High Blood Pressure Advice?

[Gretchen]

Hey ladies! Lots of you seem to be into healthy lifestyles and we need some help. My FI is struggling with high blood pressure. He is not at the point where he is on medication....yet.

He has a pretty physical job, and has started exercising. He does not salt his food. When I use salt to cook, I use sea salt or garlic salt - and very little of it.

He knows he has to cut down/out fast food.

WHAT ELSE? Any suggestions for vitamins/supplements?

All help is GREATLY appreciated!

[lucy106]

You said he has a physical job? Is it enough physical activity? How about his weight? Is it on track or could that be a factor?

This was on the american heart assoc. website, 10 ways to control your blood pressure.

 

 

10 Ways to Control Your High Blood Pressure

[MsShelley]

smaller portions instead of huge meals (more meals 5-6 daily instead of 3)

increase dietary fiber

exercise, of course!

reduce your caffiene

quit smoking, if you do smoke

 

and then if you have any more questions, call your doctor, it isn't really anything to mess around with

[foxytv]

I had high blood pressure a little over a year ago -- but have controlled it with CARDIO. And I do still smoke, although I need to quit, I know.

[CarrieRN]

Make sure you read the labels on food you buy. A lot of stuff is packed with sodium. The salt we add to the food for the most part isn't the real problem. Soups and prepackaged foods are loaded with sodium. You can modify recipes and use reduced sodium soup broths for cooking.

[chibi411]

reduce stress, eat healthier- mointor unsat and saturated fats, excerise- lots of cardio, good job on the sodium intake, quit smoking, limit alcohol, and if you have to take meds- take them! HBP is a silent disease- nothing hurts.

 

supplements- Coenzyme Q10, Omega 3 fatty acids, and garlic (some studies suggest this)

 

Good Luck!!

[amandalovesryan]

How high is high? I am a cardiac nurse and I know not to mess with this at all. Sometimes HBP is hereditary and there is really nothing you can do to stop it, except meds. Meds are not a bad thing. Make sure he sees a Dr.

[Gretchen]

At his last physical (for work) they told him that it was getting close to borderline and that he needed to make some changes. But - they didn't really tell him what to change.

He is a little overweight - the typical man's beer belly. He probably should lose about 20-30 pounds to be "at this best". His job has some lifting and some cardio-type aspects. He does not smoke. He is working to limit fast food (hard to do with job though) and is cutting WAY back on soda.

I am working to get him more fruits and veggies at meals at home. I may have to start packing his lunch too...

Alcohol will be the hardest part. We like to go out on weekends and have a few drinks.

THANKS for the supplement ideas Chibi!

Thanks everyone. We want to get this in control. We have made some changes for our family to have a healthier lifestyle - not just him. I can tell the difference already with how my clothes fit. YEA!

[ticia277]

In addition to all these great tips, increase your garlic intake. I know some folks don't like it and it smells bad, but Garlic helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Add fresh garlic to meals or take a garlique pill once a day.

[sohappy]

Exercising, eliminating fast food/frozen food, stress, smoking can have an impact in lowering bp. For smokers I recommend getting Chantix.

 

Does he have any other medical conditions ie. Diabetes? Does it run in the family?

 

I suggest buying a bp monitor kit and keep a diary. If he were to go on meds it doesn't necessary mean he has to be on it forever but lifestyle changes need to be made.

 

Doesn't sound like its too bad if he's borderline, he can overcome it if he starts now.

 

If MD prescribes anything then I can go over with you about the meds. I'm a pharmacist.