Medicine Talk

The Blood Pressure Rebellion

10.  Consider using magnesium and potassium supplements only if you have healthy kidneys.
Three servings a day of high potassium foods can also help. Magnesium is a salt important to smooth muscle tone in the blood vessels. Use between 200 and 800 mg. a day. Watch for laxative effects at higher doses.

11.  Take an honest look at your use of chemicals, especially alcohol, tobacco, stimulant drugs, and anti-inflammatories.
These raise pressure. For example, more than 2 drinks a day for women are known to increase pressure, as does binge drinking patterns. Get help if you cannot cut down alone.

12.  If your pressure is hard to control, make sure you get tested for Type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, and for kidney disease.

I appreciate my patients who have joined this rebellion so much. They are courageous and honest, and help me appreciate the challenges of living with a chronic health condition.

May you all enjoy much success and exceed your goals!

Terry Maresca, MD (Mohawk) is a board-certified physician in family medicine. She is the former president of the Association of American Indian Physicians, and a clinical assistant professor teaching at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. Her medical practice with the Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington combines her Western and herbal medicine approaches. She maintains a medicinal herb garden at the clinic, and is a frequent speaker on the subject of combining Western and traditional approaches to health.