Traditional Alternatives to prescribed pills for high blood pressure and diabetes

[GeKoSc]

I want to get rid of the prescribed pills (with the secondary effects) and instead use traditional (maybe Chinese) alternatives for high blood pressure and diabetes. I assume some of you are doing the same and may could suggest to me traditional alternatives and which I possibly can purchase in Pattaya...

[robblok]

Hawthorn is supposed to lower blood pressure (some studies confirm it) you can order it with I herb but should check if it works for you.

[Sheryl]

Weight loss and exercise are by far the most effective non-medical approaches.

[katana]

Beetroot for lowering your blood pressure.

[ThaiBob]

16 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Weight loss and exercise are by far the most effective non-medical approaches.

And I might add, strict adherence to a diet designed for diabetics. 

[Denim]

16 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Weight loss and exercise are by far the most effective non-medical approaches.

Agreed

 

In the morning my blood pressure drops from 145 to 135 after a 10 minute flat out 2 kilometer bike ride.

[Speedo1968]

On 5/29/2018 at 4:02 PM, Sheryl said:

Weight loss and exercise are by far the most effective non-medical approaches.

Agree 100%.

 

Diabetes and HBP can be controlled and even conquered if one is determined enough and with a pinch of 'good luck'.

Diet, exercise and change in lifestyle and attitude ( stop worrying about what you have and start on the road to improving your life and that of others if they are affected ) will certainly go a long way to helping out.

 

The original poster says, "I want to get rid of the prescribed pills (with the secondary effects) and instead use traditional (maybe Chinese) alternatives for high blood pressure and diabetes".     Yes, there are of course alternatives from other countries such as India ( Ayurvedic ) and China and I practice a number of these, ( fortunately I do not have diabetes ), and what I practice works very well for me in many ways.    Some cannot be discussed within the forum only by direct messaging but should not be dismissed as an alternative approach.    At the end of the day whatever approach you take it is only YOU that can make the changes needed.

 

I have been a vegetarian since the early 1970's and a vegan for the past 40 years.   Even with all this "practice" I have still managed to tweak my diet to aid in reducing my BP.

 

Alternatives to medications, sometimes these work or at least assist in reducing both issues.    I live a little way out in the sticks and make my own herbal tonics + using things like turmeric and other spices for improving my health.

Fortunately I have a friend who is practiced in Chinese therapies ( cortzar / acupuncture /chiropractic etc. ), also natural medicines and Ayurvedic therapy.    This is useful as I have multiple drug allergies including antibiotics.

 

Despite numerous TIA's and strokes since 2012 I set my mind to overcoming the loss of mobility caused by a big stroke with almost total muscle loss and kidney failure last June; ( I turned down dialysis because I knew I could repair it and the muscle loss myself ).  I was lucky / determined enough to get out of the chair and walk again; it took 3 months.  Today I am walking 4km early morning ( around 4.30am ) and again around 6pm at night.  Normally I can knock 10 - 25 points off my BP levels.   Yes, they are still high !   but slowly coming down and evening out at an acceptable level.

I also try to exercise ( low level ) within the house for an hour mid morning and afternoon.   Again BP is lowered.

 

I am sure the original poster understands what is needed by way of changes to diet but it can be 'difficult ?' and, easy to turn a blind eye occasionally / perhaps too often.    If relying on others to make food especially for you it can be a burden for them, if you are unable to make your own food for any reason and you have to eat out then, you are at the mercy of others regarding what they put in the food, e.g. salt, sugar, MSG, bad fats or oils, cooked too hot, charcoal burnt and so on.    

Stop red meats and if possible pig meat.    Approach this kind of change slowly and ensure you find an alternative good protein source.

Reduce the amount of chili in foods if you can find somewhere that understands what you want.

Reduce the sugar you have in coffee / tea slowly, reduce the strength of each.   Yes, I occasionally go out for an early morning road side glass of coffee ( no sugar or milk ) and dip my plate of butterflies in the coffee but not every day, only when my body / mind calls.   I really enjoy it and for some reason it does not put my BP up; perhaps because I don't "Worry !!!" that it might.

