Homeopathic remedies and ethyl alcohol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 02 2010
Q: My blood pressure is all over the place; any time of day it goes up and down in a matter of minutes from early AM to late PM. I am taking homeopathic remedies with Ethyl alcohol. I am wondering if it can have an effect on my blood pressure?
A: Ethyl Alcohol is the same alcohol found in cocktails, beer, and wine. Heavy alcohol use has been associated with getting high blood pressure. Your homeopathic remedies are not controlling your blood pressure. Rather than worrying about what component of the remedy is the problem, it would be smarter to see your doctor and ask about other treatment options to get your blood pressure under control.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, ethyl alcohol, high blood pressure, homeopathic remedies, Supplements, treatment optionsAspirin and niacin for heart health
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Tags: aspirin, b3, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, heart attacks, Heart Health, Heart Health, niacin, side effects, Supplements, vitamin B, vitaminsInsomnia, Tylenol PM and meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 02 2009
Q: Since the doctors put me on HBP medication I have had Insomnia which has continued to get worse. This insomnia causes depression which sometimes leads to suicide thoughts. I have tried everything which works sometimes. Recently I began taking 2 Tylenol PM with my herbs. Will Tylenol PM interact with my blood pressure medicine Diltiazem and Beta Blocker?
A: Although interaction with Tylenol PM is not a problem with your blood pressure drugs, you also mention taking herbs. Your herbs certainly could be interacting with your blood pressure medicines. Alert your doctor to your supplements. Also, you should discuss both your insomnia and depression. Tylenol PM was not meant to be taken every night. For a list of warnings about Tylenolol PM click here.
Tags: beta blocker, blood pressure drugs, blood pressure medicine, depression, diltiazem, herbs, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, Supplements, Supplements, Taking BP Meds, Tylenol, tylenol pmAmeal 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, vitamins
