Recently I found out that my blood pressure was high.  After considering and trying medication for a short period, I opted to try integrative medicine therapies which were successful!

What is high blood pressure?  A blood pressure reading of greater than 140/90 is considered abnormal although even lower levels (130-139/85-89)can be associated with higher risk for cardiovascular disease.  Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects one in four Americans and is called the “silent killer,” because you can have an high blood pressure without having any symptoms.

What causes high blood pressure (HBP)?

• stress
• risk is higher in African Americans
• blood pressure naturally increases as we age which puts the elderly at higher risk of HBP
• being overweight or obese can increase blood pressure
• dietary deficiencies of calcium, magnesium and potassium are associated with HBP
• there are some medications that can cause HBP including steroids, birth control pills, and over the country diet pills with stimulants (guarana, caffeine, cola nut, yerba mate) can increase BP
• high sodium diets
• drinking alcohol

What are some integrative therapies you should consider?

1. Get enough calcium in your diet with low fat dairy products
2. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables
3. Limit sodium by decreasing intake of processed and convenience foods as well as fast foods as they are high in salt.
4. LImit intake of alcohol
5. Lose weight if you are overweight
6. Exercise is effective at lowering blood pressure even if you don’t lose weight
7. Consider the amino acid – L-arginine which when taken orally helps to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure
8. Eat according to the anti-inflammatory diet pyramid.  See http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00361/anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid.html
9. If you don’t get enough calcium, magnesium and potassium in your diet, take supplements.