 

Reducing stress levels, depending on occupation - if still working, can certainly help.    If one has suffered regular burn-outs in the past even some years after retiring, the effects can come back and haunt you.

Try to reduce stress by taking a different attitude to everyday events, for example not saying "tsk" or "s..t" when something goes wrong.

If still a busy person find ways to take time out, preferably with a fruit drink rather than that cup of coffee / tea /coke / etc.

 

Finally, try not to think about spending MORE money even if it is on traditional medicines, look at what you can do.  Changing diet you can eat for much less, as an example an excellent 3 foods lunch if you make / cook yourself can cost as little as 25 - 50 baht if you buy foods at the local morning market.   Of course there is all the fun of shopping there too.

Exercise is free.

 

Good luck and be positive - you can do it !

[GeKoSc]

On 5/29/2018 at 4:02 PM, Sheryl said:

Weight loss and exercise are by far the most effective non-medical approaches.

I am already exercising 6 hours a week and have reduced my wight by 6 kilos so far....

[GeKoSc]

On 5/30/2018 at 8:42 AM, Denim said:

Agreed

 

In the morning my blood pressure drops from 145 to 135 after a 10 minute flat out 2 kilometer bike ride.

I am 72 years old. My blood pressure lowers to 116/74 after 20 minutes of meditation...but this is not a recept to keep my blood pressure sane during the entire day... the same applies to exercises...in most cases it helps you some time during and after you finished...

[balo]

Theee are plenty of Thai herbal capsules sold here that supposedly is good for high blood pressure. But I think the diet is the most important thing.

 

 

[BB1958]

On 5/30/2018 at 5:09 AM, katana said:

Beetroot for lowering your blood pressure.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170510115522.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425174/

Additional benefits too

Oh and works for me..

[GeKoSc]

On 6/1/2018 at 4:47 PM, Speedo1968 said:

Agree 100%.

 

Diabetes and HBP can be controlled and even conquered if one is determined enough and with a pinch of 'good luck'.

Diet, exercise and change in lifestyle and attitude ( stop worrying about what you have and start on the road to improving your life and that of others if they are affected ) will certainly go a long way to helping out.

 

The original poster says, "I want to get rid of the prescribed pills (with the secondary effects) and instead use traditional (maybe Chinese) alternatives for high blood pressure and diabetes".     Yes, there are of course alternatives from other countries such as India ( Ayurvedic ) and China and I practice a number of these, ( fortunately I do not have diabetes ), and what I practice works very well for me in many ways.    Some cannot be discussed within the forum only by direct messaging but should not be dismissed as an alternative approach.    At the end of the day whatever approach you take it is only YOU that can make the changes needed.

 

I have been a vegetarian since the early 1970's and a vegan for the past 40 years.   Even with all this "practice" I have still managed to tweak my diet to aid in reducing my BP.

 

Alternatives to medications, sometimes these work or at least assist in reducing both issues.    I live a little way out in the sticks and make my own herbal tonics + using things like turmeric and other spices for improving my health.

Fortunately I have a friend who is practiced in Chinese therapies ( cortzar / acupuncture /chiropractic etc. ), also natural medicines and Ayurvedic therapy.    This is useful as I have multiple drug allergies including antibiotics.

 

Despite numerous TIA's and strokes since 2012 I set my mind to overcoming the loss of mobility caused by a big stroke with almost total muscle loss and kidney failure last June; ( I turned down dialysis because I knew I could repair it and the muscle loss myself ).  I was lucky / determined enough to get out of the chair and walk again; it took 3 months.  Today I am walking 4km early morning ( around 4.30am ) and again around 6pm at night.  Normally I can knock 10 - 25 points off my BP levels.   Yes, they are still high !   but slowly coming down and evening out at an acceptable level.

I also try to exercise ( low level ) within the house for an hour mid morning and afternoon.   Again BP is lowered.

 

I am sure the original poster understands what is needed by way of changes to diet but it can be 'difficult ?' and, easy to turn a blind eye occasionally / perhaps too often.    If relying on others to make food especially for you it can be a burden for them, if you are unable to make your own food for any reason and you have to eat out then, you are at the mercy of others regarding what they put in the food, e.g. salt, sugar, MSG, bad fats or oils, cooked too hot, charcoal burnt and so on.    

