Some people who want to avoid prescribed pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure, anxiety, and other conditions are increasingly looking for alternative or natural sources of beta blockers.
"Beta blockers, also known as adrenergic blocking agents, lower the heart rate and widen the blood vessels, reducing blood flow and lowering blood pressure,”
according to Medical Digest.
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Some popular natural alternatives to prescribed beta blockers, according to Medical Digest, are:
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• L-arginine – amino acid
• Tryptophan – amino acid
• Antioxidants
• Herbs – St. John Wort
Dr. T. Jared Bunch, the medical director for heart rhythm services for the Intermountain Healthcare network in Utah, offers some additional
alternatives to pharmaceutical beta blockers at Everyday Health.
• Fish Oil/polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Fiber
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Bunch says many people are hesitant to ask their doctor about alternatives to beta blockers since they are considered a “non-traditional approach” to taking pharmaceuticals. Given the rising number of people looking at alternative treatments for high blood pressure and related disorders, he said it’s always best to ask as many questions as possible.
“The nervous feelings often stem from fears of the physician not understanding or approving of alternative approaches or that these approaches may be in opposition to what the physician may want,” he wrote. “In my practice I want my patients to feel comfortable discussing any matter with me. I want to learn about their use of herbal and nonherbal supplements. If they have a new agent that has brought them benefit, I typically will research it to learn more about the substance and the potential health related benefits or risks.”
Bunch said people with high blood pressure and related disorders should avoid excessive levels of caffeine, such as too much coffee, energy drinks, and soda which can overstimulate the heart. He said to also avoid smoking — including marijuana — and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Bunch said to also avoid ingesting too much vitamin D as it can affect the way the body processes calcium. The level of calcium in the body can affect the way the heart conducts electrical impulses.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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