Touching base

[GeorgiaBuck]

Hey there! I am a new convert to the wfpb diet and so far I am loving experimenting with new food combos and all the colors. My question today is about blood pressure and realistic expectations. I started eating this way about 3weeks ago and follow it pretty strictly (no oils, low sodium, of course no animal products. I started at 200lbs and at my latest dr check up my BP was 140/90. The dr gave me 3 months to try and lose some weight and see if that would get my BP closer to normal. Well after 3 weeks, my weight is down to 184 but one day my BP will be 123/83 and then today it was 135/87. I have read several commentaries where people have managed to lower their BP to close to normal within his 7-10day program. Is it normal for some people to take longer for their bodies to adjust to a healthier diet? For the past few years I have been eating primarily low carb with a lot of meat products. Thank you for your time! By the way I am 38 if that helps

[Idgie]

Yes, it's normal, and you've already made progress. Keep it up, and if you're not getting fast enough results, look at what you're eating (or post a list so we can help you look) and start eliminating things that might be a problem -- salty foods, highly-processed things, etc.

[americaninca46]

Welcome Georgia, You are on the right track for better health. Keep doing what you are doing and you will see great results. Your blood pressure will normalize as the fat clears out of your arteries. Blood pressure fluctuates a lot during the days do to be too concerned if it is higher some times. Be confident that you are doing the best you can to be healthy and try to get a bit of moderate exercise daily. Keep us posted as we cheer you on. Read all of Dr. McDougall's articles on blood pressure. If you haven't read "the starch solution" you may wish to get it. All the best on your new journey to health. Wish I had started when I was your age. Rebia

[viv]

Rebia gave you a great answer.

"Your blood pressure will normalize as the fat clears out of your arteries."

You may very well have started the McDougall Diet just in time to save your own life, as the first symptom for many with a heart attack is death. This Diet will heal from the inside out and it takes time to get rid of all the plaques and fatty deposits inside the arteries. Keep going, you are doing great!

Viv

[GeorgiaBuck]

Thank you all for the encouraging responses! Work has been crazy as of late so I haven't had a chance to log back in and respond. I realize that I forgot to include some important info. I am pretty active between work and exercise and am holding pretty strict to a low sodium/wfpb diet in order to achieve the best results. With that said, I was blown away when I checked my bp yesterday and it was 109/65 at 57bpm! I don't remember it ever being so low in my whole life lol. I do have a follow up question though. I noticed I will get a different reading if I check it with my arm supported on an end table versus my arm hanging by my side (121/77 at 57bpm). Is one of those the right way to check it or does it matter? Thank you all again for your encouragement as it really helped. I look forward to continuing to make the right choices food wise and reversing years of the wrong ones.

[debknott]

I believe your arm is supposed to be supported. I know that at the doctor's office, the nurse always holds my arm out. Congratulations on the improvement in your blood pressure! Eating right really makes a difference.

[JeffN]

Is one of those the right way to check it or does it matter?

Yes, it matters

Here is my post on the proper way to check blood pressure

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=57369#p577045

In Health
Jeff