Stop red meats and if possible pig meat.    Approach this kind of change slowly and ensure you find an alternative good protein source.

Reduce the amount of chili in foods if you can find somewhere that understands what you want.

Reduce the sugar you have in coffee / tea slowly, reduce the strength of each.   Yes, I occasionally go out for an early morning road side glass of coffee ( no sugar or milk ) and dip my plate of butterflies in the coffee but not every day, only when my body / mind calls.   I really enjoy it and for some reason it does not put my BP up; perhaps because I don't "Worry !!!" that it might.

 

Reducing stress levels, depending on occupation - if still working, can certainly help.    If one has suffered regular burn-outs in the past even some years after retiring, the effects can come back and haunt you.

Try to reduce stress by taking a different attitude to everyday events, for example not saying "tsk" or "s..t" when something goes wrong.

If still a busy person find ways to take time out, preferably with a fruit drink rather than that cup of coffee / tea /coke / etc.

 

Finally, try not to think about spending MORE money even if it is on traditional medicines, look at what you can do.  Changing diet you can eat for much less, as an example an excellent 3 foods lunch if you make / cook yourself can cost as little as 25 - 50 baht if you buy foods at the local morning market.   Of course there is all the fun of shopping there too.

Exercise is free.

 

Good luck and be positive - you can do it !

I am 72 years old. My usual BP ist 150/85 and it lowers to 116/74 after 20 minutes of meditation...but this is not a recept to keep my blood pressure sane during the entire day... the same applies to exercises...in most cases it helps you some time during and after you finished... 

For someone with strokes you still a very positiv thinking en energetic person. Thank you for your time used to provide a comprehensive system of suggestions to my illnesses. Most food I do by myself and it consists of mainly healthy unprocessed components (no bread and butter and little milk and cheese, etc.}. I consume large quantities of coriander every day because my body is demanding this herb. All drinks are without sugar but I like certain bitter chocolate with almond filling which i eat in small quantities almost every day. I cannot consume adrenalising intakes or activities (smoking) because it will produces diffuse states of anxiety and stress in my mind. I assume my high blood pressure has to do with this particular issue. I will visit a Psychologist soon to see whether he can be of any help. Nevertheless I still looking forward to substitute the pills with natural herbs. 

[GeKoSc]

On 5/30/2018 at 4:09 AM, katana said:

Beetroot for lowering your blood pressure.

I like Beetroots very much

[Speedo1968]

On 6/3/2018 at 6:14 PM, GeKoSc said:

I am 72 years old. My usual BP is 150/85 and it lowers to 116/74 after 20 minutes of meditation...but this is not a recept to keep my blood pressure sane during the entire day... the same applies to exercises...in most cases it helps you some time during and after you finished... 

For someone with strokes you still a very positiv thinking en energetic person. Thank you for your time used to provide a comprehensive system of suggestions to my illnesses. Most food I do by myself and it consists of mainly healthy unprocessed components (no bread and butter and little milk and cheese, etc.}. I consume large quantities of coriander every day because my body is demanding this herb. All drinks are without sugar but I like certain bitter chocolate with almond filling which i eat in small quantities almost every day. I cannot consume adrenalising intakes or activities (smoking) because it will produces diffuse states of anxiety and stress in my mind. I assume my high blood pressure has to do with this particular issue. I will visit a Psychologist soon to see whether he can be of any help. Nevertheless I still looking forward to substitute the pills with natural herbs. 

I am close to 72.

My blood pressure is improving, and I am happy but need to do more.  Unfortunately I am unable to meditate, my mind being very active since a child.    BP rates always seem to differ from country to country as does suitable body weights and will also depend on genetic background, no one person can be the same; sometimes it is perhaps better to be less anxious and more open to what is right for your general health.

My brain is pretty fried and TIA’s and strokes I have had hit all areas, fortunately I still have my 5 senses and my mobility is improving.

