Ameal supplement for high BP?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Is Ameal really a good supplement for high blood pressure?
A: Ameal is a supplement of lactotripeptides. Does Ameal work? The answer is not clear. A study on 135 people in the Netherlands concluded that lactotripeptide supplementation does not significantly change blood pressure. Click here for the study. On the other hand, a review of studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that lactotripeptide supplementation has an effect on elevated blood pressure but does not change normal blood pressure. Click here. Personally, I am not a fan of dietary supplements. I believe it is smarter and more economical to just eat a healthy diet.
Tags: ameal, ameal supplement, dietary supplements, healthy diet, high blood pressure, lactotripeptides, supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsPotassium 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, SupplementsAyurvedic tablets for blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: My BP reading is always around 145/93 or 95. I am 41 years old and taking Ayurvedic Tablets for the BP. Kindly advice me what tests I should do and what precautions to take.
A: Ayurvedic tablets are a form of alternative or complementary medicine. (Click here for more information on Ayurvedic medicine.) I am not sure what your pills contain. However, your blood pressure is not in control on these tablets. I suggest you make an appointment to see your doctor. A standard evaluation for high blood pressure would include blood and urine tests.
Tags: ayurvedic medicine, ayurvedic tablets, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, complementary medicine, high blood pressure, SupplementsNiacin dosage to lower cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009
Q: How much niacin should be taken to help lower high cholesterol?
A: You should discuss niacin use with your doctor. How much to use, if any, is usually based on cholesterol levels and co-existing medical problems. For more information about niacin and dosing ranges, click here.
Tags: cholesterol level, cholesterol levels, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lower cholesterol, niacin, niacin dosage, SupplementsVitamins for BP and Cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009
Q: What vitamins can be used for high blood pressure and cholesterol?
A: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 has been shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Recent research suggests that Vitamin C may help with blood pressure. Since both these vitamins are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes more sense to eat healthily rather than to rely on supplements.
Tags: bp, cholesterol, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, niacin, Supplements, Supplements, vitamin b3, vitamin c, vitaminsHTN 180 Px supplement
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009
Q: Do you have an opnion on HTN 180 Px for high blood pressure?
A: HTN 180 Px is a product that contains leafs, berries, and rauwolfia extract. This extract contains reserpine, a drug that is prescribed to lower blood pressure. Alternative drugs aren’t as well regulated as traditional medicine. Consequently, I feel you are safer taking a drug prescribed by your doctor.
Tags: drugs, high blood pressure, HTN 180 Px, lower blood pressure, reserpine, Supplements, Taking BP Meds, traditional medicineBlood pressure and hawthorn berry
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: My blood pressure went haywire in March and my physician/ PA recommended that I take Norvasc and HCTZ 12.5 mg. I have been told by many people about the side affects of Norvasc with swelling. However I do prefer natural herbs as an alternative. I’m taking the HCTZ and the Herb Hawthorn Berry to control my blood pressure. My pressure has been great since ranging from 121/76 to 136/74. I know that most Doctors don’t approve of this so I haven’t told them, although I plan to. What do you think about the Herb Hawthorn Berry?
A: You should always tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins or herbals that you take. Your doctor can give you helpful information and warnings about these products. Don’t just assume your doctor will dismiss your interest in alternative treatments. It is possible that your diurectic (HCTZ or hydrochlorothiazide) is controlling your blood pressure. It is also possible the Hawthorn berry is helping. For more information on Hawthorn click here.
Tags: alternative treatments, blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, hawthorn berry, hctz, herbals, hydrochlorothiazide, natural herbs, Norvasc, supplement, Supplements, Supplements, vitaminsNitric oxide and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 20 2009
Q: I have been told that nitric oxide is helpful in controlling high BP and that l-arginine in combination with l-citrulline generates this in the blood. Have you heard anything on this?
A: What you have heard is true. Nitric oxide is a mediator for many functions within the body. The pathway is complex and can include the aminoacids you mention. For example, the well known impotence drug Viagra was developed because of the role nitric oxide plays in dilating the penile vascular system. Keep in mind, the use of any “supplement” in medicine is controversial. Recommended amounts of these amino acids are contained in a balanced, healthy diet.
Tags: amino acids, blood pressure, impotence, l arginine, l citrulline, nitric oxide, supplement, Supplements, vascular system, ViagraAlistrol supplement
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 15 2009
Q: Do you know if taking the supplement Alistrol provides any real reduction in high blood pressure?
A: The use of supplements is controversial. Some users claim great success but natural supplements are not subject to the strict scientific studies required to become a prescription medication. Also the standards for making supplements are not as controlled as for prescription medication. Personally, I feel it makes more sense to spend your money on fresh fruit and vegetables than to take supplements.
Tags: alistrol, Diet & Exercise, natural supplements, supplement, SupplementsZona Plus and The Blood Pressure Cure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 14 2009
Q: What is your knowledge or experience with the efficacy of
Kowalski’s Blood Pressure Cure (book + supplement regimen) or the Zona Plus - a device that supposedly can lower blood pressure?
A: In his book, Kowalski promotes healthy lifestyle changes that are keys to good blood pressure control and heart disease prevention. However, the use of supplements is always controversial. You should discuss their use with your health care provider. The Zona Plus is a device that claims to lower blood pressure by a computer guided hand gripping exercise. Unlike the RESPeRATE, it has not been cleared by the FDA. To get FDA clearance, extensive clinical studies were performed proving the effectiveness of the RESPeRATE.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Blood Pressure Cure, FDA, Kowalski, lifestyle, supplement, Supplements, Zona Plus
