HEALTH TALK: Complementary and Alternative Blood Pressure Treatments

Dr. Victor Emanuel
Dr. Victor Emanuel

There are many different types of complementary and alternative treatments believed to be effective to treat high blood pressure. Scientific evidence indicates that a diet low in saturated fat and salt and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits  and PROVISIONS) increased physical activity, and regular practice of relaxation techniques such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong, can assist in lowering blood pressure.

DIET TO LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

One of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet. We doctors recommend:

  • Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods.
  • Cutting back on foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat.
  • Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts.
  • Eating less red meat and sweets.
  • Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium (bananas, watermelons), and calcium.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

A solid body of evidence shows that men and women of all ages who are physically active have a decreased risk of developing high blood pressure. Research indicates that exercise can lower blood pressure as much as some drugs. People with mild and moderately elevated blood pressure who exercise 30 to 60 minutes three to four days per week (walking, jogging, cycling, or a combination) may be able to significantly decrease their blood pressure readings.

BLOOD PRESSURE, BREATHING, AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Blood pressure increases when a person is under emotional stress and tension, but whether or not psychological interventions aimed at stress reduction can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension is uncertain.

Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that ancient relaxation methods that include controlled breathing and gentle physical activity, such as yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi, are beneficial. People with mild hypertension who practice these healing techniques daily for two to three months experienced significant decreases in their blood pressure, had lower levels of stress hormones, and were less anxious.

The results of a recent small study suggest that a daily practice of slow breathing (15 minutes a day for 8 weeks) brought about a substantial reduction in blood pressure. However, these findings need to be confirmed in larger and better-designed studies before these ancient healing techniques are recommended as effective non-pharmacologic approaches to treating high blood pressure. Still, possible benefits, coupled with minimal risks, make these gentle practices a worthwhile activity to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle.

Note that it is important that inactive older people or those with chronic health problems, be evaluated by the doc before starting a program of any physical activity, including Tai Chi, Qigong, or Yoga.

HERBAL THERAPIES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The efficacy and safety of herbal therapies, such as Rauwolfia serpentine (snakeroot), Stephania tetrandra (tetrandrine), Panax notoginseng (ginseng), and Cratageus species (hawthorn) for treating high blood pressure have not been extensively studied. Because of potential health risks associated with these herbs, it is imperative that you inform your doc if you plan to use or are already using them. This is even more important if these herbs are used in combination with high blood pressure drugs. Some herbs, such as licorice, ephedra (Ma Huang), and yohimbine (from the bark of a West African tree) should not be used by people with high blood pressure, because they can cause an increase in the blood pressure.

SUPPLEMENTS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

Some supplements have been evaluated as blood pressure-lowering options, including:

  • Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10): People with mild high blood pressure who were taking Co Q10 experienced a significant drop in their blood pressure without appreciable side effects. In addition, Co Q10 appears to reduce blood pressure by a different mechanism from major antihypertensive drugs. 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Some studies report that EPA and DHA may reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. But other studies have had conflicting results. Current evidence suggests that modest reductions of blood pressure may occur with significantly higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids. 
  • Amino acids: It’s been suggested that the dietary supplement L-arginine may lower blood pressure. However, the few studies conducted to date were small and not well-controlled, and suggest that L-arginine may lower blood pressure for only a short period of time. Another amino acid, L-taurine, may also have blood pressure-lowering qualities. 

Talk to your doctor before starting any medication, including these supplements, which may be available without a prescription. The risks and benefits of every medicine (including over-the-counter drugs) must be carefully weighed on an individual basis.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Extensive research on the effectiveness of acupuncture for lowering blood pressure has been reported, but many studies have considerable weaknesses. More rigorously controlled research is needed to determine the values of acupuncture as a treatment for high blood pressure. At this time, there is no evidence that acupuncture reliably lowers high blood pressure.

See you soon.

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12 Comments

  1. July 8, 2013

    Prevention is better than cure, so i think so as to avoid health problems in the future, one should already take necessary measures such as reading the right kind of food and avoiding anything that can put the health in danger. There are so many ways to do this, and they are already discussed in this post. We just have to follow everything.

