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Stopping high blood pressure medication and trying a healthy diet

Posted , 6 users are following.

wendy82413
wendy82413

I was prescribed Amlodipine back in February this year, started on a low dose then doubled. Taking it for 6 months I sufferred terrible side effects of swelling feet/ankles/legs/insomnia to list a few! I was changed to candesartan in August, which seemed to have few side effects but did not really get my bp down, so the candesartan was doubled.  Taking my bp at home I registered that it was in fact higher on the double dose.. we are talking here about readings of as high as177/98. 

Well... really disillusioned with medication, and somewhat wary of side effects after my experience with Amlodipine I decided to stop medication and have joined slimming world which advocates a very healthy diet ( i had thought I was on a healthy diet until listening to the slimming world advice)  I joined 3 weeks ago, having discovered my BMI WAS 31, and that i was apparently 3 stone overweight.  I have already lost 5 1/2 lbs and my bp has gone down considerably to regular reading now in the region  of 130/70 !!! I have seen my doctor and he is supporting me in my decision.  My new diet includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and all lean protein, nothing is banned ,but, and I think this is the key.. I have virtually cut out all processed food/salt/caffeine/sugar/alcohol, ( these foods attract syn points and the aim is to keep your daily syn total low)

I wonder if anyone else has tried this idea to improve their blood pressure? If not I suggest you consider it.

 

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  • Fisherman
    Fisherman wendy82413

    Posted

    Something else i meant to mention in my earlier post was my inclination towards cynicism. The food industry wants us all to eat their products (obviously..... as profit, not health is the name of their game) so as a consequence a lot of foods such as, packaged sauces, cooked and pre packed meats, pastries, bread products, ready meals and of course "fast food" to name a few are packed with salt, sugar and preservatives. See how cynical I am?!! 

    So the "game" for me and my wife (she is T2 diabetic) is to eat as healthily as possible. It can be hard work sometimes but I actually enjoy doing the cooking now and although my repertoire is limited I know its healthy. 

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