By Susan Stewart, Licensed Insurance Agent
When I speak with my clients, I hear their medical issues in great detail. I wonder if medications are contraindicated or if some of the way clients feel is the result of side effects.
I am not a doctor, and I’m not giving medical advice, but you might want to consider natural ways to support your blood pressure. Would you like to reduce the dosage or need for blood pressure medicine? ALWAYS check with your doctor first, but consider these ideas, originally shared by the Mayo Clinic:
- Lose weight and pay attention to your waist size. The greater your waist size, the greater your likelihood of high blood pressure.
- Eat healthy food. Whole grains. Fruit. Vegetables. Lean meat. Popular healthy eating includes the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets.
- Exercise and stay active. Walk instead of driving when you can. Mow the lawn. You don’t have to join a gym! Intentionally look for ways to move your body and get that heart pumping.
- Lower the sodium in your diet. Easiest way? Avoid processed foods. Read labels. Cook. The internet is loaded with healthy recipes. Expand your mind and give it a try.
- Limit alcohol. Did you know that alcohol can interfere with your blood pressure meds? Cut back.
- Don’t smoke or vape. The Mayo Clinic agrees this is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Even second-hand smoke takes a toll. The American Heart Association says that while vaping is on the rise, the damage it does to your body is every bit as dangerous as cigarettes.
- Sleep. Lots of people struggle with good sleep. I’m one of them. Try to stay on a schedule. Your phone’s blue light affects your eyes. Put it away. Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol all affect your sleep. Limit napping. This is another place exercise helps. If you have sleep apnea or restless legs, talk to your doctor.
- Reduce stress. This can be a challenge. Be mindful. Connect with friends. A therapist may help you manage difficult relationships and circumstances. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress. Consider what is causing stress and what you can do to reduce it.
- Track your blood pressure at home. Blood pressure monitors are not expensive. Keep track, whether daily or weekly. Consider what’s been going on in your life and what you are eating and doing. Write it all down.
- Manage your cholesterol and blood sugar. These may improve if you mindfully follow the suggestions above. And possibly reduce your dosage/need for medication to handle those diagnoses.
I can’t speak for you, but I know how easy it is to get into a routine of how we live, move, and eat. It takes noticing these habits and choosing to change them. While many tolerate blood pressure medications, others experience side effects that make life harder, requiring them to tolerate the side effects or take more medication to manage them. According to GoodRx, depending on what drug you take, side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, increased need to pee, dry cough, and swollen ankles.
Wouldn’t it be better to take responsibility for your eating and lifestyle habits? Wouldn’t your doctor be delighted to see your blood pressure decrease?
Hear me. I am not telling you to stop taking your blood pressure medication! Talk to your doctor. Think about your lifestyle habits. Help yourself. Think of healthy living and eating as medicine. Be accountable for your own health.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.