My attitude towards strokes and TIA’s is that I cannot forecast when they will happen, ( except some warning signs up to 5 days in advance of TIA’s ) so, don’t worry about them – try to improve myself physically and mentally and to think positive, hopefully this will reduce or delay them happening.    Think what I must do when an attack is coming and be prepared.  MOST IMPORTANT of all is to “Listen To Your Body” and what it is telling you, it tells you things for a reason – survival !!! 

Moping about and feeling sorry for myself is NOT going to help, it will only make things worse.

 

About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with HBP and Parkinson’s it was beginning to affect my ability to work as well as the physical effects.   My work was intensive and entailed a lot of traveling within and outside of Thailand; many 48 hour days which also led to five ‘burnouts’.   The previous six years involved even more traveling to different countries.     Every medication I was given to reduce HBP and Parkinson’s symptoms caused other symptoms and cost thousands of baht each month.      When I finally stopped ‘official’ working I decided to stop all medications and get ‘me myself’ back again.    It took 30 months but eventually I was only taking two low cost meds for my blood pressure.      Unfortunately the damage had been done and I suffered my first TIA and body shut down in 2012.     I survived, just, and alternative therapy had saved my life then as it has done since.

 

Regarding your food, thanks for the details.   You don’t mention what meats you eat or if you eat eggs.  The difficult thing in becoming / being a vegetarian or vegan is finding enough and the right protein for you.     Depending or your cooking abilities and the facilities you have making meals yourself is a good way to improve your diet.   There are many simple meals you can make such as salads with fruit ( tomato is a fruit ! ), instead of salad cream you can use yogurt or olive oil with balsamic vinegar.    Sweet potato and similar vegetables can easily be found.      Beans are an ideal protein replacement and easily cooked in a slow cooker.      They can be used in salads, main meals such as chili con carne ( sin carne ), curries etc., also as a dessert.      If you have a good blender you can prepare your own 'healthy' drinks such as chlorophyll and smoothies.    The former, depending on the plants you use, can be a good general refreshing tonic, the latter what ever you want it to be, just remember it is generally high fibre and very filling.   

 

You mentioned you consume large amounts of coriander, may I ask why ?     Why is your body demanding large amounts or is it your mind ?   By this I mean the addiction to chili, som tam etc. that Thai people have.    Unfortunately now, this is also true of sugar, MSG and bad oils.

    Coriander can be beneficial to your physical health in lowering blood sugar levels / cholesterol, may reduce hypertension and is good in problems with the digestive tract as well as other issues, however, it can cause depression.    

 

You say the following – “I cannot consume adrenalising intakes or activities (smoking) because it will produces diffuse states of anxiety and stress in my mind”.  Do you mean beer / coffee and cigarettes or fat reducing pills ?      Of course any of these are not good for ones health and should be reduced or stopped.

I would look carefully at the last two paragraphs to see if there is perhaps a link !

As you wish to save money on medication by going to a phycologist it could be that you are already aware as to the reasons for your diabetes and HBP.         Perhaps you should be thinking the other way round in trying to control your BP and diabetes which will then make you feel better and reduce your stress levels ?      May be save the doctors fees and the medication he will probably want to give you, reduce the coriander intake, modify your diet, even a little, and be positive.

[GeKoSc]

On 6/5/2018 at 2:43 PM, Speedo1968 said:

I am close to 72.

 

My blood pressure is improving, and I am happy but need to do more.  Unfortunately I am unable to meditate, my mind being very active since a child.    BP rates always seem to differ from country to country as does suitable body weights and will also depend on genetic background, no one person can be the same; sometimes it is perhaps better to be less anxious and more open to what is right for your general health.

 

My brain is pretty fried and TIA’s and strokes I have had hit all areas, fortunately I still have my 5 senses and my mobility is improving.

 

My attitude towards strokes and TIA’s is that I cannot forecast when they will happen, ( except some warning signs up to 5 days in advance of TIA’s ) so, don’t worry about them – try to improve myself physically and mentally and to think positive, hopefully this will reduce or delay them happening.    Think what I must do when an attack is coming and be prepared.  MOST IMPORTANT of all is to “Listen To Your Body” and what it is telling you, it tells you things for a reason – survival !!! 

