Expensive Dr. Roach: What are some pure methods to scale back blood stress? — JW
Reply: Too usually, physicians soar to remedy remedy to manage blood stress, when there are non-drug methods of decreasing blood stress which are usually ignored.
Not each particular person with hypertension is salt-sensitive, however general, decreasing salt could make a big enchancment in hypertension — a median of 5 factors systolic and three factors diastolic from reasonable salt restriction. Different dietary modifications confirmed to enhance hypertension embody excessive potassium meals, similar to fruits; a extra plant-based weight-reduction plan with extra greens and legumes and fewer meat; and better calcium and magnesium within the weight-reduction plan.
Alcohol can have a particularly giant dangerous impact on blood stress in many individuals, particularly the day after consuming three or extra drinks. Smoking additionally raises blood stress, and quitting has many well being advantages past the drop in blood stress. Common moderate-intensity train (40 minutes three or 4 occasions weekly) equally improves blood stress.
There may be proof for profit from some dietary supplements. A research on aged garlic dietary supplements was methodologically robust and confirmed a drop in systolic blood stress a median of 5 factors. Smaller trials confirmed profit with the dietary supplements berberine and whey protein. Darkish chocolate and decaf espresso/tea have small useful results.
Lastly, some sorts of meditation have been proven to assist decrease blood stress. Even sluggish, deep respiratory strategies can decrease blood stress within the brief time period.
Not everyone with hypertension can keep away from drugs with these pure treatments, however there are a lot of who can, and plenty of of those pure treatments have extra well being advantages past blood stress.
Expensive Dr. Roach: My husband, his brother and their mom all have had harmful blood clots which have traveled to their lungs with no prior warning. My concern is for my 26-year-old daughter, who’s presently on hormonal contraception, and another way of life modifications she ought to make.
She has examined unfavorable for Issue V. I’ve learn that there are different methods apart from Issue V that contain hereditary blood clotting. I’d really feel extra assured that she is within the clear if my husband examined constructive and her unfavorable. My husband’s physician has mentioned that testing him for Issue V wouldn’t be dependable as a result of he’s presently on blood thinners.
Shouldn’t the reason for my husband’s blood clots be investigated extra? What would you advocate at this level? — CM
Reply: That diploma of household historical past is regarding sufficient that I would definitely advocate a go to with a hematologist to discover the potential for an inherited type of thrombophilia (elevated propensity to blood clots). The Issue V Leiden mutation is one, and one which CAN be examined for whereas on anticoagulants. However there are fairly just a few others, a few of which can’t be examined for whereas on particular anticoagulants, similar to protein C and S deficiency whereas on warfarin. The data is most helpful not for the particular person with the historical past of the clot (I think your husband is on lifelong anticoagulation), however for his or her relations.
Each a household historical past of blood clotting and oral contraceptives containing estrogen are dangers for creating blood clots in your daughter. I’d take into account a unique type of contraception, similar to an IUD, in a girl with a household historical past like hers, except there was an identifiable purpose in her father, uncle and grandmother that she was confirmed NOT to have, simply as you mentioned.
Dr. Roach regrets that he’s unable to reply particular person letters, however will incorporate them within the column every time potential. Readers could e-mail inquiries to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or ship mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
