Copyright People’s Pharmacy

Q: I have high blood pressure.  I was alarmed by a recent reading of 206/96.  Every day, my pressure changes throughout the day, from 125/69 at one point up to 175/81 at another.  Some days I get great readings.  My doctor has just put me on losartan three times a day.  I lead a quiet life.  Before the pandemic I was swimming three times a week, and I’m planning to go back when it’s safe.  My diet is vegetarian, and I have reduced my salt.  I don’t drink alcohol, just one cup of coffee a day.  What natural approaches could help me lower my blood pressure without additional medication?

A: Your blood pressure is extremely variable.  Your doctor may need to do a more extensive work-up to discover why.  Natural ways to lower blood pressure include exercise, meditation and periods of deep breathing.  Eating magnesium-rich foods, drinking beet juice, pomegranate juice or purple grape juice may also help.