Tips for lowering your BP naturally

Whew! This one hits home a little bit.

A few years ago, my husband Patrick herniated a disk in his lower back. It was debilitating. Like, couldn’t walk, drag himself to the car to get the ER painful. (by the way, he was out of state, otherwise I would have driven him, duh).

This all happened when I was very new to the functional medicine world. I’m not even sure I had my FDN training at the time. If I remember correctly, I was just fascinated with health and starting to listen to biohacking and health podcasts!

We didn’t know if this would lead to surgery, but we started digging in and doing as much research as possible - how could we help his cells regenerate? Can you heal a herniated disc? Can your body repair after this much trauma? (hint: the answer is YES!!)

What does this have to do with high BP? Well, hubby always trended high BP. My family is weird, and we think it’s fun to lay on the living room floor, try to get as calm as possible, and compete with everyone else for the lowest blood pressure setting. For Patrick however, this stresses him out. Probably because his is usually on the higher end….which also stresses ME out….

So when he herniated his disc, his BP shot through the roof. And it would NOT come down - when you are in pain, this is a common side effect.

Thankfully, as we incorporated ALL the woo we could get our hands on to stimulate cell health, repair, support his blood pressure, and support his body.….he began to heal. His back repaired itself and within a year or so he was lifting weight and working out again. His blood pressure also came down.

Fast forward to 2018 - BP back up! Idk, I was diagnosed with cancer, it could be connected (!) …. ANYWAY. We hopped back on the natural train and BOOM down it came again.

Often, high BP is actually a signal that you have a mineral deficiency.

Disclaimer: none of the information in this blog is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease. Talk with your doctor or practitioner before making changes regarding an existing medical condition.

A 1999 study from the Department of Toxicology in a University in Finland stated,

“The mineral elements sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium play a central role in the normal regulation of blood pressure. In particular, these mineral elements have important interrelationships in the control of arterial resistance. These elements, especially sodium and potassium, also regulate the fluid balance of the body and, hence, influence the cardiac output. Evidence shows that the present levels of intake of mineral elements are not optimum for maintaining normal blood pressure but predispose to the development of arterial hypertension. Research results suggest that without sodium chloride (common salt) and other sodium compounds being added to the diet arterial hypertension would be virtually non existent. Moreover, blood pressure would not rise with age. In communities with a high consumption of added sodium, a high intake of potassium and, possibly, magnesium seem to protect against the development of arterial hypertension and the rise of blood pressure with age. A marked reduction of sodium intake is effective in treating even severe hypertension. A moderate restriction of sodium intake or an increase in potassium intake exert remarkable antihypertensive effects, at least in some hypertensive patients. Magnesium and possibly also calcium supplements may be effective in reducing blood pressure in some hypertensives. In hypertensive patients treated with drugs sodium restriction and potassium and magnesium supplementation enhance the therapeutic effect, reduce the number and dosage, and lessen the adverse effects of prescribed antihypertensive drugs. Hence, a fall in sodium consumption and increases in potassium and magnesium consumption are useful in preventing and treating arterial hypertension.”

Minerals are an amazing place to focus your energy when it comes to managing and lowering high blood pressure. You will often see the guideline to LOWER sodium, but minerals require balance. It may be more important to INCREASE potassium. Potassium is the counterbalance to sodium….the balance is more important for your heart health than the elimination of one. What MAY be a better way to think about it is this: ditch the regular table salt, and switch to Himalayan, Celtic, or any other mineral rich salt instead, and eat more bananas.

If you are still concerned about sodium being too high, you can consider Healthy Salt which is higher in mineral content, and lower in sodium.

As I mentioned in my UTI blog, when choosing natural remedies I generally prefer to go strong and use a mixture of potential options instead of waiting to see if one ingredient or compound helps.

Natural Support for High Blood Pressure

Homeopathic Cell salts - a combination of minerals. I believe we used bioplasma 12 cell salt blend
Pomegranate juice - 1 cup/day has been shown to lower blood pressure - thought to be due to the high antioxidant content.
Bananas- high in potassium, a supporting mineral for high blood pressure
Magnesium - used is over 500 processes in the body, this mineral is vital and quickly depleted under any form of stress
Strawberries and Blueberries - a 2010 study showed that Anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid with antioxidant effects) was useful in the prevention of high blood pressure!
Reduce stress - obviously! But seriously. Most people don’t take this crucial step seriously. Any mental, emotional, physical, perceived or real stress can impact your blood pressure and health in general! Incorporate regular stress relieving techniques and ad IN joy producing activities!
Eliminte food sensitivities - just like any other stressors, foods that cause an immune system reaction and inflammation in your body can trigger high blood pressure as well.
Switch to mineral rich salt instead of regular table salt and consider Healthy Salt (check with doctor or practitioner if sodium is ok for you)