Q. I have high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. My doctor is encouraging me to take medications but I would rather try natural approaches first. Is there anything that might work?
I also have high fasting glucose but have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes. Will cinnamon really help keep blood sugar under control?
A. Natural approaches may be worth considering as long as you and your physician monitor your progress. If such approaches fail, you will need medicine.
Some possibilities include almonds, apple cider vinegar, beets, chocolate, fish oil, green tea, oatmeal, pomegranate and turmeric. One reader reported that a handful of walnuts and a glass of pomegranate juice daily lowered his cholesterol from 254 to 184.
Studies are contradictory when it comes to cinnamon and blood sugar. Some people have had success with a water-based cinnamon extract.
