The Relationship Between Hydrogen Sulfide and High Blood Pressure

A new study by Canadian researchers and John Hopkins' neuroscientist Solomon H. Snyder, M.D, has found that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may help lower or prevent high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Detailed in the October 24th issue of the Science journal, they proved how the enzyme CSE is responsible for creating hydrogen sulfide gas and through the actions of bacteria on organic material in the intestinal tract. The unpleasant smelly aroma, often called "rotten egg gas", comes out of your body through the anal opening by a process called "flatus". Flatus causes gas that has been generated in or from the digestive tract, especially the stomach or intestines, to be expelled. This gas is a combination of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, both of which contain sulfur, hence the smell.

By comparing normal mice with mice that were missing the gene for an enzyme called CSE, they found that the production of hydrogen sulfide in the normal mice created hydrogen sulfide gas in the tissues. When this gas was "depleted" from the tissues, this relaxed blood vessels, thus regulating blood pressure. I am going to assume, however incorrect it may be, that the depletion from the body tissues is accomplished by the hydrogen sulfide gas exiting the body, i.e., by passing gas or "farting". However, it is interesting to note that hydrogen sulfide and its effect on the cardiovascular system is not new information. In an article published online by The FASEB Journal, in January 2005 called "Role of hydrogen sulfide in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury", that dealt with inflammation, it is stated, "That H2S is a potent vasodilator in large blood vessels such as the aorta and portal vein of rats is clear (17). In addition, a relaxant effect of H2S on resistance arterioles has recently been reported (13)." Online at MedicineNet.com, "vasodilator" is defined as "Drugs that act as blood vessel dilator (vasodilators) and open vessels by relaxing their muscular walls....."

It is fascinating that high levels of hydrogen sulfide can kill you (around 500 parts per million), but studies over the past two decades have shown that the gas can put mice into a state of suspended animation, and help to limit the damage caused by a heart attack. In the released study, Dr. Snyder stated, "Now that we know hydrogen sulfide's role in regulating blood pressure, it may be possible to design drug therapies that enhance its formation as an alternative to the current methods of treatment for hypertension." Therefore, at some point in the future, a new drug will be created to help you control high blood pressure by enhancing your body's ability to produce hydrogen sulfide gas. Other drugs may be developed to place your body in a state of suspended animation for the purpose of surgery (or until the time the necessary surgery itself is developed).

It is my opinion that in the meantime, we can get an early start by starting to eat more of the foods we have always tried to avoid. Why? Because they were known for producing some pretty bodacious gas explosions a/k/a "farts". (Around here, the act of farting is preceded by someone saying "the deer are barking", followed by the fart itself. It is not always sufficient warning to allow others to escape from the room.) Beans (especially chili or bean soup), corn, bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, milk, bread, eggs, beer, and raisins are all fart-producing foods. This condition is helped by including the ingestion of carbonated drinks, swallowing air, chewing gum and sucking on hard candies, all of which add to the air in the body's digestive system. Not only will you no longer feel guilty for consuming these foods, but also - they will indeed make you feel better.

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MedicineNet.Com, Definition of Medication, vasodilator