High B/p

[messenger_73]

I am 35 and my b/p ave is 148 / 88  I do not want to get pres. pills so I read that taking Garlic and Hawthorne pills should help with that . Is this true - are the any other herbal options

[is_something_wrong]

Hi,

To control blood pressure without medications, I think lifestyle changes are almost the only things that actually help.

At 35 y/o, "true" high blood pressure isn't very common. Most cases of high blood pressure at young age is caused either by stress, or obvious unhealthy lifestyle like overweight, smoking or excess salt intake.

If you are overweight, losing weight is WITHOUT DOUBT the most effective way to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure can drop 1 mmHg for each pound of excess weight you lose. Aerobic exercise is also important, exercising 3-4 times/week will usually lower blood pressure approx. 10 mmHg. Some people are experiencing high blood pressure in response to excess salt intake or caffeine, while others don't. If you are drinking a lot of coffee or eating a lot of salt, you may try to modify your diet.

So, natural ways to reduce blood pressure are:
- Exercise a lot (aerobic exercise or relaxed hiking in the nature)
- Lose weight (if overweight)
- Get the daily necessary amount of magnesium, calcium and potassium.
- Lower salt intake
- Reduce stress / get anxiety treated

I strongly doubt garlic and hawthorne pills have any significant effect. If they had, they would be used by doctors to treat high blood pressure. Of course if they have a calming effect it might help, but if so, your problem is stress, not high blood pressure.

And - if you are going to take pills daily (and not modify lifestyle), you might as well get the pills from your doctor? Most blood pressure meds have very few side effects.

By the way, your blood pressure is not very high, so I'm sure you will find a solution..

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Aside from garlic, celery, carrot, tomato, soybean, basil, pomengranate, radish, sesame, ginger, cocoa, and tea  have been found to have antihypertensive effects ( ref: Pharmacogh Rev 2011). However, it is important that you have this evaluated further  by your doctor to rule out secondary causes or conditions such as kidney or heart problems. Eating a low salt diet as well as regular exercise may also help.  Regular blood pressure monitoring is highly recommended. Take care and do keep us posted.