Natural Blood Thinners

During one of our recent Monday morning Natural Health Surgeries, our members discussed medication that many people over 45 are potentially taking although may not need.

The conversation was specifically about medication for high blood pressure, and high cholesterol and the side effects of taking blood thinners and statins etc.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can have various causes, including genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. 

Medications such as antihypertensives and statins are commonly prescribed to manage these conditions, but they may have both benefits and side effects.

Natural alternatives, such as dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and herbal supplements, can also play a role in managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often caused by a combination of factors including genetics, age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. Some common causes include:

1. Genetics: Family history of high blood pressure can increase the risk.
2. Unhealthy diet: Consuming excessive salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure.
3. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles can lead to hypertension.
4. Obesity: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart.
5. Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
6. Stress: Chronic stress can temporarily increase blood pressure.
7. Underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can contribute to hypertension.

High cholesterol is primarily caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Some common causes include:

1. Diet: Consuming foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol can raise cholesterol levels.
2. Lack of exercise: Physical activity helps regulate cholesterol levels.
3. Obesity: Being overweight can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol.
4. Genetics: Family history of high cholesterol can increase the risk.
5. Age and gender: Cholesterol levels
tend to rise with age, and men are more likely to have higher cholesterol levels than women.

When it comes to medication commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, doctors often prescribe antihypertensive drugs. Some common medications include:

1. Diuretics: These medications help the kidneys eliminate excess sodium and water from the body, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure.
2. Beta-blockers: These medications reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction, thereby reducing blood pressure.
3. ACE inhibitors: These medications relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure.
4. Calcium channel blockers: These medications relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing blood pressure.
5. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications block the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

The benefits of these medications include lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications. However, they may also have negative side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, erectile dysfunction, and dry cough. It is important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare professional.

As for high cholesterol, doctors often prescribe statins,
which are a class of drugs that help lower cholesterol levels. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver. Some commonly prescribed statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.

The benefits of statin medications include:

1. Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels: Statins can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
2. Increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels: Statins can also modestly increase HDL cholesterol, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
3. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events: By lowering cholesterol levels, statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.

However, statins can have potential side effects, including muscle pain, liver damage, digestive issues, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting statin therapy.

Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some natural alternatives to consider include:

1. Dietary changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Limiting sodium intake, reducing saturated and trans fats, and avoiding processed foods can also be beneficial.

2. Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercises, can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

3. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight can have a positive impact on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

4. Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Adopting stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities you enjoy can help manage stress levels.

5. Herbal supplements: Some herbal supplements, such as garlic, hawthorn extract, and green tea extract, have been suggested to have potential benefits in managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications or have side effects.

6. Vitamin E, it is an antioxidant that has been studied for its potential benefits in improving blood flow and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. By reducing LDL oxidation, vitamin E may help improve blood flow and maintain the health of blood vessels.

High doses of vitamin E supplementation may have potential risks and side effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding and interactions with certain medications.

It is important to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective approaches to cardiovascular health.

Barbara O´Neill is one of my very favourite health mentors. This short clip explain about hydration which can reverse high blood pressure.