Vitamin K and High Blood Pressure

Typical scenario: a person invests little to zero time in optimizing their health through a proper lifestyle, involving Chiropractic, a nutrient-dense whole food diet, exercise, prayer, and meditation. After 3 or 4 decades of self-abuse/neglect, symptoms arise. Rather than going to a health professional—a Chiropractor—they go to a sickness doctor—a medical doctor. Medical doctors only know how to treat sickness, which does not produce health. Medicine produces a reduction of symptoms, which again, is NOT health!

One prescription may reduce your high blood pressure, but it creates more damage through various organs, which in time, leads to more dis-eased processes and more prescriptions. As of 2019, according to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, people aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year. Yet, people still seek a medical/sickness doctor before consulting with a Chiropractor/health doctor, who gets sick people well and prevents the well people from becoming sick!

It's an easy choice—what do you want? A reduction of current symptoms leading to future dis-ease, or a lifetime of health and wellness, void of toxic medications and surgery? That is the difference between choosing the right doctor. Chiropractic, according to the University of Chicago Medicine Study, is more effective at lowering high blood pressure than the two most prescribed blood pressure medications—with NO SIDE EFFECTS!

The Role of Vitamin K in Blood Pressure

Vitamin K's role in regulating calcium also influences blood pressure. Arterial stiffness, often caused by calcium deposits in the arterial walls, is a major contributor to high blood pressure. By preventing calcium from accumulating in the arteries, vitamin K2, particularly in its MK4 and MK7 forms, helps maintain arterial elasticity and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Moreover, some studies suggest that vitamin K2 may improve endothelial function, the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract properly, which is crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, the evidence so far suggests that adequate intake of vitamin K2 could be a valuable strategy in managing and preventing high blood pressure.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin K1, MK4, and MK7

To support heart health, it's important to include foods rich in all forms of vitamin K in your diet:

• Vitamin K1 sources: Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin K1. Other good sources include Brussels sprouts, green beans, and asparagus.
• MK4 sources: Animal products such as liver, egg yolks, butter, and meat are good sources of MK4. Some fermented foods also contain MK4, but in smaller amounts compared to MK7. Of course... organic always!
• MK7 sources: Natto (Japanese fermented soybeans) is the most concentrated source of MK7. Other fermented foods, such as certain cheeses and fermented vegetables (Kimchi/Sauerkraut), also provide MK7, though in smaller amounts.

For those who struggle to get enough vitamin K from their diet, supplements are available, often containing a combination of MK4 and MK7. Just ask Dr. Patrick or the front desk what we take!