Is High Blood Pressure Giving You Higher Blood Pressure?

The most commonly diagnosed medical condition in the United States is high blood pressure, which is called “hypertension” in medical jargon.  Guess what?  That means multiple blood pressure medications are among the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs. Of course these medications are needed sometimes, especially in emergency situations.  However, these medications can cause undesirable side effects.  At Oasis Family Medicine, we find it’s better to address the underlying causes of high blood pressure.

First, why should you be concerned about high blood pressure? Because high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.

Check THIS out… 30% of the population has high blood pressure, and ANOTHER 30% has pre-hypertension. 

Diet and lifestyle changes are the most effective approach according to study after study after study after study after study… you get the drift :)

Instead of treating symptoms with drugs, address the actual causes of high blood pressure for better health that is lasting.  Studies have shown that lifestyle changes alone can reduce risk of heart disease by a dramatic 90%!  How much was that?! 90%!  

Regular exercise is one of the best ways known to control high blood pressure. Other important factors include a whole foods diet rich in plant fiber and low in sugar and sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and managing stress.  Managing stress is very important and is beneficially managed through activities like yoga, meditation, walking, and laughter.

At Oasis Family Medicine, we look for WHY the person has high blood pressure rather than simply at what can be done to lower it; it’s a person-centered approach, versus a disease-centered one. Aside from the lifestyle habits just mentioned, other factors to consider include genetic predispositions, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental triggers, such as:

• Deficiencies in nutrients like potassium, taurine, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B1, choline, magnesium and CoQ10.

• Too much sodium without balancing it with other minerals, especially potassium.

• Magnesium deficiency. Most people (around 70-95% of the U.S. population) are deficient in magnesium, which can help relax the blood vessels.

• Toxic levels of certain heavy metals, especially mercury.

• Chronic systemic inflammation.

• Elevated blood sugar, including diabetes and pre-diabetes.

• Hormonal imbalances can lead to high blood pressure.

We at Oasis Family Medicine address the ROOT CAUSE of high blood pressure by addressing these factors.  Word of caution: Please don’t just go buy all of the aforementioned nutrients and expect them to work as they must be in the right form and balanced appropriately with other nutrients to obtain optimal benefits.

I hope you found this useful and as always, please feel free to help a friend or family member by passing this video along to someone who might have high blood pressure, or even pre-hypertension.

Again, if you want to make sure you get these helpful health tips on a weekly basis, please subscribe to this blog or this video. Be sure to watch at 2:50 where I mention some key nutrients!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. 

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.