Naturopathic doctor Michael Murray’s recent NewHope360 article deserves attention. In the article, he expressed concern that results from a National Institute of Health-funded study will be used to justify aggressive, and perhaps risky, drug therapies. Murray is confident that a more natural approach to blood pressure management may effectively bring blood pressure levels to a healthier range for most people. He calls for changes in diet and lifestyle, and proper use of dietary supplements, such as standardized grape seed extract.

One such supplement with which I am familiar is MegaNatural-BP. This is a clinically researched grape seed extract which supports blood pressure within the normal range with no adverse side effects.

Murray is a leading authority in natural medicine, and a longtime friend. He is very discerning in the type of research he applauds. He recognizes the significance of the science in both the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) and 25-year Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. But he feels a component may have been overlooked. “Rather than using drugs to accomplish this goal, I think it is far better to use natural approaches,” he wrote. “All of the current classes of blood pressure-lowering drugs possess significant side effects, and 80 percent of people with high BP can lower their blood pressure without drugs.”

The CARDIA and SPRINT studies have shown significant health benefits when blood pressure is reduced to 120/80 mm Hg. “The bottom line is that I think drug therapy should be secondary to natural approaches, not the first option,” he said. “For moderate through severe hypertension, drug therapy may be necessary but should ideally be used as a bridge therapy until dietary, lifestyle and supplement strategies to lower blood pressure take hold.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure includes helpful strategies.

Only 20 percent of people with hypertension have severe hypertension. A much larger percentage of people are categorized as pre-hypertensive, with levels between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg. This condition affects an estimated 90 million Americans.

Murray’s suggestions for maintaining healthy blood pressure:

• Maintain ideal body weight. “Even modest amounts of weight loss often produce a significant reduction in blood pressure.”
• Reduce salt intake. “Between 40 and 60 percent of hypertensives are salt sensitive.”
• Consume a healthy diet. He emphasized foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and active flavonoids.
• Supplement with proven formulas. In addition to other supplements, Murray praised grape seed extract which has been, “shown to normalize high blood pressure in patients with initial blood pressure in the range of 150/95mm Hg when combined with standard dietary guidelines.”

MegaNatural-BP premium grape seed extract has been clinically shown to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Studies have clearly shown how the polyphenols found in MegaNatural-BP may maintain the natural, supple elasticity of healthy blood vessels, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system and supporting ideal blood pressure. MegaNatural-BP is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

There is no one other healthcare professional with a broader understanding or database of published research than Dr. Murray. His recommendations should be a wake-up call for health practitioners and patients, alike.