Raw garlic and high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: Does taking raw garlic help in the control of BP?
A: Most studies evaluating garlic and high blood pressure looked at various garlic preparations, not raw garlic. Substituting raw garlic for salt in seasoning food certainly will help control blood pressure in salt sensitive individuals. Other than that, it is hard to make any specific recommendations about raw garlic.
Tags: Diet & Exercise, garlicDiet and blood pressure medicine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 07 2008
Q: I am 63 and my BP was 192. I never took Amlovasc prescribed by my doctor for the last 4 weeks. I took Hawthorn compound with garlic and changed my diet to decrease sodium, and after 2 weeks my BP is 150,139/87. My doctor said to start taking the tablets again, but I do not want to as I am afraid of side effects and that I will have to take them for the rest of my life. Or can I carry on changing my diet as I have done for the last 2 weeks?
A: Your blood pressure is not in control. This puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. A blood pressure reading of 192 is very high so it seems reasonable to me to keep your blood pressure in control with medication while you make the appropriate life style changes. Once your blood pressure has stabilized, you can work with your doctor to gradually reduce your medication and see if your blood pressure remains in good control.
Tags: Amlovasc, diet, garlic, Hawthorn, low sodium, side effects, Taking BP Meds
