The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Smokeycat1938 (Terrell, Texas) on 10/25/2014
★★★★★
My blood pressure has been dangerously high this week. I am on lisinopril, hydrazaline and hydrochlorathiazide with no response. I used ACV and baking soda this morning and my blood pressure dropped from 192/75 to 175/80 within a few hours. None of the prescribed medication brought it below 200 this week. My age is 75, I am diabetic and hepatitis C positive. No side effects from this remedy so far.
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Beth (Palmyra, Nj) on 06/23/2014
★★★★★
I began taking 2 drops daily of Lugol's iodine. Within 2 weeks my blood pressure dropped from 135/82 to normal ranges I.e. 120/72 and some days even lower. Also ingesting a tsp of diatemaceous earth but since I was inconsistent with the later, I must credit the iodine. PTL!
Alternative Treatment for HBP
Posted by Sigistardust (Vancouver, Canada ) on 03/30/2014
I have high blood pressure ( 162 sometimes 45 it changes all the time) now Doctor wants me to take a chemical product called Coversyl. By reading the side effects I refused taken it. he told me that no alternative medicin can reduce high blood pressure, which I don't believe. I don't drink, nor eat meat, and check the salt intake, no cheese, I would like to know what causes my high blood pressure, one think I know when ever I am in his office, my blood pressure is high, he scolds me by not beeing co-operative, so I decide not to see him any more, it just doesn't work with each other, I am just not taking chemicals. Would appreciate hearing from you guys, because he does scare me each time I see him and that increases my blood pressure even more.
Thank you again, Sigistardust
Calcium Carbonate
Posted by Azchuck (Medford, Or) on 01/21/2014
★★★★★
I've noticed that chewing and swallowing two to four generic Tums (calcium carbonate) results in an almost immediate drop of about 20 to 25 points in my blood pressure. Does this indicate inflammed stomach linings and what diet change would be most effective? Many thanks.
Calcium Carbonate
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 01/22/2014 2041 posts
Azchuck: This seems like an Acidosis issue; which is also a mineral deficiency issue. I would recommend a Mineral supplement like Cal/Mag/Potassium taken as directed. If you are using traditional processed salt (sodium chloride) drop it and begin using Iodized Sea Salt and or Himalayan Pink Salt as both of these real salts also have many other major and trace minerals which are lacking in the diet.
Taurine
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 03/30/2013
That makes perfect sense, as taurine regulates and normalizes heartbeat. Contrary to what is claimed, it is not the ingredient in "energy drinks" that causes any problems. Taurine also occurs naturally in red meat. It gets its name from the "meat of the bull".
Aloe
Posted by Franko (Perth, W/australia) on 12/14/2012
★☆☆☆☆
Australia I used I stick of Aloe Vera (minus thorns) 1lemon, 1Tbs of honey and a banana for a month to cure my HBP. No result. For an extra two weeks I did experiment and add, 4 young asparagus, 15 flowers of dandellion. It was an excellent colon cleanser, but made no difference with my HBP. (150/105 for too many years to mention. Never used any medications). Franko
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Jon (Othello, Wa, USA) on 05/20/2012
Steve, when you combine an acid with enough base to neutralize the acid what is obtained is the conjugate base. This is the basis behind alkalization of the body by using things like citrus fruits and vinegar. In the body the pancreas secretes bicarbonate to neutralize acid, whether it's stomach acid (HCl), vinegar, citric acid, or any other acid.
In the case of vinegar it's acetic acid bicarbonate = acetate (the conjugate base)
In the case of citrus fruit it's citric acid bicarbonate = citrate (the conjugate base)
If baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used then then the result is sodium acetate and sodium citrate.
So supplementing with either the conjugate base or the original acid should offer similar benefits.
When the conjugate bases are in the blood they will absorb hydrogen ions (one of the definitions of an acid) recreating the original acid. As far as acidity is concerned this is a much weaker acid than the original free hydrogen ions thereby "alkalizing" the body. The body generally uses bicarbonate/carbonic acid for this buffering system, creating carbon dioxide and water as end results. The carbon dioxide is then exhaled to maintain a proper pH. Supplementing with citric acid or vinegar, or the conjugate bases of them, helps this process in maintaining things.
As far as sodium is concerned, several recent metastudies have been released that show conclusively that low sodium diets offer no benefit to otherwise healthy individuals. What was shown was an increase in stress/inflammation factors. Cholestrol, triglycerides, adrenalin, and noradrenaline were all elevated in low sodium diets. The only benefit was an extremely marginal blood pressure drop of 1% or around a 1/2 point drop. However, it should be noted that those who are already hypertensive did experience a slightly greater drop of 3. 5% or around 4-7 points depending on what the blood pressure was to start with. On the other, hand salt really isn't the culprit in hypertension. Instead the culprit is a horrible diet of transfats, low vitamin and mineral intake, overcooked/fried food, sugar, no vegetables, no omega 3 fats, etc...
