September 20, 2018 general

There is no debate about whether or not excessively high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other problems. However, there is a battle over what level is too high and something of a war about how to best get levels lowered.

Levels. The recommended “safe upper level” keeps being lowered. That is always good for drug makers because it creates a bigger pool of potential customers. They are not bothered by the over-treatment that too often comes along with these changes. This CHART is at least easy to follow.

Making matters more complex, it is difficult to get an accurate blood pressure reading because “white coat” anxiety increases pressure and the correct procedures are not uniformly followed. (For example sitting quietly for several minutes first; feet on the floor; arm supported; right size cuff; and so on.) Besides the likelihood of being medicated, there are other harms to being falsely proclaimed “hypertensive”. That stress can increase blood pressure. (A self-fulfilling prophecy.) You may start viewing yourself as sick and withdraw from activity. Also, insurance now considers that you have a preexisting condition. So, it is best to supervise the measurement taking and double check frequently at home with a good monitor and compare its readings to the doctor’s.

Conventional Treatment. Given that all medications have side effects, it is scary that there are 200+ blood pressure pills and that a great many people are on several of them. The best resource I know about this topic is Sherry Rogers, MD’s wonderfully documented book, The High Blood Pressure Hoax! (Use the code P129P for 20% discounts on that site.)

Lifestyle. It makes sense to improve lifestyle factors that raise blood pressure because there is no harm and the improvements will help other issues as well. Stop smoking. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Drink enough water. Maintain a normal weight. Reduce salt intake if you eat large amounts or are particularly sensitive. Reduce chronic stressors and learn to relax (The Relaxation Response book).

Natural remedies. Sauna has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Massage therapy lowers blood pressure. Having a pet helps. Acupuncture and microcurrent feedback have been shown to be helpful. Of course, diet is very important. The same good foods we recommend for general health are good for blood pressure but, also check out beets and beet juice.

Dietary Supplements. There are many nutrients that help, but the mineral magnesium is the first one I recommend. (Don’t get the oxide form. Any chelated form is probably okay. Start with a low dose like 250 mg. Build up but, stop increasing if you experience a loose or pasty stool.) Longevinex is a supplement with multiple benefits. Kyolic aged garlic Formula #109 has other specific ingredients but, the garlic itself has fringe benefits. Get a lot of good ideas from Bill Sardi’s articles on blood pressure. Having a well balanced gut helps, so I recommend Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics. Also, Reg’Activ Cardio Wellness Formula helps in many ways, including increasing the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione. (This is a very popular product and sometime there is a wait for it.)

Doesn’t it make sense to try the least dangerous, most widely beneficial options first…especially in this case where you can actually measure the effect?