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Can I Lower Blood Pressure Without Beta-Blockers?

The answer is, yes. You can. Check out these options to lower your blood pressure naturally — without potentially dangerous beta-blockers.


Look around you. For every two people that you see, one has high blood pressure. Unfortunately, because hypertension is so common, dismissing it as no big deal is tempting. However, remember that just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of many health conditions, including: 

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Vision problems 
  • Sexual dysfunction 

The vast majority of individuals with high blood pressure are prescribed drugs to fix the problem, with beta-blockers being the most commonly used pharmaceuticals for hypertension. In fact, upwards of 30 million Americans use beta-blockers each day. 

Beta-blockers reduce the workload of the heart, thus lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. They also assist in widening blood vessels to improve blood flow throughout the body. 

What’s the problem with beta blockers? 

Beta-blockers, medically named beta-adrenergic blocking agents, work by blocking particular hormones in the nervous system that help to manage the body’s stress response. In the process of blocking epinephrine, also referred to as adrenaline, a person’s heart rate slows, reducing stress on the heart and lowering blood pressure.

However, stress hormones serve an important physiological role in our bodies. Humans rely on that beta surge of adrenaline, which benefits the body in many ways. Unfortunately, suppressing this natural response often leads to extreme fatigue, low libido, dizziness, nausea, constipation, sleep disturbances, and erectile dysfunction.

Moreover, research suggests that beta-blockers may not be as effective as they’ve been made out to be. For example, a 2012 study of nearly 45,000 heart patients in the prestigious JAMA concluded that beta-blockers did not reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death. A second study published the same year found that individuals who took their medication had the same chance of dying as those who did not. 

Four natural alternatives to beta-blockers

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral when it comes to heart health. In an ideal world, we would get all the magnesium we need from our diets. But, unfortunately, food has become depleted of this vital nutrient. Thanks to poor farming practices, changes in our environment, and the process of shipping and storing food, most people simply can’t get enough magnesium from food alone. 

Magnesium plays several roles in cardiovascular health, with the primary job of relaxing the blood vessel walls. Magnesium acts as a natural beta blocker, working to lower blood pressure and heart rate. 

Science illustrates that magnesium is an effective anti-hypertensive. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind studies concluded that oral magnesium supplementation significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  

In addition to hypertension, a 2018 study also found that less-than-ideal magnesium levels contribute to arrhythmias, arterial calcification, heart failure, and an increased risk for blood clots. Magnesium is also helpful in regulating the nervous system and lowering anxiety

While there are many magnesium supplements on the market, not every one contains the correct type of magnesium. Magne 5 is a specially formulated supplement created by Dr. Jack Wolfson. Instead of one type of magnesium, Magne 5 includes the five essential kinds. This combination works at the cellular level to support healthy blood pressure.

Potassium

Like magnesium, potassium is a great way to lower blood pressure without beta-blockers. Present in all body tissues, this mineral and electrolyte is necessary for the proper cellular functioning of the heart. 

The body doesn’t make potassium on its own, and therefore it must come from the diet. Unfortunately, potassium deficiency is a common problem in the United States. The recommended daily potassium intake is 4,700 mg, which, as with most dietary recommendations, is likely too low. Sadly, most Americans get half the recommended amount per day. 

Diets high in potassium help to lower blood pressure. One mechanism by which this happens is through potassium’s ability to help remove excess sodium from the body. Studies have found that adequate potassium levels help keep blood pressure in check. 

While plenty of potassium supplements are on the market, we are partial to Potassium Boost. This exclusive formula contains 1,200 mg of elemental potassium and 120 mg of magnesium. Together, these minerals act as a natural anti-hypertensive without the nasty side effects.

Lithium-based products

Lithium often has a negative connotation, likely because it’s often used as a mood stabilizer in higher doses. However, very few people realize that lithium is an essential naturally-occurring dietary mineral in grains and vegetables. When used in low doses, lithium serves a vital role in heart health. 

Unfortunately, as with magnesium and potassium, we do not get enough lithium in our diet. Lithium is required for vitamin B12, folate transport, and many other biochemical processes in the body. While poorly studied, some research suggests that lithium acts to lower blood pressure. 

Lithium slows heart rate, decreases stress, calms the sympathetic response, and naturally lowers blood pressure when supplementing in small doses, such as those in the Cardio-Lith supplement. 

Herbal remedies  

Berberine is a natural compound found in the roots and stems of many plants, including barberry, Oregon grape, and goldthread. While used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine, it’s recently gained popularity in Western medicine for its cardiovascular benefits. 

Multiple studies have found that berberine lowers blood pressure. While the exact mechanism by which this happens is still being discovered, researchers have found that berberine causes a release of nitric oxide and relaxes vascular smooth muscle. In addition, berberine has also been shown to lower high cholesterol and blood sugar naturally. 

Berberine, or Berbe, helps to maintain blood pressure within normal range while simultaneously reducing inflammation, controlling blood sugar, and preventing heart disease. 

Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, is a popular spice used in many dishes worldwide. This potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant has been proven helpful in the fight against high blood pressure. 

Multiple studies point to this powerful herb as a natural beta-blocker. Curcumin improves vascular endothelial function, thus lowering blood pressure. 

Curcu Gold provides a highly absorbable form of curcumin that uses specialized emulsion technology to deliver turmeric’s many nutrients to the cells. As a result, Curcu Gold lowers inflammation, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. 

The bottom line on beta-blockers 

There is a time and place for pharmaceuticals when treating cardiovascular problems. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that many of these drugs, including beta-blockers, have significant side effects. Therefore, whenever possible, they should be used as a last resort. 

Thankfully, nature provides many healthy alternatives to help reduce blood pressure effectively and safely. If you are currently taking beta-blockers, talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking a more natural approach to your health. 

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.