“Dear Pharmacist,
I have moderately high blood pressure but I absolutely do not want to take medication for the rest of my life. I’m not overweight and I do exercise. Please tell me if there is anything that I could try that is natural. I’ll try anything.”
–H.W., Orlando, Florida
Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids and these can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for stroke and heart disease. The active ingredients in omega-3’s are called eicosanoids and you’ll see the abbreviations EPA and DHA on the labels of supplements. You can get omega-3’s naturally in fish like mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring and anchovies, but you have to eat a lot! You could supplement with about 1000 milligrams Omega-3’s each day and while increasing your omega-3’s you should reduce your intake of omega-6 fatty acids by avoiding fried foods, beef, pork and vegetable oils like corn oil, canola oil, and sesame oil.
In addition, get Coenzyme Q10 and take 50 milligrams three times a day. Most cardiologists use this supplement because it can dramatically improve hypertension, angina, arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Take 500 milligrams of Vitamin C twice a day, 400 IU of Vitamin E once daily, 4,000 milligrams of standardized garlic (or Kyolic’s brand of ‘aged’ garlic) and a good multivitamin once daily. Olive Leaf Extract has also shown excellent effects on blood pressure. This regimen may lower your blood pressure within a few weeks. Beets are of tremendous value too, so please refer to that article by CLICKING HERE. And you should also read my article on “Rabbit Food” and how powerful magnesium is by CLICKING HERE.
Much of the success depends on the quality of the brands of supplements that you buy. Keep track of your blood pressures and work closely with your doctor so he can note your progress. No reputable physician denies the benefits of a healthy diet at any stage of illness. Even though physicians prescribe medications, most agree that these alternatives are safe, reasonable and at least worth a try. Before taking anything new, consult your physician because responses vary from person to person.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
