Anthony Lee - Jan 01 2020
Hidden Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications & How to Beat Them
Your medication might be secretly draining your energy, weakening your heart, and making you feel worse—not better.
Many common prescriptions—especially for blood pressure, cholesterol, and acid reflux—can deplete key nutrients over time. This may leave you feeling fatigued, sluggish, or more prone to issues like muscle weakness, swelling, and even lower bone density. If you’ve been feeling “off,” your medication could be playing a role.
Many common prescriptions—especially for blood pressure, cholesterol, and acid reflux—can deplete key nutrients over time. This may leave you feeling
Let’s talk about the sneaky culprits that might be working against you.
fatigued, sluggish, or more prone to issues like muscle weakness, swelling, and even lower bone density. If you’ve been feeling “off,” your medication could be playing a role.
1. Skipping Sleep
What is the DASH Diet?
The DASH diet is a balanced, heart-healthy eating plan developed to lower high blood pressure through nutrition. It emphasizes foods that are naturally rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber while reducing sodium and unhealthy fats.
Running on empty? So is your body. Poor sleep throws off your stress hormones, keeping your nervous system in overdrive. Research shows that people who get less than six hours of sleep per night have a significantly higher risk of hypertension.
The fix? Make sleep a priority. Stick to a regular bedtime, ditch the screens before bed, and try magnesium (like the kind in my Blood Pressure Support) for better relaxation.
Could Your Medication Be Depleting You?
- Diuretics & Blood Pressure Medications → Deplete magnesium and potassium, which help regulate fluid balance.
Low levels can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and even worsen swelling in some cases—especially if your body struggles to balance sodium and water levels. - Statins (Cholesterol Meds) → Deplete CoQ10, a key nutrient your body needs for energy production and muscle health. This can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and soreness in some people.
Since people with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke, statins are commonly prescribed to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and protect long-term heart health. - Antacids & Acid Blockers → Reduce absorption of zinc and magnesium, key for digestion and muscle function.
How to Protect Yourself
MThe good news? You don’t have to feel this way forever. Restoring these nutrients can help you feel more energized, improve circulation, and support heart health—starting today.
MThat’s why I created Dr. Emery’s Blood Pressure Support—because your heart, energy, and overall health depend on these key nutrients.
MThis formula helps replenish what medications strip away, so you can feel your best every day.
🥬 Leafy Greens - Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are potassium-rich, helping your body get rid of excess sodium and keep blood vessels relaxed.
🍓 Berries - Loaded with flavonoids, natural plant compounds that help relax blood vessels and improve circulation, these little powerhouses may also help prevent hypertension.
🍌 Bananas - A go-to source of potassium, bananas help balance sodium levels, making them a simple way to support blood pressure.
🐟 Fatty Fish - Salmon, mackerel, and tuna provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for reducing inflammation and improving heart function.
❤️ Beets - High in nitrates, beets help widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and naturally lowering blood pressure. Better circulation doesn’t just benefit your heart—it can also support performance in other areas, too.
🧄 Garlic - This isn’t just for flavor—garlic has been linked to better circulation and lower blood pressure thanks to its active compounds.
🍫 Dark Chocolate - If you need an excuse to eat chocolate, this is it. 70% cacao or higher contains flavonoids that help with circulation.
🥜 Nuts & Seeds - Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds deliver magnesium and healthy fats, two key players in blood pressure regulation.
🌾 Oats - A fiber-rich food that helps keep arteries clear and blood pressure stable.
🍵 Hibiscus Tea - Studies suggest that drinking hibiscus tea regularly can lower blood pressure, thanks to its natural antioxidants.
- Magnesium Glycinate → Supports healthy blood pressure & muscle relaxation
- Potassium → Helps balance sodium levels & prevent cramping
- Vitamin D3 → Essential for heart health & immune function
- Zinc → Supports digestion, immunity & nerve function
Cheers to your health,
Dr. Kiera Emery, PharmD/MBA
