The Best Alternative to Lotrel

Lotrel is a prescription blood-pressure medication. It is a calcium channel blocker, and it works by relaxing or widening the diameter of the blood vessels to allow blood to flow through more easily. There are quite a few ways to lower blood pressure naturally and effectively. Most involve lifestyle changes and the addition of herbs and other nutritional supplements.

Diet

• The first thing to evaluate when seeking alternatives to Lotrel is diet. In 1999 and again in 2005, the National Institutes of Health conducted a study proving that there is a strong relationship between diet and the risk of hypertension. The study recommended a low-calorie and low-sodium diet, plus reduced alcohol consumption. Many other studies published by the NIH have listed significant associations between blood pressure and the micronutrients potassium, calcium and magnesium.
  The type and amount of dietary fat, fiber and protein have an effect on blood pressure. Clinical studies published by the NIH consistently link a vegan diet, with no animal or animal byproducts in any form, with lower blood pressure. This has been proven clinically to be a result of the high fiber in vegan diets as opposed to the lack of dietary fiber in meat, eggs and dairy products. A vegan diet is also low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, which has been shown repeatedly to clog blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

Exercise

• The American College of Sports Medicine reports that exercising for 30 minutes a day helps to prevent heart disease and also should be a "cornerstone of therapy" for lowering blood pressure. Moderate-intensity exercises are recommended, such as walking, biking and other exercises that raise the heart rate moderately. In addition to moderate cardiovascular exercise, a consistent weight-training program is also recommended.

Foods

• Fresh cooking herbs such as cayenne, as well as hot peppers, ginger root, raw garlic and onions all stimulate the circulatory system and are highly encouraged by the National Institutes of Health to reduce blood pressure. Also listed are leafy green vegetables such as spinach, raw sunflower seeds and beans of all kinds.
  Bananas and edamame (baby soybeans) are high in potassium, which balances sodium in the body.
  The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that a daily half-ounce piece of dark chocolate lowers blood pressure without any other adverse effect.
  Add these foods liberally to anything you eat.

Herbs

• Several herbs can be taken to help reduce blood pressure, but it is not recommended take herbal supplements while still on prescription medications.
  Hawthorne contains flavonoids and OPC, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flavonoids dilate blood vessels. Both OPC and flavonoids are powerful anti-oxidants protecting the body from cell damage. Hawthorn berry tea is made just like loose black tea and can be consumed three times a day.
  The Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center states that coleus, also known as forskolin, is known to be effective in treating hypertension, as well as cancer and obesity.
  Rauwolfia serpentina, or Indian snake root, has been traditionally used to treat hypertension. In fact, this herb is the base for several-blood pressure drugs. Rauwolfia can be taken in powder form or as a tea.

Disclaimer

• This information has not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is intended for education purposes only. It is not intended to cure, heal, treat or prevent any disease or condition. Consult a trusted professional health-care provider before attempting to undergo any form of self health care.