 

Moping about and feeling sorry for myself is NOT going to help, it will only make things worse.

 

 

About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with HBP and Parkinson’s it was beginning to affect my ability to work as well as the physical effects.   My work was intensive and entailed a lot of traveling within and outside of Thailand; many 48 hour days which also led to five ‘burnouts’.   The previous six years involved even more traveling to different countries.     Every medication I was given to reduce HBP and Parkinson’s symptoms caused other symptoms and cost thousands of baht each month.      When I finally stopped ‘official’ working I decided to stop all medications and get ‘me myself’ back again.    It took 30 months but eventually I was only taking two low cost meds for my blood pressure.      Unfortunately the damage had been done and I suffered my first TIA and body shut down in 2012.     I survived, just, and alternative therapy had saved my life then as it has done since.

 

 

 

Regarding your food, thanks for the details.   You don’t mention what meats you eat or if you eat eggs.  The difficult thing in becoming / being a vegetarian or vegan is finding enough and the right protein for you.     Depending or your cooking abilities and the facilities you have making meals yourself is a good way to improve your diet.   There are many simple meals you can make such as salads with fruit ( tomato is a fruit ! ), instead of salad cream you can use yogurt or olive oil with balsamic vinegar.    Sweet potato and similar vegetables can easily be found.      Beans are an ideal protein replacement and easily cooked in a slow cooker.      They can be used in salads, main meals such as chili con carne ( sin carne ), curries etc., also as a dessert.      If you have a good blender you can prepare your own 'healthy' drinks such as chlorophyll and smoothies.    The former, depending on the plants you use, can be a good general refreshing tonic, the latter what ever you want it to be, just remember it is generally high fibre and very filling.   

 

 

You mentioned you consume large amounts of coriander, may I ask why ?     Why is your body demanding large amounts or is it your mind ?   By this I mean the addiction to chili, som tam etc. that Thai people have.    Unfortunately now, this is also true of sugar, MSG and bad oils.

 

    Coriander can be beneficial to your physical health in lowering blood sugar levels / cholesterol, may reduce hypertension and is good in problems with the digestive tract as well as other issues, however, it can cause depression.    

 

 

You say the following – “I cannot consume adrenalising intakes or activities (smoking) because it will produces diffuse states of anxiety and stress in my mind”.  Do you mean beer / coffee and cigarettes or fat reducing pills ?      Of course any of these are not good for ones health and should be reduced or stopped.

 

I would look carefully at the last two paragraphs to see if there is perhaps a link !

 

As you wish to save money on medication by going to a phycologist it could be that you are already aware as to the reasons for your diabetes and HBP.         Perhaps you should be thinking the other way round in trying to control your BP and diabetes which will then make you feel better and reduce your stress levels ?      May be save the doctors fees and the medication he will probably want to give you, reduce the coriander intake, modify your diet, even a little, and be positive.

 

Hi Speedo,

I am eating 1 to 2 times a week meat and a cooked eggs 2 o 3 a week. I am an experienced cook...all my life I cooked for my family and myself...I do not know why my body is demanding coriander but I possess all of the symthoms you are mentioned; just smelling it produces the desire to eat it. Occasionally I have brief depressions but they are the same I have suffered before I started eating coriander....I understand that switching to natural medication for my HBP and diabetes is a intermediate measure until a permanent solution without drugs will be found..... With regard to the consumtion of adrenalising intakes and other symtoms, my doctor from Colombia send mi an e-mail and and he has pointed out in it that I may suffer from "Cardiac Angiosclerosis". His diagnosis is very importantant because it explains some symtoms such as  diffuse fear, speech disorder and unbalanced walking which have been diagnosed wrongly by the local doctors here as caused only by HBP. Because HBP and diabetes are symtoms of something else and I want to know what is the correct diagnosis. You are right to rely as less as possible on the costly doctors here.....By the way, it does not matter if your mind is very active at least not for Transcendental Meditation....I have to admit that the excellent results of BP mentioned in an earlier post is a result of a completed session of Meditation and acupuncture....