Clinical Nutrition for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Naturopathic Approach to Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Naturopathic treatment for hypertension focuses on addressing underlying metabolic, lifestyle, and dietary factors while supporting cardiovascular health and vascular function. Dietary interventions emphasize the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing sodium, processed foods, and added sugars. Increasing potassium-rich foods helps balance sodium's effects on blood pressure. Targeted supplementation with magnesium, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, and hawthorn berry supports healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function. Botanical medicines including hibiscus tea, olive leaf extract, and garlic have demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects. Weight loss when indicated significantly reduces blood pressure, with even modest reductions of 5-10% body weight showing benefit. Regular physical activity including both aerobic exercise and resistance training improves vascular function and insulin sensitivity. Stress management through meditation, breathwork, yoga, and biofeedback helps modulate the sympathetic nervous system and reduce stress-induced blood pressure elevation. Addressing sleep quality and sleep apnea when present is crucial as poor sleep significantly impacts blood pressure regulation. Functional lab testing may assess insulin resistance, inflammatory markers, nutrient status, and hormone imbalances contributing to hypertension. This comprehensive approach aims to normalize blood pressure naturally, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall metabolic health.