Women and High Blood Pressure

Women's issues image.

Besides reducing the risk of having a baby born with spina bifida, new research suggests that women who increase their daily intake of folic acid can also reduce their risk of high blood pressure.

The results of two studies presented at a hypertension conference of the American Heart Association examined the health consequences of over 150,000 female nurses. At the start of the 8-year study, none of the women had high blood pressure.

As in many studies, the women first completed detailed questionnaires about their health habits, physical activity levels and diet (including folic acid intake). Their blood pressure was recorded every 2 years.

Bottom line? Those who consumed 800 micrograms of folic acid per day (or more) had a significantly lower risk of hypertension.

How can you be sure that you get enough folic acid?

While folic acid supplements can be helpful, several foods are known to be high in folate, including citrus fruits, asparagus, brussels sprouts, spinach, baked beans, brown rice, chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils. Items rarely featured at your local fast food establishment or the frozen food aisle at your supermarket!

Dr. Kat Asks some important questions of interest to Rockville residents - Chiropractor Rockville Dr. Kat Asks...

Why is a "slipped disc" unlikely?
Separating each spinal vertebra is a disc. Its fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. Because of the way a disc attaches to the spinal bones above and below it, it can't actually "slip." However, a disc can bulge, tear, herniate, thin and collapse. But it can't slip.
Are chiropractors just concerned with the spine?
Our interest in the spine is because it covers the major communications conduit between your brain and your body. As a Rockville chiropractor my job is to locate areas (usually along the spine) that interfere with proper nerve communications to and from your brain. Chiropractic adjustments help restore nervous system integrity. In this way, chiropractic care can affect the function of your entire body.