Q. A number of years ago, my blood pressure was 210/100. I took the prescribed medication but started reading about how to control high blood pressure naturally. I forget to take pills if I have no symptoms.
I read that low carbohydrate diets can lower your blood pressure, so I cut down on bread, pasta and fruit but eat lots of non-starchy vegetables. A few months after I also eliminated sugar as well, my blood pressure dropped to about 120/80 without meds.
I never cut back on salt and my blood pressure is now regularly 110/68 at home. It still pops up to 140/80 at the doctor’s office. I carry my cuff with me there so that she can check my recent readings and test it against her meter.
Be sure to check your blood pressure after sitting quietly for five minutes. I got these instructions while a member of a ten-year Women’s Health Initiative study, but the doctor’s office doesn’t always follow them.
A. We are delighted that you were able to lower your blood pressure so successfully and that you continue to monitor it carefully. The diet you describe is quite similar to one that has been proven effective.
Anyone who would like to learn more about lowering blood pressure naturally with diet and special foods such as beet or grape juice, kefir and pomegranate may be interested in our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment.
