Discussion Board

1. Would a lower BMI possibly lower my BP?
2. Has anyone tried Resperate?
3. Would increasing my exercise help?
4. Any other thoughts or ideas?
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Carolyn

What Works

As Figure 1 indicates, numerous approaches have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective at lowering blood pressure. For example, for every Kg of weight loss (2.2 pounds), systolic blood pressure is reduced an average of 1.6 points. The adoption of a vegetarian high fiber diet will also reduce systolic blood pressure, by an average of 2.8 points. Also, and very significantly, the reduction of alcohol and sodium will reduce systolic blood pressure by 4.8 and 16 points respectively. It is interesting to note that the 16 point reduction from severe sodium restriction is actually a larger effect size than would be expected from any combination of medications. Exercise has additionally been shown to have a powerful normalizing effect on blood pressure. For example, a regular walking program of 45 minutes, 4-5 times a week may reduce blood pressure by an average of about 7 points.


Water-Only Fasting and Blood Pressure

In a study conducted at the TrueNorth Health Center in California and published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the use of water-only fasting followed by a low-fat, low-salt vegan diet demonstrated the largest effect on lowering blood pressure of any study in the scientific literature (See Figure 2). The average drop in systolic blood pressure in 174 consecutive patients was 37 points. In those patients with higher levels of blood pressure, starting at what is called Stage 3 hypertension (where the systolic blood pressure exceeds 180 points or 180 mm/Hg), the average reduction was 60 points!
In a second study, also conducted at the TrueNorth Health Center and published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a group of 68 patients with "borderline" high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure between 120 and 140 mm Hg) underwent a period of water-only fasting for an average of two weeks. The average reduction in blood pressure exceeded 20 points, resulting in a final average blood pressure of 96/67. This is a level similar to that level suspected to be optimum blood pressure by Dr. Richard Peto of Oxford and other authorities.

Despite my following the plan for over a year, my hypertension persists (though I seen some improvement). I have had high BP for over twenty years and currently am taking Metoprolol (25 mg, twice a day). I monitor my BP at home and it is currently about 152/84. I was also taking Quinapril 40 mg and Amlodopine 10 mg, but stopped those, hoping to manage the BP with just Metoprolol, or preferably no meds at all. I am 59 years old, 5'4", weigh 135, and exercise 30 minutes 5 times per week. I have eliminated caffeine. I have a glass of red wine most evenings; maybe this needs to go too? My hypertension is familial and I was diagnosed at age 38. I recently went to a five day McDougall program, which was wonderful! So much information was included in the five days. When I asked Dr. McDougall for advice, he advised me to lose more weight, which surprised me since my BMI is in the normal range. However, I am willing to do this if it will help my blood pressure. My questions are as follows, and I will appreciate any and all suggestions:
1. Would a lower BMI possibly lower my BP?
2. Has anyone tried Resperate?
3. Would increasing my exercise help?
4. Any other thoughts or ideas?
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Carolyn

Alcohol consumption does increase blood pressure

damn