DEFINING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Blood pressure is a test of the heart's ability to pump blood through the body. The test produces two numbers … each one representing pressure in milligrams of mercury (mm Hg). The first is the systolic, which is the tightening (contraction) of the heart (drives blood into the aorta and lung arteries). The second number is the "diastolic" … it is the "relaxation" portion of the heart-beating process.

For example, if your blood pressure is 130/85 then your systolic is 130 and your diastolic is 85.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects 25% of American adults and is defined as a blood pressure above 139/90. In many cases a simple change in diet can lower it.

POTASSIUM: There is an undeniable connection between high blood pressure (hypertension) and potassium. Johns Hopkins University researchers concluded from 33 studies that 4,840 milligrams of potassium is all that is required to produce results.

Typically, people can expect to lower their systolic number by five points and their diastolic by two.

Finally, I believe that obtaining potassium via fruits and vegetables is your best bet … try daily bananas, potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe, orange juice, raisins.

Make a rich source of potassium by making “potato juice” with the following formula ... Juice 1 lb of potatoes with 1 carrot. Add approx. 7 ounces of steam distilled water. Drink immediately (do not store).

LOSE WEIGHT: Being overweight makes people more susceptible to hypertension.

INCREASE FIBER IN THE DIET

BEWARE SALT: If your system is salt sensitive then salt will contribute to high blood pressure.

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