Blood Pressure

[Nitz]

natural Remedies anyone?...Mother is experiencing High Blood Pressure and of course doc wants her on the trusty old pharmies....any help would be appreciated

[Glass]

hey Nitz. hope she's ok. I'm feeling higher blood pressure since just before christmas. My face feels stretched and hot. My head feels all, well like it's underpressure from the inside. I'd be grateful for a few ideas as well. A few lifestyle changes are in order for me first though I think.

Is high blood pressure a single cause like cholesterol or can it be other things as well. Thats what I would like to know. I don't want to do Pharma cholersterol meds.

[k-os]

Old Herb Lady has lots of great advice on natural cures. She'll chime in here and give you some great information, no doubt. Or you can send her a private message. She is really helpful and generous with her knowledge.

[Celtic Rogue]

I have been reading some info about vitamin D3 and helping lower high blood pressure. Do a search for vitamin D3 and high blood pressure. Lots of links to info... here are a couple with highlights below.

http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/prevention/a/vitamin-d.htm

ne study found that administering vitamin D to older adults with existing high blood pressure caused both the systolic blood pressure (http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/glossary/g/sys_glos.htm) and diastolic blood pressure (http://highbloodpressure.about.com/od/glossary/g/dias_glos.htm) to decrease. The same study also found that giving both vitamin D and calcium together caused even larger decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These data suggest that vitamin D and calcium somehow work together to cause a reduction in blood pressure and that high levels of calcium promote the blood pressure reducing action of vitamin D. Curiously though, when the study participants were examined more carefully, it was found that this only worked in people who had relatively high calcium levels to start. In people who had low calcium levels at the beginning, neither vitamin D nor vitamin D plus calcium were very effective at lowering blood pressure.


http://www.abloodpressure.com/articles/81/Vitamin-D-and-High-Blood-Pressure/

A study showed that taking doses of 400 I.U. of Vitamin D daily, along with 600 milligrams of calcium actually reduces blood pressure in the elderly by more than 9 percent after taking it for only eight weeks. However, the treatment of 600 milligrams of calcium by itself, reduced blood pressure by about 4 percent. So it would be smart to take a Vitamin D supplement because the evidence on its ability to prevent and reduce a rise in blood pressure.

In closing, if you want to keep your blood pressure down, it is highly suggested dosage of vitamin. It's natural and probably has little to no side effects. This is a great way to keep your blood pressure down. But by all means, please consult your doctor to make sure that this is healthy for you. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully this bit of information was found to be beneficial.

[Old Herb Lady]

Thanks K-os you're soooo sweeet !!!!


Hi Nitz,

I'm not an N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor) but all the ones I know will tell you CO Q 10 and L-Carnitine for high blood pressure if you wanted to look into that route.

I'm an herbalist and only go the herbal route so here's some links for more information :
(and yes, it works !)

Hawthorne Berry Syrup, Garlic & Cayenne ...........

HBP Info: http://www.herballegacy.com/Blood_Pressure.html

Remedy 1: http://www.herbsfirst.com/descriptionsformulas/bloodcirculation.html

in addition to:

more info: http://www.herballegacy.com/Hawthorn_Berry.html

Remedy 2. http://www.herbsfirst.com/descriptionsformulas/hawthornberryheartsyrup.html

[mamboni]

There's nothing wrong with her taking blood pressure pills. But, if you want to try natural approaches first:

1. Cut table/processed salt from her diet - cut canned or processed foods as they are loaded with salt.
2. only allow use of natural sea salt and sparingly
3. more fruits and vegetables and less starches
4. lose weight!!!
5. reduce caffeine intake
6. if she smokes - stop.
7. high dose vitamin D (5000 IU per day) plus calcium (lactate) supplemnent or low fat yogurts.
8. B-complex vitamin supplement (50 of each minimum) as caps or gel caps only, no hard tabs.
9. add soy lecithin granules to diet - 2 tbs or more per day - fantastic for blood pressure, nerve health and cardiovascular system in general.

Good luck.

[DMac]

I'm not a doctor but I play one in my home.

As Mamboni said:
7. high dose vitamin D (5000 IU per day) plus calcium (lactate) supplemnent or low fat yogurts.

And as I've said here about 100 times, Oil of oregano! Daily!

[ximmy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVB6fO2iO9c

[horseshoe3]

The same study also found that giving both vitamin D and calcium together caused even larger decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These data suggest that vitamin D and calcium somehow work together to cause a reduction in blood pressure and that high levels of calcium promote the blood pressure reducing action of vitamin D.

If only there was a natural substance that was high in both vitamin D and calcium.

When our first child was sick, the doctor recommended Pedialite because it would help rehydrate him and it contains important vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Hmmm......

[Old Herb Lady]

If only there was a natural substance that was high in both vitamin D and calcium.

