Barbara Intermill
From Anna B., Arizona: “I have high blood pressure. How can I go on a diet (vegan diet) to lower my blood pressure so I can stop taking medication?”
Dear Anna (my grandmother’s name, by the way): There’s plenty of evidence that plant-based diets are effective in lowering blood pressure, including a 2021 review of 39 clinical trials published in the Journal of Hypertension. . Interestingly, this analysis showed that several types of plant-based diets, including DASH (diet to stop hypertension), Mediterranean, vegan, and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets (including eggs and dairy), were effective. found to effectively control blood pressure.
However, dietary factors other than fruits and vegetables also affect blood pressure. For example, calcium helps control blood pressure. Also, reducing excess sodium can help. However, stopping the drug depends on your health and the advice of your healthcare provider.
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Francie K. of Tucson, Arizona writes:
It’s a complicated subject, Francie. And I am most interested in it because my father suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that causes deterioration of memory, thinking and behavior.
Keto, short for ketogenic, is a diet that is 90% fat and extremely low in carbohydrates. Its purpose is to create a state of ketosis. This, simply put, forces the body to rely on fat instead of carbohydrates for its primary fuel.
There is some evidence that this diet may help protect aging brain cells, according to a 2019 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. As such, it has attracted interest as a potential treatment for disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
As you can imagine, this kind of diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems over time, not to mention the difficulty of sticking to a limited diet. The research is interesting and we hope that future research will provide more answers.
Sue L. of Santa Cruz, Calif. asks: However, with the addition of Metamucil, I was able to exercise regularly with ease. My only concern is safety. ”
Actually, Mr. Sue, this product is made from a natural plant fiber called psyllium. And when taken as directed with the right amount of water, there are many good things associated with its use. It’s the only fiber recommended for treating bowel syndrome.And there’s good evidence that it helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.As always, check with your doctor.