You know you have to much salt in your food when your food tastes too salty-Joel Wallach DVM, ND
General Feedback
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 04/06/2012
Your body needs salt. You mean "
no refined table salt". You need unrefined sea salt. Unrefined sea salt is a gray like colour and you can only buy it from health food stores.
Unrefined sea salt will not raise blood pressure. You have to make the distinction between refined and unrefined because telling someone to cut out all salt is very dangerous. Our bodies need salt (unrefined).
Also processed foods contain huge amount of refined salt.. Cut out processed foods out of your diet.. read the labels how much sodium is in these foods (and I use the term food loosely here).
Bananas
Posted by Arsh (Jasper, Alabama) on 12/06/2011
★★★★★
Blood Pressure is a bit high? EAT BANANAS!
I just have to share this because it has worked for me and I am utterly amazed. I started having trouble with my blood pressure a couple months ago and I needed to bring it down. I started taking a super dose of D3, 5-htp to combat the associated anxiety, and Aspirin daily to help thin the blood.
It *helped* but I was still feeling bad often.
I started doing some research and found that potassium had been shown to significantly decrease the blood pressure issues so I decided to grab a bunch of bananas and give it a try. I've been eating one banana a day for over a week and my blood pressure has been so much better! I had been feeling like the veins in my arms were on FIRE some of the times, my emotions were hard to control etc. After eating a banana a day for only a couple days, those feelings diminished until I can barely tell I have a problem anymore. It has REALLY helped how I feel.
So definitely eat some bananas and give it a try if you have problems with your blood pressure! If you hate bananas, any source of potassium will do. Raisins, some canned tomato products... Etc. Just Google "Good Sourse of Potassium" for more info on what to eat. Good luck!
Sea Salt, Banana
Posted by Shinygirl (Charlotte, Nc) on 07/14/2011
★★★★★
By the grace of god, my blood pressure has started coming near to normal. The changes I made were I started using sea salt in place of normal salt and after getting up in morning I try to have at least half banana within 15 minutes, that keeps my acidity low, and if thats low my bp is also normal.
Aloe Vera, Hibiscus Tea, Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Ramiro F. (Las Vegas) on 08/14/2018
Hibiscus tea is the same as the dried red flower that is being sold in any Latino Market and is called " Jamaica "
best regards
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Hilkil (Studio City, Ca, U.s.a.) on 10/07/2010
★☆☆☆☆
S. O. S. Help. I've posted before. I have really high blood pressure 185/120. I am mid forties, thin and do not smoke. I've tried everything ACV, lemon and cream of tartar, hawthorne berry, cayenne pepper, magnesium, celery, chinese herbal teas, acupuncture and I have purchased multiple products from the healthfood store. Can you refer a product or something to me that works. I am currently on a beta blocker that barely works and is making me sick. I am a single working Mother with two kids and it's even difficult to work. Please help.
High Blood Pressure Reading Tips
Posted by Karen (Deland, Fl) on 02/23/2010
★★★★★
To Pat from MO: That's a tough one since we are all different. Conventional wisdom will tell you 120/80 is where we all should be which is ridiculous. Why in the world should we all be expected to have the same blood pressure reading? What we need to know is what is normal for us, not scared into thinking we are going to have a stroke if it's not close to those numbers. Blood pressure goes up and it goes down. I wish I had the answers.
Manuka Honey and Cinnamon
Posted by CP (Huntington Beach, USA) on 04/22/2008
★★★★★
Manuka honey is an amazing remedy for M.R.S.A. wounds, as well as for diabetic skin ulcerations. It comes in several strengths, so contact customer service on websites to see which is best for you. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth it. It's delicious and healthful when taken internally and is wonderful when applied externally to the face. I am taking one teaspoon of Manuka honey and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon each morning and evening. It has lowered my blood pressure from 156 to 125 in a very short period of time. It also improves my sleep! I love this website and it makes me happy to give back for all the help I've received. Good luck to all.
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium
Posted by Dee (Birmingham, AL) on 05/13/2006
★★★★★
I recently visited the local health food store. I started taking one supplement called Calcium Magnesium Potassium (I won't name the brand name). I have been taking it for about three weeks now. I recently checked by blood pressure at a doctor's visit and it was very normal (124/78). My blood pressure hasn't been this normal in years.
Beet Root Powder
Posted by Art (California) on 07/02/2025 2978 posts
★★★★★
Another friend who had started on Carditone recently ran into the sinus issue problem and had to stop the Carditone to allow his sinuses to return to normal. He asked me if I could suggest anything else to help his high blood pressure that would work as well as the Carditone had worked for him.
I suggested he try Beet Root Powder (BRP) as it had worked for me and other friends. I told him that it hadn't worked as well for me as Carditone, but other friends had reported it working almost as well.
