When was the last time you took your blood pressure? I take mine daily.

Many things are known to cause high blood pressure. In some cases, it is probably caused by a combination of factors. Drugs treat a specific pathway. Over time, drug dosage or the type of drug is changed because it may no longer be effective.

What are typical causes of high blood pressure? Smoking, obesity, too much salt, too much alcohol, unmanaged stress, old age, genetics, and more are part of the list.

Dangers of High Blood Pressure

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410. This is a good link on high blood pressure. Complications from high blood pressure could be a heart attack or stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, weakened blood vessels in the kidney, thickened blood vessels in the eyes, metabolic syndrome, memory problems, and maybe even vascular dementia.

The cost of a blood pressure monitor has fallen a lot in recent years. I did a quick Google search and found several under $20. It is a good insurance policy to get a blood pressure monitor and use it often. Record your times and blood pressure readings. Take this information to your doctor when you have a problem or at your annual physical exam.

Drug Options

https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/hypertension-ace-inhibitors-medication-natural/2022/03/07/id/1059974/. One method of lowering blood pressure is to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE). Nearly half of the prescription drugs used to control blood pressure are ACE inhibitors.

Side effects of ACE inhibitors used to control blood pressure include a dry cough, hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood), fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loss of taste. Angioedema or swelling of the airway happens rarely. There are three groups of people who should avoid ACE inhibitors – those who are pregnant, those who have severe kidney failure, and those with allergic reactions to ACE inhibitors should not use them.

Natural ACE Inhibitor Options

Garlic

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966103/#:~:text=Garlic%20supplements%20have%20shown%20effectiveness,levels%20and%20blood%20’stickiness’.

Grape Seed Extract

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33671310/

Pomegranate Juice

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21457902/#:~:text=Pomegranate%20juice%20consumption%20may%20reduce,and%20reduces%20systolic%20blood%20pressure.

Indian Gooseberry

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/indian-gooseberry and
https://pharmeasy.in/blog/amla-uses-benefits-side-effects/

Mushrooms (Lion’s mane, shiitake, maitake, and reishi)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3443885/#:~:text=Shiitake%20feeding%20resulted%20in%20a,blood%20pressure%20increase%20in%20hypertension and
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224414001289

Whey Protein

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526665/ and
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-whey-protein

Conclusion

There are other natural options to treat high blood pressure. Unfortunately, doctors cannot prescribe any of the above since they are foods and are not approved by the FDA to treat anything. However, you can talk to your physician and tell him that you want to try one or more of these natural options and work a plan that will align with any current drugs you currently take.

If not on a prescription drug, I suggest getting your doctor’s approval to take one or more natural options, regularly monitor your blood pressure, and report back to the doctor within an agreed-upon schedule. High blood pressure is not something to ignore.

My personal experience with high blood pressure when I flew in the military was that if I kept my weight in check and exercised regularly, I never flirted with high blood pressure. However, if I gained weight over the year and slacked on my exercise, I would tend towards more elevated blood pressure. There are natural options to control blood pressure.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com

 

 

 

3 Responses

  1. I noticed eating correctly and exercising weren’t added. My high blood pressure scared me, so I decided to do something about it. I eliminated/reduced all things white(notice I added reduced). I’ve lost 23 pounds, blood pressure greatly reduced, and hope to be off of blood pressure medicine this year. I can’t tell you how much better I feel.
    Still, great information in your article.
    Thanks Red!

    1. Bob – exercise and losing are two ways to lower blood pressure. I believe I mentioned those two things worked for me to pass my annual flight physical. Some people would rather take a garlic pill than exercise or lose weight.

  2. I have read a lot about the beneficial effect of garlic. It’s nice to know that it positively impacts reducing blood pressure and controlling weight. I am thankful to you for sharing this practical and useful information!

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