Hypertension or high blood pressure can either be a condition on its own (primary hypertension) or can come as a symptom or a byproduct of another condition (secondary hypertension). High blood pressure affects about 27% of American women that are aged eighteen to 74. The number rises with age however and 70% of women ages 65-75 have some level of high blood pressure. The condition affects African Americans at a higher rate than other ethnicities. (Source: Ammer 2005)
Hypertension does not tend to present any symptoms until there is a complication- most often these complications are a heart attack, a stroke, or kidney disease. Hypertension might also be discovered by monitoring of the blood pressure - any number that is 120/80 to 139/89 is considered to be pre-hypertensive and should be closely watched. Lifestyle changes should be considered and strictly adhered to. These changes include losing weight, exercising, and eliminating the other risk factors including smoking and excessive salt intake. Primary hypertension can be controlled with lifestyle and medication but cannot be cured. Secondary hypertension can be eliminated, however, by eliminating the underlying cause.
The diet may be one of the easiest ways to help manage high blood pressure including using the DASH diet, (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) a diet that stresses fruits and vegetables and lowering the amount of meat and fats that are consumed. There are also some studies that show how protein, particularly soy protein and dairy protein can benefit the blood pressure.
The DASH diet includes:
- 7-8 servings of grain or grain products (whole grain)
- 4-5 servings of vegetables a day (1 cup raw and cup cooked)
- 4-5 servings of fruit (6 ounces juice, one medium fruit)
- 2-3 servings of low fat or nonfat dairy products
- 2 or fewer servings of meat per day. (lean meats or fish should be selected)
(Source: The American Heart Association)
How Protein May Help
A study has shown that a combination of milk based proteins can reduce salt induced increases in blood pressure. The combination of isoleucine/proline/proline(IPP) and valine/proline/proline (VPP) with or without plant sterols can help lower the blood pressure following salted foods. These milk tri-peptides allowed a 4.8 point decrease in the systolic numbers and a 2.2 point decrease in diastolic number during the study.
There are currently one billion people in the world that have high blood pressure with that number likely to double by the year 2025. (Source: Daniels, 2010)
Other Beneficial Proteins for High Blood Pressure
In addition to the tri-peptides IPP and VPP in milk, there are blood pressure and cardiovascular benefits in soy protein as well as whey protein. For instance, two servings of soy protein, which can be used in place of meat in the diet, can lower the blood pressure as well as lower blood cholesterol up to nine points. (Source: Natural News, 2006)
Whey protein, which is a derivative of milk (it is a byproduct of cheese making) has been shown to improve blood vessel function in otherwise healthy people increasing blood flow and improving blood pressure. It is the whey protein derived peptide NOP-47 that improves vascular function. (Source: Mercola, 2009)
Getting Enough Protein
The amount of protein that the average person needs will vary depending on weight, age, health, and activity level. The American Heart Association recommends that the amount of protein in the average diet be no more than 35% of the overall calories, however your own doctor will let you know what the right amount of protein is for you. The average person should be getting between .5 to .8 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight, less if they are sedentary and more if they are more active. A body builder may need at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of their own body weight.
There are times that the body needs additional protein including during sickness, trauma, burns, and after surgery. During these times, it is important that the doctor prescribe a dietary regimen that provides the right amount of nutrition so that optimal health can be reached.
Protein comes from two sources, animal and plants. While it is important to get as much of the daily diet from whole food sources that are as close to their natural state as possible, there are some supplements that can be beneficial to make sure that the right amount of protein is reached. Protein supplements are good as between meal snacks or can serve as meal replacements.
Protein Powders as Meal Replacements
There are four main types of protein powder: whey, rice, soy, and egg. It is best to use single protein powders; however there are some that are a combination of two or more of these.
Whey Protein -- Whey is the most common type of protein powder with the whey protein concentrate as the cheapest. It is between 30 and 85% protein but can be a problem for those who are lactose intolerant. In addition to high blood pressure benefits, whey can help to stabilize the blood sugar after a meal and is also very beneficial for the immune system. Whey protein isolate has less lactose and may be more tolerable to those with sensitivities. The isolate also has more protein at 90%. Whey protein is one of the most calorie dense protein sources.
Soy Protein -- Soy protein powder can also be in isolate and concentrate. Soy protein is highly digestible and is suitable for vegans.
Rice protein -- Rice protein is the only protein that is considered to be hypoallergenic and is also suitable for vegans.
Egg Protein -- Egg protein powder is made from the whites of the egg and is fat free. Egg protein is considered to be the perfect protein. All of the protein that is available in the egg is digested and used by the body.
Protein Supplements as a Between-Meal Snack
Protein supplements that have smaller calorie counts can be used as a between meal snack- a huge benefit because they can stabilize blood sugar and keep you from feeling hungry between meals, keeping metabolism high and cravings low. Because weight loss is so important to lowering high blood pressure, these benefits can help keep any diet plan on track. Supplements that are used as between-meal snacks should be low in calories but high in protein and other nutrients. There should be a minimum of added ingredients especially excess sugars, but should still be palatable. After all, if you cannot tolerate the taste, it is of no benefit whatsoever.
Protein Supplement Shots -- Profect, from Protica is 2.9 fluid ounces in size and only one hundred calories but has 25 grams of protein per serving. In addition, it delivers Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex with zero fat and zero carbohydrates. There are a number of fruit based flavors as well. The company also has several other strengths of this protein supplement available in addition to the single serve shot.
Protein Bars -- A protein bar can serve as a between meal snack however it has to be less than around 200 calories and should have limited sugars added.
More Information:
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures
Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey liquid protein for renal care patients. You can learn more at
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