High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

In addition to making lifestyle changes, several other nondrug methods of reducing blood pressure can be tried.

• None of the methods listed below are proved to consistently lower high blood pressure. But these methods generally are considered to be safe and may have other benefits besides lowering blood pressure.
• Although there may be a link between a particular stressful situation and high blood pressure, this does not prove that changing the situation will affect blood pressure.
• Because it is simple to check your blood pressure, you can easily monitor the effects of these treatment methods on lowering your blood pressure.

Other Treatment Choices

Alternative or complementary medicine therapies that help reduce stress and improve quality of life may have some effect on blood pressure. These therapies include:

• Acupuncture.
• Biofeedback.
• Guided imagery.
• Hypnosis.
• Meditation.
• Stress management.
• Yoga.

Although eating garlic and onions has been recommended to reduce blood pressure, evidence shows that only very small decreases in blood pressure may result. Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) also may have some effect on lowering blood pressure.

Potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Not eating enough foods containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium may contribute to high blood pressure. Most people will get enough of these minerals by eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, whole grains, and legumes (cooked dried beans and peas). Or you may take supplements.

What to Think About

Many of the complementary medicine options listed above are inexpensive and probably not harmful. But it is best to work with your doctor when using these other methods along with traditional medical therapies.

The safest way to ensure good nutrition is through a balanced, varied diet instead of through nutritional supplements.

Acupuncture is currently being studied, and it shows some promise in lowering blood pressure.⁴