Ways to Lower Blood Pressure with Natural Therapies

Dear Dr. Cutler,

I have successfully lost approximately 20 extra pounds over the past six months through the use of bioidentical thyroid hormone replacement and switching to eating whole foods. However, while my blood pressure went down initially, more recently it has come up. My blood pressure values are around 160 to 170 mm Hg over 65 to 80 mm Hg. My regular doctor wants to put me on blood pressure medications to lower it. What can I do to lower it with natural therapies?
—Mike T.

Dear Mike,

You have what we call systolic hypertension. It is a condition where your artery and arteriolar walls don’t have much elasticity. Every time your heart pumps your pressure goes too high, while in between pumps your pressure is just fine. So here are some suggestions you can read about and discuss with your regular doctor.

First, congratulations on losing those extra pounds! You have done more for your health than you could by just lowering your blood pressure with a prescription pill. These dangerous pills do nothing to reduce inflammation.

Second, your body has developed stiff arterial walls over many years, so be patient with yourself in bringing your blood pressure down into the normal range. Consider ways to give your arteries more elasticity, and ways to lower your chances of developing atherosclerosis—or heart disease.

In addition to healthy whole foods, there are three nutrient supplements to consider, among many.

• Nattokinase—This is a fermented soybean extract. I suggest taking approximately 100 mg twice daily. It naturally and safely breaks down blood clots, thus helps in lowering the development of atherosclerosis.
• Oral EDTA—This amazing amino acid has been shown to erode calcium plaque and to help give arteriolar walls more elasticity.
• Fish oil—This natural supplement has anti-inflammatory effects that will do more for stroke and heart attack prevention than any of your prescription anti-hypertensive medications, according to the peer-reviewed literature. I suggest 3,000 mg per day.

You’re on the right track. May these suggestions assist you and your doctor in finding therapies to give you the best of health!

All the best!
Michael Cutler, M.D.