Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Help

Tea Cozy · 06-30-2009, 02:18 AM

Hi all!

As I've mentioned before, I find that I've turned into a slob, (I'm figuring that if I say it enough, I won't have denial!) Size has never been a huge concern for me, but health sure is.

From a young age, I've suffered horribly from allergies, and asthma as a result. This has made aerobic excercise challenging, because I've breathing issues.

One of my biggest concerns is blood pressure and cholesterol. My cholesterol numbers last year were fantastic, but my blood pressure was high. Not scary high, but high enough to cause concern. Now, last summer (and this one) my allergies have been so out of whack that my bp is elevated due to poor oxygenation. I am aware that my weight also plays a factor.

What can I do to help lower my bp? Sodium is not an issue.

THanks!

CramerNH · 06-30-2009, 03:43 AM

A diet that works with your unique system... we all have chosen either on our own, or with the help of our doctors, a way-of-eating (WOE) that has helped to get better - health-wise.

A doctor is going to tell you the same thing - making good food choices, avoiding preprocessed prepackaged foods as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and the most important, you gotta exercise.

Where you have allergies and asthma that can hinder your health-goals, I would strongly suggest you consult your physician to make sure you have an understanding of what things you can do and things that you might wanna lean away from.

Blood Pressure issues - anything can raise it....

Did you have a recent physical? If so, was your BP discussed? If so, do you mind sharing it? If it wasnt discussed - it should be where it concerns you...

Josuanna · 06-30-2009, 03:55 AM

Stick to induction foods only, should help!

yvonne326 · 06-30-2009, 10:49 AM

Watch the sodium especially in pre-packed foods...even if they are low carb.
I have BP and have to watch sodium intake. I find that the water consumption is helping. Just don't skimp on your water --- drink less of the other stuff

Also, I eat more egg whites than whole eggs. I do have my hard boiled eggs from time to time but make more egg-white omelets. Stick with more white meat than read -- chicken, turkey, pork, fish. Best of luck.

Leo41 · 06-30-2009, 12:38 PM

Losing weight should lower BP. Have you talked to your doctor about your exercise issues? I ask because a few years back when my doctor was concerned about my BP, he suggested a diuretic. I researched this and found out that for women (and only women) with borderline high BP, use of a mild diuretic has been found to lower BP. Women tend to retain water (apart from any ingestion of sodium), and that will elevate BP. Thus, the mild diuretic eliminates any excess fluids.

The diuretic is harmless because it only stimulates your body to dump EXCESS water. It does not affect the normal balance of bodily fluids.

I don't take the diuretic on a regular basis because my BP went down with weight loss, but I do take it occasionally because I'm hypothyroid, and that tends to make me retain water at times. So I find it to be a handy Rx to have.

Tea Cozy · 07-01-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo41

Losing weight should lower BP. Have you talked to your doctor about your exercise issues? I ask because a few years back when my doctor was concerned about my BP, he suggested a diuretic. I researched this and found out that for women (and only women) with borderline high BP, use of a mild diuretic has been found to lower BP. Women tend to retain water (apart from any ingestion of sodium), and that will elevate BP. Thus, the mild diuretic eliminates any excess fluids.

The diuretic is harmless because it only stimulates your body to dump EXCESS water. It does not affect the normal balance of bodily fluids.

I don't take the diuretic on a regular basis because my BP went down with weight loss, but I do take it occasionally because I'm hypothyroid, and that tends to make me retain water at times. So I find it to be a handy Rx to have.

I hadn't heard that. I am hypothyroid, but still working on getting my meds working right. I've got a physical due in September, and I was hoping to get things on the right track before then.

My doctor and I have discussed my asthma with regard to exercise. She told me to focus on weight training.

Leo41 · 07-01-2009, 02:16 PM

Weight training is good overall, but I'm not sure if it will help with BP--but your doctor knows best.

However, if you're hypo, I'll bet much of your higher BP is due to fluid retention, especially if you're not medically optimized. You might ask your doctor about a diuretic. There are even OTC ones that you can buy, but I'm not sure how well they work (never used one), but you can ask your pharmacist.

Tea Cozy · 07-01-2009, 09:39 PM

Awesome, thanks. I'll check it out.

LadonnaD · 07-07-2009, 02:42 AM

I'm so glad to find this post! I am struggling with the same issue. I will ask my dr about the dieuretic (sp). Are white meats lower in sodium, is that why they're recommended?

My bp avges about 150/??, but the last two times it has been 170/112. Scary.

Do any of you measure yours on a regular basis at home? I am interested in what type of monitors you use and recommend.

T U!

LadonnaD · 07-10-2009, 10:54 PM

I have another question for you BP experts... will your BP go up after a salty meal? I know long term it's not good for you, but is it that quick in the effects? Mine is in the 190's right now. Ugh.....

Leo41 · 07-11-2009, 04:26 AM

Ladonna-

I bought a wrist monitor a few years back, and it's been very reliable (I calibrated it with my doctor's machine at one visit to insure that it's accurate). It's easy to use, and I check my BP on it fairly regularly.

I don't know how quickly sodium affects your BP because it's usually the water you retain from the sodium that drives up your BP. But with your numbers, I'd try to be as salt free as possible.

LadonnaD · 07-11-2009, 05:15 AM

Thank you, Leo!!

Redeemed · 07-15-2009, 09:45 AM

I take taurine, and it has keep my blood pressure within normal ranges. Dr. Atkins had mentioned taurine in some of his literature, so I decided to try it a couple of years ago. My hair is growing in thick as opposed to falling out during traditional blood pressure medicine usage. Taurine reduces water retention, detoxifies the liver and supports the kidneys. Taurine is not cellular poison like so many pharmaceuticals.

Leo41 · 07-16-2009, 01:50 PM

Redeemed-

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm taking your advice and trying taurene (for water retention). How much do you take daily? I just bought some 500 mg. pills, and the directions are to take 2 a day, and I wanted to know how this compares with the amount you're taking.

Redeemed · 07-16-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo41

Redeemed-

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm taking your advice and trying taurene (for water retention). How much do you take daily? I just bought some 500 mg. pills, and the directions are to take 2 a day, and I wanted to know how this compares with the amount you're taking.

Leo:

As I recall , you just take a diuretic on a sporadic basis, right? Otherwise, I would tell you to run taurine by your doctor first before going off heart meds. Just a cmb (cover my butt) statement : I'm not advising anyone take taurine - it just works for me and I love what I see in regards to the research that has been done on taurine. There is a lot of scientific research on taurine. There are also studies where taurine is shown to grow hair on mice. When I took Lisinopril and hctz, my hair fell out, my abdomen swelled up, I developed severe photosensitivity, and developed a frightening venus stasis ulcer on my leg. I heard nightmare stories about people getting mrsa in leg ulcers from hospitals - so I treated it myself with manuka honey and it healed up beautifully. Well, that's another bunny trail. So that's my story with diruetics! I take 3 gms (3,000 mg) of taurine a day. It is not recommended to go over 4 gms. Taurine is an amino acid that is also an antioxident. If you are going to take taurine, give it some time to work. Three days or so as a diruetic. It won't be as powerful as, say 50 mg. of hctz. Give it six - eight weeks or so to see if it affects your blood pressure. If you want, I could try to go back and find where I read Dr. Atkins' recommendation to take taurine. I believe he refers to taurine in DANDR and his Vita Nutrient Solution book. He had researched taurine and was impressed with the results.

Leo41 · 07-17-2009, 03:51 AM

Thanks for your thorough reply! You are correct about my using diuretics occasionally. I don't have any heart problems, but I have a life-long tendency to retain water that's been complicated by my hypothyroid. My primary initially Rx'd the Lasix because he thought I was developing high BP. That actually was never true; it was just high in his office, and I suspect it's his tech person because my BP is ideal at my endo and every other doctor I visit. However, I have the prescription and have been using it when I feel especially bloated (doctor's advice).

About once a week, I'll feel so bloated that I'll take a Lasix, and I find that I've retained about 5 lbs of water. I'd like to avoid taking Lasix, and I'm thinking that if I take taurene, I might not retain at all--i.e., stay more balanced in terms of body fluids.

I think I'll begin with your 3,000 mg and see what happens. The directions say to take with meals, and I usually eat 3X a day, so that should work out.

Thanks again for your help with this.

verbqueen · 07-19-2009, 01:47 PM

I've started a taurine regimen, too. I just wish I could find some capsules bigger than 500 mg.! I feel like I'm popping pills all day!

Redeemed · 07-19-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verbqueen

I've started a taurine regimen, too. I just wish I could find some capsules bigger than 500 mg.! I feel like I'm popping pills all day!

My 1000 mg caps are from Jarrow Formulas.

verbqueen · 07-19-2009, 06:18 PM

Thanks. I'll look for those.

Redeemed · 07-21-2009, 09:25 AM

I just saw that Netrition sells taurine powder. So, you could individualize your dose according to how much you want. I might order some when my supply runs out because I prefer supplements in liquid form.

verbqueen · 07-21-2009, 10:00 AM

If you order it, do post and let me know how you like it. I'm getting in the rhythm with these 500mg pills. I just take two with every meal. However, when I finish this bottle, I will get either powder or larger capsules. I haven't checked my BP yet, thought I'd give it a week or two with the taurine supplementation, but I feel great and am not retaining any fluids at all, as far as I can see. Thanks for turning me on to this supplement!

Redeemed · 07-21-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verbqueen

If you order it, do post and let me know how you like it. I'm getting in the rhythm with these 500mg pills. I just take two with every meal. However, when I finish this bottle, I will get either powder or larger capsules. I haven't checked my BP yet, thought I'd give it a week or two with the taurine supplementation, but I feel great and am not retaining any fluids at all, as far as I can see. Thanks for turning me on to this supplement!

Alright - will do. I have two full bottles of 1000 mg caps, so it will be a while before I order. Good to see it's working for you so far with relieving water retention.

06-30-2009, 02:18 AM	#1
Tea Cozy MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 1,223 Gallery: Tea Cozy Stats: 228/199/125 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: May 2007	Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Help Hi all! As I've mentioned before, I find that I've turned into a slob, (I'm figuring that if I say it enough, I won't have denial!) Size has never been a huge concern for me, but health sure is. From a young age, I've suffered horribly from allergies, and asthma as a result. This has made aerobic excercise challenging, because I've breathing issues. One of my biggest concerns is blood pressure and cholesterol. My cholesterol numbers last year were fantastic, but my blood pressure was high. Not scary high, but high enough to cause concern. Now, last summer (and this one) my allergies have been so out of whack that my bp is elevated due to poor oxygenation. I am aware that my weight also plays a factor. What can I do to help lower my bp? Sodium is not an issue. THanks!

06-30-2009, 03:43 AM	#2
CramerNH Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 257 Gallery: CramerNH	A diet that works with your unique system... we all have chosen either on our own, or with the help of our doctors, a way-of-eating (WOE) that has helped to get better - health-wise. A doctor is going to tell you the same thing - making good food choices, avoiding preprocessed prepackaged foods as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids, and the most important, you gotta exercise. Where you have allergies and asthma that can hinder your health-goals, I would strongly suggest you consult your physician to make sure you have an understanding of what things you can do and things that you might wanna lean away from. Blood Pressure issues - anything can raise it.... Did you have a recent physical? If so, was your BP discussed? If so, do you mind sharing it? If it wasnt discussed - it should be where it concerns you... __________________ STARTING WEIGHT: 300.0 Last Weigh-in: 249.6 Current Weigh-in: 247.2 Goal Weight: 170.0

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06-30-2009, 03:55 AM	#3
Josuanna Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Palatinate, Germany Posts: 116 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: Josuanna Stats: 180/150/140 WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 2006	Stick to induction foods only, should help!

06-30-2009, 10:49 AM	#4
yvonne326 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 19,562 Gallery: yvonne326 Stats: 198/194/155 Start Date: 10-26-09	Watch the sodium especially in pre-packed foods...even if they are low carb. I have BP and have to watch sodium intake. I find that the water consumption is helping. Just don't skimp on your water --- drink less of the other stuff Also, I eat more egg whites than whole eggs. I do have my hard boiled eggs from time to time but make more egg-white omelets. Stick with more white meat than read -- chicken, turkey, pork, fish. Best of luck.

06-30-2009, 12:38 PM	#5
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Losing weight should lower BP. Have you talked to your doctor about your exercise issues? I ask because a few years back when my doctor was concerned about my BP, he suggested a diuretic. I researched this and found out that for women (and only women) with borderline high BP, use of a mild diuretic has been found to lower BP. Women tend to retain water (apart from any ingestion of sodium), and that will elevate BP. Thus, the mild diuretic eliminates any excess fluids. The diuretic is harmless because it only stimulates your body to dump EXCESS water. It does not affect the normal balance of bodily fluids. I don't take the diuretic on a regular basis because my BP went down with weight loss, but I do take it occasionally because I'm hypothyroid, and that tends to make me retain water at times. So I find it to be a handy Rx to have.

07-01-2009, 02:16 PM	#7
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Weight training is good overall, but I'm not sure if it will help with BP--but your doctor knows best. However, if you're hypo, I'll bet much of your higher BP is due to fluid retention, especially if you're not medically optimized. You might ask your doctor about a diuretic. There are even OTC ones that you can buy, but I'm not sure how well they work (never used one), but you can ask your pharmacist.

07-01-2009, 09:39 PM	#8
Tea Cozy MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 1,223 Gallery: Tea Cozy Stats: 228/199/125 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: May 2007	Awesome, thanks. I'll check it out.

07-07-2009, 02:42 AM	#9
LadonnaD Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 142 Blog Entries: 7 Gallery: LadonnaD Stats: 172/153/140...19 down, 13 to go!	I'm so glad to find this post! I am struggling with the same issue. I will ask my dr about the dieuretic (sp). Are white meats lower in sodium, is that why they're recommended? My bp avges about 150/??, but the last two times it has been 170/112. Scary. Do any of you measure yours on a regular basis at home? I am interested in what type of monitors you use and recommend. T U!

07-10-2009, 10:54 PM	#10
LadonnaD Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 142 Blog Entries: 7 Gallery: LadonnaD Stats: 172/153/140...19 down, 13 to go!	I have another question for you BP experts... will your BP go up after a salty meal? I know long term it's not good for you, but is it that quick in the effects? Mine is in the 190's right now. Ugh.....

07-11-2009, 04:26 AM	#11
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Ladonna- I bought a wrist monitor a few years back, and it's been very reliable (I calibrated it with my doctor's machine at one visit to insure that it's accurate). It's easy to use, and I check my BP on it fairly regularly. I don't know how quickly sodium affects your BP because it's usually the water you retain from the sodium that drives up your BP. But with your numbers, I'd try to be as salt free as possible.

07-11-2009, 05:15 AM	#12
LadonnaD Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 142 Blog Entries: 7 Gallery: LadonnaD Stats: 172/153/140...19 down, 13 to go!	Thank you, Leo!!

07-15-2009, 09:45 AM	#13
Redeemed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beautiful Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes Posts: 1,395 Gallery: Redeemed WOE: JUDDD Start Date: 11/7/09	I take taurine, and it has keep my blood pressure within normal ranges. Dr. Atkins had mentioned taurine in some of his literature, so I decided to try it a couple of years ago. My hair is growing in thick as opposed to falling out during traditional blood pressure medicine usage. Taurine reduces water retention, detoxifies the liver and supports the kidneys. Taurine is not cellular poison like so many pharmaceuticals.

07-16-2009, 01:50 PM	#14
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Redeemed- I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm taking your advice and trying taurene (for water retention). How much do you take daily? I just bought some 500 mg. pills, and the directions are to take 2 a day, and I wanted to know how this compares with the amount you're taking.

07-17-2009, 03:51 AM	#16
Leo41 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: Leo41	Thanks for your thorough reply! You are correct about my using diuretics occasionally. I don't have any heart problems, but I have a life-long tendency to retain water that's been complicated by my hypothyroid. My primary initially Rx'd the Lasix because he thought I was developing high BP. That actually was never true; it was just high in his office, and I suspect it's his tech person because my BP is ideal at my endo and every other doctor I visit. However, I have the prescription and have been using it when I feel especially bloated (doctor's advice). About once a week, I'll feel so bloated that I'll take a Lasix, and I find that I've retained about 5 lbs of water. I'd like to avoid taking Lasix, and I'm thinking that if I take taurene, I might not retain at all--i.e., stay more balanced in terms of body fluids. I think I'll begin with your 3,000 mg and see what happens. The directions say to take with meals, and I usually eat 3X a day, so that should work out. Thanks again for your help with this.

07-19-2009, 01:47 PM	#17
verbqueen Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 802 Gallery: verbqueen WOE: Atkins '72 Start Date: June 2009	I've started a taurine regimen, too. I just wish I could find some capsules bigger than 500 mg.! I feel like I'm popping pills all day!

07-19-2009, 06:18 PM	#19
verbqueen Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 802 Gallery: verbqueen WOE: Atkins '72 Start Date: June 2009	Thanks. I'll look for those.

07-21-2009, 09:25 AM	#20
Redeemed MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Beautiful Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes Posts: 1,395 Gallery: Redeemed WOE: JUDDD Start Date: 11/7/09	I just saw that Netrition sells taurine powder. So, you could individualize your dose according to how much you want. I might order some when my supply runs out because I prefer supplements in liquid form.

07-21-2009, 10:00 AM	#21
verbqueen Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 802 Gallery: verbqueen WOE: Atkins '72 Start Date: June 2009	If you order it, do post and let me know how you like it. I'm getting in the rhythm with these 500mg pills. I just take two with every meal. However, when I finish this bottle, I will get either powder or larger capsules. I haven't checked my BP yet, thought I'd give it a week or two with the taurine supplementation, but I feel great and am not retaining any fluids at all, as far as I can see. Thanks for turning me on to this supplement!