DR SYLVESTER IKHISEMOJIE FROM PUNCH
Beta blockers are a type of drug that act to reduce stress on the heart. They work by blocking the release and activity of heart muscle drivers like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can also place increased pressure on the nervous system by causing its agitation. Beta blockers act to slow the heart rate and thus reduce the force with which blood is pumped around the body. These drugs also help to lower the blood pressure by reducing the production of the hormone known as Angiotensin 2. In this role, there are two types of beta blockers, and they are classified as selective and non-selective. The non-selective ones block the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline in every part of the body and the heart as well. However, this ability may cause undesirable side effects such as the propensity to induce asthmatic attacks in people who are prone to having such attacks. Selective beta blockers, on the other hand, are now more common and more contemporary because they specifically act on the heart tissues so that their overall side effects are diminished. These drugs are common in the treatment and management of conditions such as stroke, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, fast heartbeat, congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeats. Therefore, many people who suffer from these conditions currently will use this group of drugs. They can also help to treat or manage migraine, portal hypertension, anxiety, certain types of tremors and glaucoma.
Doctors often prescribe these medications for the management of any of the above conditions. As a result, specialist doctors like anaesthesiologists, cardiac specialists, physicians and psychiatrists often use these medicines. It is a surprise that some of these medicines occur naturally in fruits and vegetables around us. While these are not intended to serve as an alternative to the use of those medicines, it is important for people to understand that fish, amino acids, certain vitamins, garlic and berries are all natural sources of this important group of drugs. Garlic, which is one of the most commonly used food condiments in the world, contains selenium, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin B6 which are all believed to be healthy to the heart. Experts believe that garlic can reduce the blood pressure and cholesterol levels because of an antioxidant it contains known as allicin. This is not just a tale parroted from one person to another; for in a study conducted in 2020, garlic supplementation reduced blood pressure sufficiently enough to avoid the development of cardiovascular problems in a good number of people. The same can be said of Hibiscus, the main ingredient in Zobo; it has been in use for several millennia in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension. A study conducted about eight years ago stated that animal and human studies helped to establish the antihypertensive effects of the flower. It reduces blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, blocking calcium channels while opening potassium channels and acting as a diuretic.
Fatty acids especially Omega-3 are known today to reduce the likelihood of getting a heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that people should eat fish rich in Omega-3 at least two times a week or in the alternative, take 1-gram of Omega-3 supplement every day. The fish which are rich in Omega-3 are salmon, herring and trout. Of these, salmon is the most widely available in Nigeria and it is not cheap. Vegetables like celery may also help to reduce blood pressure by acting to reduce the circulating levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They also act to reduce the force with which the heart acts to pump blood through the body. This two-pronged approach to blood pressure reduction is thought to make it an effective agent in the control of blood pressure. sadly, celery too is not commonly available in our country. Certain compounds in celery such as n-butylphthalide and apigenin are believed to be the agents responsible for effecting this property. Lastly, the fibre known as pulses, together with the plant protein prevalent in beans, lentils and chickpeas acting together with potassium could also be useful in lowering blood pressure in all individuals whether or not they have hypertension. It is remarkable, especially in our environment, how there has been such a profound change in diet in just one generation that has seen the mass migration away from beans, garri, yam and potatoes which are rich in fibre, to rice, noodles and other types of pasta not to mention fast-foods, which are not.
