How to Lower Blood Pressure in 2 Weeks
By Chauncey Crandall, M.D.
Changing lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can slash blood pressure in only 14 days, says a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
In fact, the lifestyle changes lowered blood pressure as effectively as medication. On average, participants in the study saw their blood pressure drop 19 points after taking part in the Weimer Institute Newstart Lifestyle program for just 14 days.
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Other studies have shown that a blood pressure reduction of this significance can cut the risk of heart disease or stroke in half.
People participating in the Newstart Lifestyle program follow a vegan diet, walk outside daily, drink substantial quantities of water, get adequate daily sleep, and participate in optional spiritual activities.
The program's vegan diet consists of foods such as legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, soymilk, almond milk, and whole-grain breads.
For the study, the researchers evaluated data from 117 people with high blood pressure who had participated in the Newstart Lifestyle program at the Weimer Institute for 14 days. After two weeks, half of the participants achieved a systolic blood pressure below the recommended 120 mmHg.
The program lowered blood pressure effectively in different types of individuals, including otherwise healthy men and women with diabetes, people who were obese, and those with high cholesterol levels.
The reduction in blood pressure was equivalent to using three half-dose standard medications for blood pressure. In addition, 93% of the participants were able to either reduce the dose (24%) or eliminate their blood pressure medications (69%)