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. Hello Terry, “How does one wean off of 3 blood pressure pills and go on your “natural” supplements?”— Scott G., St. Louis, MO

A. Dear Scott, I understand your concern over having to take three prescription blood pressure medications; however, high blood pressure is a very serious medical condition. I highly recommend talking to your doctor and asking if you could augment your current regimen with a natural combination of herbs that are beneficial for healthy blood pressure. While I would never advise anyone to stop taking a prescription medication for blood pressure, there are supplements that you can take that may help to decrease the amount of prescription drugs needed or even eliminate the need for the drugs altogether.

A combination of olive leaf extract and hibiscus can help to lower blood pressure. 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 has also been shown to lower blood pressure. In one study, people with mildly elevated blood pressure who consumed 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, 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. I suggest taking 750 mg of this blend daily. If you need additional reduction after a week or two, you can double the dose to 1500 mg daily.

Other things you can do to naturally lower your blood pressure include weight loss via exercise and healthy diet, relaxation, and getting a good night’s sleep.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally