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High Blood Pressure
Started
on February 8, 2011
First, congratulations on losing some weight. That's such a struggle for many of us, and you're doing a great job.
Second--and I really don't mean to be a party pooper!--it's POSSIBLE that no matter what you do, you're not going to be able to get your BP down without meds. I speak from experience on this. As I posted in another thread, my BP has been wildly out of control since brain surgery, running in the 240/130 range while on multiple medications; it's now down to the 180/100, 160/100 range--but that's on five BP meds. In terms of diet there's nothing else I can do. So, sometimes, it's just beyond our control.
If I were you I'd continue to monitor my BP and if, despite your diet and exercise efforts, it continues to stay high, check with your doctor and see what s/he recommends. You may only need to take something in the short term, until you lose more weight and/or increase your exercise, or whatever. So don't think you've failed if you need meds! Keep doing what you're doing but be open to the idea that meds may be the way to go, at least temporarily.
I, too, am exploring how to naturally lower my BP. I am on 3 meds and still the last reading yesterday was 160/100. I am exploring garlic capsules, black tea and pumpkin seeds as supplements to my prescribed meds. Maybe you could look into those things and cut out almost all salt...look for hidden salt in pre-packaged foods.
It all depends on what is causing the high blood pressure. There is many causes of high blood pressure such as calcium induced, epinepherine, pain from injuries, ACE induced etc.
Finding the cause can be abit tricky, A good healthy diet is obviously a good start.
Magnesium is good as not only is it a natural calcium channel blocker it relaxes the blood vessels. Acidified types are best for absorption such as magnesium citrate. Magnesium oil is also good but expensive. Magnesium oxide should be avoided which is caustic and neutralizes stomach acid.
Ill be back with some other tips later when i have time.
http://www.amlaberry.co.uk
I know this is a little old, but my husband has this (he went from stage 2 hypertension to prehypertension in a month), and we've worked hard to lower his blood pressure (I am aware that causes are different for everyone, and I am offering what follows just as what has worked for us). Here is what we've found: Potassium is great for lowering blood pressure. We include lots of potassium rich foods like bananas and prune juice. He has also been exercising almost everyday. Camel pose (a yoga posture) is also supposed to help lower one's blood pressure because it compresses the vagus nerve (a doctor who attends bikram class mentioned this). Finally, lots of nitrates are supposed to be a good way for lowering blood pressure. Three words-DARK LEAFY GREENS! Kale, spinach, nettle, etc. Nettle is great (you can probably get this as nettle tea at a health food store... we grow our own nettle. It's a stinging plant, so be careful when handling and dry the leaves or boil them so the stingers come out). My husband said to add that celery is helpful as well. He has also been losing weight and that, I am sure, has been helpful! He's excited because he's off his high blood pressure medicine which made him feel awful. Hope this helps someone :).
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