Potassium supplementation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have been following the DASH diet. I’m finding it impossible to reach the K goal of 4.5 to 6.5 gm. especially limiting calories to 1200-1600 daily. Any suggestions? I’m eating foods listed highest in K daily. Would K supplements be recommended? What dosage?
A: Adequate potassium intake is felt to have a positive effect on blood pressure. Potassium supplements can be found in most grocery stores. Ask your doctor for a recommendation as there is no official guideline on supplementation.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, potassium, potassium supplement, potassium supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsLifestyle changes to lower BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor wants to have lab work done and put me on medication to lower it! My blood pressure is 170/80. I weight 249 and am doing everything that I can to lower it by eating right, losing weight, and lowering my salt intake. However it isn’t lowering it as fast as they need it too. What else can I do before I’m on medication?
A: You did not mention exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. You also could discuss trying the RESPeRATE with your doctor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, Diet & Exercise, high blood pressure, hypertension, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, losing weight, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATEIs sea salt healthy?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: Everywhere we hear and read that deep sea salt is safe and won’t hurt the blood pressure. Is that true? Is it really safe?
A: Sea salt is still salt and will affect your blood pressure if you are salt sensitive. Sea salt contains additional minerals and elements not found in standard iodized table salt that add flavor. Most of us eat far more salt than we need so cutting back is universally recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, healthy, high blood pressure, salt, sea salt, table saltRelationship between hypertension and anxiety
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Is high blood pressure and anxiety related? What is the best medication for high blood pressure and for anxiety?
A: High blood pressure is related to anxiety and stress. Regular exercise helps lower stress and blood pressure. In my opinion, having a regular exercise program is the best treatment for high blood pressure and anxiety. Unfortunately, sometimes a regular exercise program isn’t enough. Based on your medical history and exam findings, your doctor should know the best drug treatment for you.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, hypertension, stressExercise to reduce blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: What sort of exercise is best for reducing blood pressure, weight lifting or aerobic? I get plenty of aerobic exercise rowing, but I sometimes think it raises my blood pressure.
A: Aerobic exercise is the best type of exercise for lowering blood pressure. However, a good exercise program also includes muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. To learn about how much exercise you should get every week need click here.
Tags: aerobic exercise, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, lowering blood pressure, muscle strengthening, reducing blood pressure, weight liftingThe effects of exercise and lifestyle changes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009
Q: I have cut sugar out of my diet. I am doing strength training 2x/week and cardio 3x/week. I am slowly losing weight. I don’t eat meat except 1x or 2x/month. I am 5′1″ and weigh 162lbs. How soon before my blood pressure will return to normal if I continue this regime?
A: Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. A regular exercise program will significantly lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke and cancer. Life style changes take about three months to become effective. They may not bring your blood pressure back down to normal. Even thin, vegetarian, marathon runners can develop high blood pressure.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, effects of exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, life style changes, lifestyle changes, losing weightHow to lower pulse pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I’m 71 years old and have a high pulse pressure (in the 60s and sometime 70s) which I understand indicates that my arteries are getting stiff. Is there any way to achieve lower pulse pressure?
A: Getting your blood pressure into good control will help lower your “pulse pressure” (the difference between the maximum and minimum blood pressures produced during one heartbeat). In addition, a regular aerobic exercise program will help. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and household chores like sweeping and mopping the floor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, arteries, blood pressure, blood pressures, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, lower pulse pressure, pulse pressureLack of health insurance and treating hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 30 2009
Q: My blood has been running high for about 20 years and still the clinic I am going to is trying medicine after medicine. I do not believe in popping pills every time you turn around. I know I need to lose weight and I am doing something about it. I do not have health insurance and I feel like I would be getting better treatment if I did. What can I do?
A: I support healthcare reform. I feel it is very important for people like you to have access to basic health care services and preventive care. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to continue to lose weight and exercise regularly.
Tags: basic health care, Diet & Exercise, exercise, health care services, health insurance, healthcare reform, hypertension, lose weight, Misc, popping pills, preventive careHypertension and a healthy diet
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I have stage 1 hypertension. What can I do to lower my blood pressure and what should I eat?
A: Regular exercise and having a healthy diet are important to controlling your blood pressure and preventing heart disease and stroke. For diet recommendations click here.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Diet & Exercise, diet recommendations, exercise, healthy diet, hypertension, preventing heart disease, stage 1 hypertension, strokePositive health benefits of fruit, cinnamon
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: Have you heard of any research that has been done of any benefits of cinnamon (or cinnamon pills), Vitamin E, or certain citrus fruits like oranges and bananas that may help in lowering blood pressure?
A: Current studies are looking at the positive health benefits of many common substances such as cinnamon. Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick stirrer may be doing more than just getting you warm on a cold day. Eating fresh fruits like bananas and oranges is known to be healthy. For more information on why eating fruit is good for your body click here.
Tags: bananas, benefits of cinnamon, cinnamon stick, citrus fruits, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits, health benefits, Heart Health, hot apple cider, lowering blood pressure, oranges, positive health, vitamin e