  2. Ideall
    July 3, 2013

    Thanks for the info, yet there are lots of locally grown products good for high blood pressure, you can do some more research on that and give us the info, lots of us poor people cannot afford those medications.Hope to hear more from you soon, or if anyone knows some of those items please post them here..thx

  3. KING WILLY
    July 3, 2013

    Hey DOc…Thanks much for the info.Just a quick question.Would 30 mins of daily vigorous SEX count as physical activitY,and by how much can i expect to reduce my blood pressure in the process.

    • UK
      July 3, 2013

      It will help but don’t kill yourself trying to hard

    • Justice and Truth
      July 3, 2013

      It is very much on your mind. Addicted eh! It depends with whom. :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • Dumbass watch
      July 4, 2013

      U may DOT.
      Die on top if you are ontop u may go too under having ur spouse on top with ur weak heart due to High blood pressure.

    • Anonymous
      July 4, 2013

      You can do 1/2 a minute? Little willy? u know what a willy is? A little dick.
      So how can u call urself King Willy?
      No amount of ur seconds with a little Willy at that help U read what D/can with a kink said.

    • Hey
      July 4, 2013

      Doh kill me with that question

  4. virgo
    July 3, 2013

    Thank you! so very much Doc, may GOD, bless you until next week if GOD, permit.

  5. Frabo
    July 3, 2013

    “High blood pressure.” It’s better to take precaution to prevent it, rather than taking medication to cure or control it. Stay away from Sodium. Or use very little of it. However, if you like to eat out at restaurants and KFC, you are already at risk.

  6. D/can with a Kink
    July 3, 2013

    Doc!People with mild and moderately elevated blood pressure who exercise 30 to 60 minutes three to four days per week (walking, jogging, cycling, or a combination) may be able to significantly decrease their blood pressure readings. What about sex as excercise?
    many a man on island have died as aresult of sexual activity .Is it because of heart conditions with HTN included,viagra use etc? please expond.
    Weekly broths ej Sat afternoon seems a must. Its loaded with salt be it pig snout, salt beef even fish.D/csns (like latinos think eating without rice is not eating)no broth is not eating well.

    • Justice and Truth
      July 3, 2013

      Dr. Emanuel’s article is an excellent one and directive.
      Too much of one thing is good for nothing. :lol: Viagra would do it. Many men in progressive countries who took viagra have died and during that time. I heard of the number of men who died which is high but did not make a note of it. These pills are abnormal, unhealthy and dangerous. Some people fall for everything which is advertised, at their peril.
      You can have broth but with very little salt. If you can stamina no salt, better yet. However, we do need a nominal amount of salt and sugar in our blood. As always, everything should be in moderation.
      I would not eat salt beef frequently. In fact, they should refrain from giving the meat too much salt. Gone are the days of a lot of salt and sugar which have contributed to some ailments.
      As for the Latinos eating rice daily, it is their culture. Rice is not heavy.
      The Indian culture is roti. They love their rotis, some daily.
      As I read, someone who is watching her weight, eats only “a scoop”. Whatever that scoop is, it probably is not a huge one.
      Have you noted when you eat rice soon after you may not feel full?
      Ensure you eat fruits and vegetables as also leafy greens. Drink ample amount of water daily.
      Do you drink milk? I heard on TV we should drink two glasses of milk daily. I would think, not the homogenized one.
      Avoid too much anxiety and stress. Some things are mind over matter. It is said, “Your mind can make you sick or well.” Be confident and positive.
      Try to be happy. Smile. The words of a song: “Smilers never lose and frowners never win.”
      Enjoy some good jokes which will make you laugh. You may have heard laughter is the best medicine.
      Do not forget your faith. Strong faith in God and practice of same heals. It is said, “Religious folks are happier and live longer. They also do not get sick easily.” I would think, if they practice the faith as they should. Pass this on…
      Ever watch Dr. Oz? His program is an excellent one. There are others on TV.

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