I assume that?

Quoted message said:

Picture a sad little clown with a $1.95 postal scale chasing the Fat Lady around the circus ring
shouting "2PD, 2PD, 2PD, 2PD!"

Why would one picture Duane as a fat lady?

Quoted message said:

Steve

You poor guy.

May you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior in 2004.

You remain in my prayers, neighbor.

Humbly,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 13:36:44 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote
(in message <[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Steve said:

On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 13:07:57 -0500, Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD wrote (in message
<[email hidden]>😉:

Quoted message said:

Duane Storey wrote:

> Thanks for everyone's help..I'm 26, 5'9", and 188 lbs as of this morning.

I am your height and exactly 144 lbs as of one minute ago. I routinely bench press 225 lbs.

> I checked by body fat, and I'm at 19.5% right now.. I'd like to get to around 15% or so, so
> that's a loss of around 10 more lbs. That should take me less than two months.
>
> If my BP doesn't reduce then, I guess I'll look at some natural remedies first.. I hope it goes
> down though.
>

A more certain approach is described at:

heartmdphd.comwtloss.aspOpen ↗

Why don't you suggest that to him a couple of more times?

I am waiting for him to acknowledge that he either will or won't ask his doctor about it.

Heh. You may be in for a long wait :-)

Newsflash: people don't "hop to it" just because you suggest it.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Are you going to tag it on to _every_ post he makes?

Do you want me to?

Would it make a difference?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Has it occurred to you that he may have checked it out and simply dismissed it as ridiculous? Of
course not :-)

Why should I assume that?

I didn't ask if you assumed that. I asked if it had occurred to you.

Truth never occurrs to the Untruthful.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Picture a sad little clown with a $1.95 postal scale chasing the Fat Lady around the circus ring
shouting "2PD, 2PD, 2PD, 2PD!"

Why would one picture Duane as a fat lady?

I have no idea... why would you ask?... is English your *fifth* language?

Picture a sad little clown who just doesn't "get it".

You poor guy.

May you accept your absurdity and irrelevance in 2004

--

Steve

On Sat, 03 Jan 2004 15:55:50 +0200, Matti Narkia <[email hidden]>
wrote:

<snip GREAT post>

Thaks very much for the detailed and informative post! It is a wonderful contrast to the one-
liners. <g> Matt