MAILBAG! Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check Naturally

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

“What are some ways I can keep my blood pressure under control, naturally?”

–Jeremy from Akron, Ohio

Hi Jeremy,

Let me start by saying that any changes to blood pressure medications should only be done with the help of your health care practitioner. Stopping blood pressure drugs suddenly can cause serious health issues, some of which can be life-threatening.

But I recommend many things beyond taking drugs to help keep blood pressure in a normal, healthy range.

Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure inside your blood vessels. There are two numbers (like 120/80) because the pressure is higher when your heart beats and lower when it relaxes.

The lowest (diastolic) is the background pressure, and the highest number (systolic) is the increased pressure that results from the beating of the heart.

I like to see both numbers to drop as close to the ideal 120/70 reading as possible.

In most cases, this is done naturally with a combination of lifestyle changes and nutritional support.

Start with exercise. But you don’t have to join a gym or buy a bunch of fancy exercise equipment. The best exercise is simply walking. Start out at an easy pace and increase your speed as you improve.

I recommend spending up to four hours a day standing or walking. The less time spent sitting, the better your blood pressure will likely be.

If you’re carrying around any extra weight, try to lose those extra pounds. Focus on eating more healthy proteins and low-sugar veggies. Avoid sugar, foods that act like sugar inside the body (like simple carbs), and vegetable oils.

Next, consider adding some blood-pressure-friendly supplements to your routine.

  • Fish Oil: Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can reduce heart disease by up to 52 percent. Fish oils reduce inflammation and soften up arteries, so they stay flexible. I suggest you take between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams a day.
  • CoQ10 (CoenzymeQ10): This antioxidant/enzyme is found throughout our bodies and is used for energy production. Since our heart is one of the most energy-hungry organs in our bodies, it needs CoQ10. But CoQ10 goes beyond that. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that works both inside and outside the cells. CoQ10 lowers inflammation, reduces blood clots, and helps prevent skipped beats (like arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation).
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps prevent damage to LDL cholesterol and can keep arteries more flexible. Remember, we’re one of a few mammals that can’t produce their own vitamin C. If you don’t supplement, you don’t get enough of this vitamin, so add it to your list.
  • Antioxidants: There are many antioxidants to choose from, like vitamins A, C, and E, but I prefer plant phytonutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids for great antioxidant protection. Examples include green tea extract – called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), red wine extract (resveratrol), pycnogenol, olive leaf extract, curcumin, and others.
  • Hawthorn: This herb has long been used for heart health. It helps lower blood pressure while also strengthening the heart muscle. Hawthorn berries are full of flavonoids for extra antioxidant protection.
  • Garlic: 1,000 milligrams of garlic extract has been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Making these small changes to your regular routine can help you keep your blood pressure in check naturally.

PS: Still struggling to keep your blood pressure under control? THESE common drugs could be to blame.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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 TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....

Read This

The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health

I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...

Read This

“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead

You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...

Read This

Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer

“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...

Read This

Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk

We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...

Read This

Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....

Read This

Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal

Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...

Read This

Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple

Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....

Read This

Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom

From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...

Read This

The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory

Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...

Read This