Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I am having trouble with my blood pressure, and the doctor says if I can’t get it down to a better range he is going to put me on blood pressure drugs. I don’t want to do that! What can I do? What supplements would bring down my blood pressure?” —Sharon H., Vancouver, WA A. Dear Sharon, I am glad you are so committed to trying the natural route and that your doctor is willing to give it a try! A wonderful formula for safely lowering blood pressure is a combination of olive leaf extract and hibiscus. In a clinical trial, administration of a special olive leaf extract lowered systolic pressure (the top number) by 11 points and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) by 5 points. In addition to blood pressure reduction, LDL cholesterol levels were reduced, too. Similar results have been reported in other scientific studies. I recommend looking for an olive leaf extract standardized to 18% oleuropein, which is the key compound associated with olive leaf’s ability to reduce blood pressure. Hibiscus also lowers blood pressure. In one study, people with mildly elevated blood pressure consuming hibiscus tea experienced a 7 point drop in systolic blood pressure. Participants with higher blood pressure levels (over 129) had up to a 14-point drop. In fact, in a study comparing hibiscus to the prescription blood pressure drug lisinopril, found those using hibiscus had better blood pressure reduction than those taking the synthetic drug, and with absolutely no side effects at all. I like hibiscus to be in a 25:1 extract. You can start with a 750 mg combination of these herbs. If you need additional reduction after a week or two, you can double this dose. Other things you can do to naturally lower your blood pressure include weight loss, exercise, cooking with olive oil, relaxation, and a getting a good night’s sleep. Good luck! Terry