Q. I am desperate for non-drug ways to lower blood pressure. The medications my doctor has prescribed have way too many side effects. Do you have any information about this problem?
A. High blood pressure puts people at risk for heart disease, stroke, dementia and kidney damage. That’s why keeping blood pressure under control is essential.
You shouldn’t have to suffer intolerable side effects, however. Dizziness, depression, headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, erectile dysfunction or persistent cough should not be the price of normal blood pressure.
Finding the right medicine requires determination. Other approaches that can be helpful include weight loss, stress management, deep breathing, tea, grape juice, dark chocolate and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. We discuss both medications and non-drug approaches in our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. We are sending you a copy.
