HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Q. Over the past 3 months, my blood pressure has gone from normal to consistently high. My doctor says I have essential hypertension and wants me to take three different prescription medications to treat it. I would like to avoid this and go the natural route. What are some natural options? If I go on the medication, can I go off again once my blood pressure has gone back down to normal?

A. The good news is that seeing as you've only noticed a big change in your blood pressure over the last few months, and you haven't started taking medication, it is a very good time to try a more natural means of treatment as well as address the underlying root of the problem. After an individual has been medicated for some time, it does make natural treatments a little more tricky.

It is never a good idea to discontinue any medication abruptly, and even when slowly weening off a medication, it is always advised to do so under the supervision of a health care professional. Sudden discontinuation of Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), Calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB's), some of the most commonly used pharmaceutical medications to control blood pressure, can all result in rebound high blood pressure. Blood pressure often rises higher than it was when starting the medication. This can go on to cause irregular heart beat, stress on the heart leading to damage and possibly heart attack. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting and sleep problems are also some very common and serious side effects associated with a sudden decrease or discontinuation of these medications. This is certainly not to say that medication cannot be lowered significantly with diet and lifestyle interventions, but these decreases need to be made very carefully and over a safe period of time.

Essential or primary hypertension is diagnosed when there is no identifiable cause to blood pressure increase. It is usually a gradual increase over many years and affects about 90-95% of individuals with high blood pressure. Poor dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as high stress, are common predisposing factors. Secondary hypertension is caused by a dysfunction, usually in the renal system (kidneys) or the endocrine system (hormone regulation) or atherosclerosis of the arteries. It can also be a result of pregnancy and/or a side effect of medication. Increases in blood pressure are a direct result or side effect of an identifiable secondary cause. In the case of kidney disease, for example, blood pressure increases as a means of stabilizing glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the primary function of the kidneys. When GFR does not respond to increases in blood pressure, cardiac output and therefore blood pressure, stays high. In the case of secondary hypertension, interventions aimed at resolving the underlying cause are most effective in lowering blood pressure.

Although some supplement recommendations are more effective when geared towards either Primary or secondary hypertension specifically, most diet and lifestyle modifications will help to lower blood pressure regardless of the cause, as long as the root of the problem is also being addressed.

Most healthcare practitioners will advise an individual to lose weight. This is not an arbitrary request. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of a handful of diseases, hypertension being one of them. Obesity also puts an individual at risk for the development of diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage, further increasing risk of blood pressure complications. Regular exercise and a healthy diet leading to weight loss can cause dramatic, life saving and sustainable decreases in blood pressure.

A blood pressure-friendly diet includes limiting foods that are high in salt and dietary animal fat. Salt causes water retention, leading to increased pressure. Be sure to remember 'hidden salt' in processed foods, as they tend to be found in high amounts and can be more damaging than the sprinkling you are putting on your freshly prepared meals. Red and processed meats are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, increasing blood pressure and clogging the arteries. Caffeine naturally causes increases in blood pressure and should be limited or avoided by individuals with hypertension. Oats and oat bran both have cholesterol and blood pressure reducing properties, primarily due high soluble fibre content. Be sure to include foods rich in potassium and magnesium in your diet, two minerals essential for reducing hypertension. These include avocado, apples, banana, oranges, cantaloupe or honeydew melon, asparagus, cabbage, tomato, broccoli and cauliflower, potatoes, wheat germ and nuts. Ask your doctor or naturopath if you are currently taking a medication that may put you at risk of hyperkalemia. Most of the commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, except for thiazide diuretics, as well as some natural products like L-Arginine, can cause a increase in blood potassium levels, a medical emergency. Make sure to talk to your doctor before increasing potassium in your diet if you are on any blood pressure medications. Quit smoking, if you are currently a smoker. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease.

Stress is one causative factor that often goes unaddressed when talking treatment. As important as exercise is in terms of stress, it cannot serve as the only form of stress reduction. I know it is much harder to do than it sounds, but relaxation is key. Breathing exercises, meditation or gentle yoga have been proven in studies to lower blood pressure. Regular massages, acupuncture treatments or even regular baths, force us to relax, get away from work, our families, TV, etc. and reboot. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes/day devoted to yourself and relaxation. It does the body good.

Supplementation can get overwhelming. Start with lifestyle and dietary interventions, and if needed feel free to compliment these efforts with one or two well-proven supplement options. The EPA and DHA (omega 3 fatty acids) in fish oil have been shown in multiple studies to lower blood pressure and reduce atherosclerosis. CoQ10 has been shown to strengthen the heart, improving heart stamina and volume of blood pumped. Calcium and magnesium are not just for bone health. Studies show that these minerals are also essential for proper muscle contractions, including those of the heart, as well as blood vessel health. Interestingly, many of the well-known medications formulated for cardiovascular health, deplete our natural levels of potassium, magnesium, zinc and CoQ10, all essential for optimal functioning of the heart and healthy blood vessels. If you are currently taking medications for your heart, blood pressure or cholesterol, ask your doctor or naturopath about these deficiencies and recommended supplementation.

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