Mailbag: Break Through a Blood Pressure Plateau
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 18, 2025
“My high blood pressure is not going down despite eating a healthy diet, not taking any drugs, and no alcohol or smoking! Also, I donate blood, and I’m retired with very little stress.”
-Puzzled
Hi Puzzled,
I get it. It’s particularly puzzling when you’re doing “everything right” to support good heart health and you still end up battling high blood pressure.
However, the truth is, if genetics is the cause, or some other hidden factor, our bodies sometimes need some extra support to bust through a blood pressure plateau.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at some natural approaches that helped my patients get their stubborn blood pressure moving in the right direction again—starting with nutrients that support healthy blood pressure…
Mighty minerals:
- Magnesium regulates heart rhythm and manages blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. I typically recommend -magnesium glycinate, or citrate.
- Potassium regulates heart rhythm and counteracts the effects of sodium. Sweet potatoes, avocados, and coconut water are all excellent sources.
- Calcium supports the heart’s electrical activity and pumping action. You can get it from dairy, collard greens, kale, Bok choy, and almonds (skip the supplements).
Herbal allies:
- Hawthorn—this herb has been used for centuries to support heart health
- Garlic—fresh (crush and let sit for 10 minutes before eating) or aged garlic extract supplements can relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure
- Olive leaf extract—helps naturally relax blood vessels to reduce blood pressure
Circulation-supporting supplements:
- CoQ10—particularly important if you’ve ever taken statin drugs
- Fish oil—always look for a high-quality source with good EPA/DHA levels
- L-arginine—an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide to relax blood vessels
In addition, some other natural strategies are proven to reduce resistant blood pressure, including……
- Deep breathing exercises: Just 5-10 minutes daily can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system to slow heart rate and increase oxygen exchange.
- Grounding/earthing: Spending time barefoot on natural ground may boost blood flow and reduce blood thickness to improve blood pressure.
- Infrared sauna sessions: Saunas dilate blood vessels and reduce their inner lining to increase circulation and promote healthy blood pressure.
- Acupuncture: This ancient practice can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to lower heart rate and blood pressure.
One often-overlooked factor for persistent hypertension is hidden food sensitivities. Even healthy foods can raise inflammation and blood pressure in some people.
I always have my own patients keep a detailed food diary to spot any patterns. Then I have them eliminate any potential culprit foods one at a time and track their blood pressure reactions.
Also, remember that the timing of blood pressure readings matters. Taking readings at different times of the day can establish a pattern. Sometimes it’s highest in the morning or after specific activities.
When you’re already doing so many things right, it’s also worth considering a consultation with a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor who can:
- Test for underlying issues like thyroid problems
- Check your mineral levels
- Look for hidden inflammation sources
- Assess your adrenal function
Keep up all those healthy habits—they’re beneficial even if your blood pressure numbers aren’t where you’d like them. Sometimes it just takes finding that one missing puzzle piece!
P.S. Normal blood pressure in FOUR weeks WITHOUT drugs.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...
Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game
Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...
Superfood Slashes Deadly Cancer Risk by 20%
You’ve likely heard about yogurt’s gut health benefits. But did you know this creamy treat may be doing more than aiding your digestion? Research shows it could protect you from a deadly form of cancer. A groundbreaking, long-term study revealed that eating yogurt could slash your risk for a specific type of colorectal cancer. This...
Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years. For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety. But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH. And it might make you think twice about...