He went ahead and ordered this brand from Amazon :
https://www.amazon.com/Beet-Root-Capsules-Performance-Digestive/dp/B084C35HGS/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3G97Z5QMG9238&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L-qgGc0SBk0RwvxAs2bUW_aYq6p9CnIAr8LDslWNqbL1QK_m-oa_7PqEon0gwdrf2SsZZ9uYtjXG976bjSJp1JaaPH9u0yETve2W0rgQ8Rhi5PBC7cQBt2fa27kXBtCXXzL6jQ02CHGMuz_1pSBQRHKoT_b8zNZgFUa96ANMFB4rB7_3nZFrlu6Vw1bwjGhVA4-V9t2BDRtJIeNDkPbVGaP0g8tO3Brv3ms_LvHb0CWe_2rsHtivoElmnREHxyenbb4EscV2nFLLwAZ9gwIooJYKr4LFmMe6F2zbNwI7pW4.ZSNkYsQG-R2csNzjpW4QZaU0C3NFG-laHZmHUkI87KA&dib_tag=se&keywords=beet+root+powder+capsules&qid=1751486776&sprefix=beet+root+powder+capsules,aps,181&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
I had explained to him that he would have to experiment with the dose to find the best dose for him. He told me he settled on 5 capsules (3 grams) all at one time per day and that this dose was keeping his blood pressure just below 120/80 whereas 4 capsules (2.4 grams) had kept his blood pressure just above 120/80.
My friend is now a happy camper again and he said the BRP wasn't causing him any side effects that he noticed other than it gave his urine a different odor. I also mentioned to him that he could buy BRP in bulk powder form and perhaps add it to yogurt or similar, but he would have to use a digital mg scale to measure out his dose accurately or find a scoop that would measure his 3 gram dose accurately each time. I explained to him that BRP may also offer other health benefits as discussed here :
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/beet-root-powder
Here is a relevant quote from the article :
Lowers blood pressure
Research suggests that dietary nitrate from beetroot may play a role in lowering blood pressure. However, factors such as age and sex can influence the efficacy of beetroot to lower blood pressure.
Improves gut health
A 2020 review e suggests beets contain bioactive compounds that may improve gastrointestinal health, modulate gut microbiota, and stimulate the metabolism and growth of probiotics.
Reduces oxidative and nitrative stress
Betalain, a plant nutrient found in beetroot powder, helps reduce oxidative and nitrative stress. Oxidative and nitrative stress comes from the presence of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species in the body. These chemicals can damage cells and DNA.
Inflammation often accompanies oxidative and nitrative stress. When inflammation becomes chronic, people may develop long-term diseases such as obesity, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes.
Researchers say that antioxidants, such as betalain, search for free radicals in the body that can cause damage and counter their effects. They also help cells defend themselves from stressors.
Belatains in beetroot powder may also protect liver and kidney function.
Improves athletic performance
2021 Research
Blood Pressure and Age
Posted by Vera (Colorado) on 11/11/2023
I have never heard that blood pressure "normally" increases. I am 73 and my blood pressure fluctuates between normal 120 and low. As it always did.
Oxygen
Posted by Gee Man (Canada) on 01/31/2022
★★★★★
I have had hypertension for many years and am on medication.
I have Covid for the last 4 weeks and was recovering. I was put on oxygen as they believed I had pneumonia. As I started getting better I realized I didn't need the oxygen during the day but only at night.
I then started measuring my blood pressure in the morning and found that if I used a 1 liter setting and slept with that my blood pressure in the morning was lower than not using it. ( I stopped taking medication and monitored the blood pressure, ready to take medication again if it seemed to high.)
Also I started taking cinnamon with rolled oats for breakfast most days and it seems to be lower still. My normal is typically 153 / 94 but today it was 135/87.
So give a little oxygen (use less than 1.5 liters at night) a try.
Vitamin B Complex
Posted by Sharon (OR) on 01/29/2021
★★★★★
Hi everyone, my bp was straight 120 over 80 for more than 50 years, then it went nuts about 8 years ago, spiking a Lot.
Went through many EC remedies, nothing worked. Recently a nutritionist I follow said, watch your Vitamin Bs. Threw my head back, laughed (because everything's fortified, enriched, right?), and was in so much pain I got Standard Process B formula Catalyst whatever- with the additional Catalyst formula for more support (also kept on with years of cutting down coffee to once weekly, sugar down somewhat, tried to cut stress too..ha! ), plus kept taking a very nice probiotic, months on end...
Long short, BP went down in a day or 2, consistently down, been 4 months. And, my hair stopped falling out. This last didn't notice til plumbing didn't need unclogging as it had for about 8 years, a quarter cup coming out a wash.
So, I guess, watch your Bs!
Coenzyme Q10
Posted by Kcmkwhite (Huber Heights, Ohio) on 10/08/2015
★★★★★
After my doctor wanted to put me on beta blockers, I decided to go more natural doing my homework I discovered COQ10 is supposed to have an effect on BP.
After experimenting with 50 mg tablets three times a day no change occured. I started I taking 200 mg of COQ10 a day I dropped from 140 to 125 in the first day. One 100 mg at breakfast and one 100 mg at dinner does the trick.
