A Natural Blood Pressure “Pill”?
How would you like to know when you were going to die? Nah, me neither. You’ve probably, however, already had a test that tells you if you are more likely to die or not. A systolic blood pressure (the bigger number) over 115 has been called the single best determinant for death in the world today. As this excellent study shows, even high-normal blood pressure (130-139/85-89), like many of us have, increases your risk of death.
So what can you do? Well, there are lots of “hard” ways to reduce blood pressure (lose weight, exercise more, become a vegan) but a very simple alternative solution is to start taking 4 tablespoons of flax meal (ground flax seeds) a day. This ground breaking study showed you could reduce systolic blood pressure (the bigger number) by 10 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by 7 mm Hg, over 6 months just by consuming 4 tablespoons of flax seeds a day. You don’t have to exercise more, eat better or do anything else, just add the flax meal to whatever you are doing now. If systolic blood pressure is over 140 to start, the effect is even greater (a 15mm Hg reduction in systolic pressure). Watch this excellent video for a summary of the study. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t also exercise, maybe lose weight and eat a few more vegetables. Those things, however, can take time to implement and a bit of effort, whereas sprinkling some flax meal on your cereal, or in a smoothie, takes but a scant few seconds; seconds that may add years to your life.
What’s This Got to Do with Teeth?
Your blood pressure probably goes up when you visit the dentist. It won’t go up as much if you’re taking 4 tablespoons of flax meal a day. Plus you’ll probably live longer.
(Dr T is dentist Brett Taylor. After being told he was probably going to die a lot sooner than he expected (or wanted) he suddenly became focused on health. Go figure)
Dr T Simple Health Checklist
- Eat 4 Brazil Nuts once a month to reduce cholesterol
- Eat 4 tablespoons of flax meal (30g) a day to reduce blood pressure