When our first child was sick, the doctor recommended Pedialite because it would help rehydrate him and it contains important vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Hmmm......

Herbs are natural substances. Herbs are food. Herbs/foods high in calcium and D --
red raspberry leaves, oatstraw, horsetail, nettles off the top of my head.

When my child is sick (every couple of years) and doesn't eat & can't eat.......red raspberry leaf tea to replenish vitamins, herbs, minerals ---from nature---
being put into a natural creature. (and delicious !)

Any malady in the body can be healed naturally if only the information was common knowledge to everyone on the planet to use. Instead, it's all been lost over the past 100 years due to modern medicine that will kill you or keep you dependant on it like in that video.

All naturale will be coming back very soon because we will be FORCED to go out into nature & bring it in.
(or find somebody else that does or get the herbs at a local herb shop/healthfood store)

[Old Herb Lady]

SIDE EFFECTS of Medications Used to Treat High Blood Pressure

Diuretics

These high blood pressure medications flush extra water and sodium (salt) from your body. Diuretics may cause these side effects:
Extra urination. Extra water out means more time in the bathroom. Take these medications earlier in the day and when you're not stranded away from a bathroom.
Erection problems in some men.
Weakness, leg cramps, or fatigue. Diuretics may decrease the body's levels of the mineral potassium, which can lead to these side effects. Certain potassium-sparing diuretics do not have this effect, however.
Intense and sudden foot pain,which is a symptom of gout. This is rare.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockersmake your heart beat less forcefully and more slowly. These medications may cause side effects such as:
Asthma symptoms
Cold hands and feet
Depression
Erection problems
Insomnia and sleep problems

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Thesehigh blood pressure medicationsblock formation of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, so vessels relax. ACE inhibitors may cause these side effects:
A dry, hacking cough that doesn't go away. If you have this side effect, the doctor may prescribe another type of medication.
Skin rash and a loss of taste are two other possible side effects of ACE inhibitors.


Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

These high blood pressure medicationsshield blood vessels from a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. This allows blood vessels to stay open. One of the more common side effects of ARBs is dizziness.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)

These high blood pressure medicationskeep calcium from entering heart muscle and blood vessel cells. Blood vessels can then relax. CCBs may cause these side effects:
Constipation
Dizziness
Headache
Irregular or very rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
Swollen ankles

Alpha-Blockers

Alpha-blockersreduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. These medications may cause:
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from reduced blood pressure)
Fast heart rate

Alpha-2 Receptor Agonist

This high blood pressure medicationdecreases activity in the adrenaline-producing part of the nervous system. It may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Alpha-Beta-Blockers

These high blood pressure medicationsreduce nerve impulses and also slow the heartbeat. Patients with severe high blood pressure often receive them by intravenous (IV) injection. But the doctor may also prescribe these medications for people who have congestive heart failure. Alpha-beta blockers may cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand up suddenly or first get up in the morning. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Central Agonists

These high blood pressure medicationscontrol nerve impulses, relaxing blood vessels.

Central agonists may cause:
Anemia
Constipation
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from a drop in blood pressure)
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Erection problems
Fever

Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors

This type of medication blocks neurotransmitters in the brain, so the message to constrict doesn't reach smooth muscles. Used less often than other high blood pressure medications, these drugs can cause:
Diarrhea
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from reduced blood pressure)
Erection problems
Heartburn
Stuffy nose

If nightmares or insomnia persist, talk with your doctor about another HBP medication option.

Vasodilators

Vasodilators relax muscles in vessel walls, opening blood vessels and allowing blood to flow better. These medications may cause:
Excessive hair growth
Fluid retention
Headaches
Irregular or very rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
Joint aches and pains
Swelling around the eyes

Renin Inhibitor

This newer class of high blood pressure medication works by decreasing chemicals that tighten blood vessels. This medication may be used alone or in combination with another medication. Side effects may include:
Cough
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Heartburn
Rash

[horseshoe3]

I was alluding to milk, and in the latter example specifically mother's milk. But I do agree with you that herbs and teas are great sources of healing and nutrition. The knowledge is hard to find and remember. I can and have read an entire book on herbal cures and only remember a small part of it because it had no immediate meaning to me. Discussions like this bring increased retention because they are pertinent to the lives of the members. To that end, I thank you for taking the initiative to learn the subject and the kindness and patience to educate the rest of us.

[Nitz]

Mamboni, I am curious about your assertion that there is "nothing wrong" with the blood pressure meds??? I understand that in a last resort situation that it is better to have the risk of side effects from meds vs. stroke, or other complications from high blood pressure...but you seem dismissive of these side effects? Id be interested in further explanation if you would...also, to those suggesting vitamin D, are you speaking of D3 specifically? the entire spectrum? Thanks everyone!