In this interview Dr. Jaffe stresses the importance on nutrition, diet and lifestyles for healthy blood pressure. He discusses some of the deficiencies in the medical approach of controlling blood pressure with pharmaceutical drugs and the failure of many doctors to consider the lifestyle factors. We will discuss how to maintain a healthy blood pressure by lifestyle choices before turning to pharmaceutical drugs.

I think it is a fair question to ask “What is missing in the current medical model for treating high blood pressure?” You can’t make an informed decision if you don’t understand your circumstances and options.

• What is your blood pressure in the doctor’s office compared to blood pressure taken at different times, places and circumstances? Do you have white coat syndrome? What is your blood pressure when you are relaxed and at home? You need to know if your BP is up all the time or not.
• What are your numbers compared on the scale of low to high on average. Are you 120, 140, 160, 180, etc? The degree of risk is lower the closer you are to “normal”. If you are near normal, then the opportunity to improve without drugs is greater. You must nourish the tissues involved especially the blood vessels.
• What are the lifestyle choices that can affect BP? Diet, exercise, supplementation, stress management, deep breathing, good sleep are very important. For the average healthy person these interventions are likely to be very successful.
• What are the benefits and risks associated with pharmaceutical interventions? If you don’t understand this you cannot know if a medication is likely to help and what are the side effects.

This is what we cover in this interview with Dr. Jaffe.

NOTE: The statements presented in this podcast should not be considered medical advice or a way to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. Dietary supplements do not treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before adding a dietary supplement to (or removing one from) your daily regimen. WholeFoods Magazine does not endorse any specific brand or product.