Dr Columbus Batiste has shared a ‘little known’ trick to make blood pressure drop just by doing two really easy things
A heart specialist has disclosed an ‘amazing’ method for reducing blood pressure, requiring just two straightforward actions. On the podcast Plant Based News, Dr Columbus Batiste, detailed an intriguing activity involving eating a specific type of vegetable followed by soaking up some sunlight.
Otherwise known as The Healthy Heart Doc, Dr Batiste MD is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and co-founder of Healthy Heart Nation. During the discussion, with podcast host Joe Best, Dr Batiste provided valuable advice on heart-friendly foods and shared insights on leading a healthier lifestyle.
Talking about the veggie that can help boost heart health, he said: “I always say green leafy vegetables – kale, bok choy, mustards, collards – because of dietary nitrates”. He explained the significance of dietary nitrates for cardiovascular wellness and blood pressure reduction, highlighting: “With dietary nitrates, you actually can help dilate the vessels and help your endothelium.”
He emphasised the crucial role of the endothelium – a thin cell layer lining the interior of blood vessels and lymphatics. It functions as a barrier between the blood and body tissues, reports Bristol Live.
Dr Batiste recommended: “Then walk outside the sun light. Just a small amount of sunlight can release the stores underneath your skin, which can help lower the blood pressure even more.” Podcast host Joe Best expressed his astonishment, responding: “That’s amazing isn’t it.”
Joe enthused: “Isn’t this nutrition body thing fascinating? I love it. With greens you store these dietary nitrates, which then release when you walk in the sun to dilate your vessels. That sounds like a good thing to happen.”
Dietary nitrates are compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen found in vegetables, water, soil, and air. They are also added to foods for colour and flavour, and to prevent bacterial growth.
What leafy greens are good for your heart?
Health-savvy folks might want to pile their plates high with spinach, kale, bok choy, lettuce, mustard greens, and arugula to keep their ticker in top shape. These leafy powerhouses are brimming with nitrates that can dial down blood pressure and cut heart disease risk.
They’re not just nitrate havens; they’re antioxidant treasures too, fighting off diseases like heart problems. Packed with fibres, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and heart-healthy folate—a B vitamin bonanza—these veggies are certified heart-helpers.
What is high blood pressure and symptoms:
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most people with hypertension don’t feel any symptoms. A statement on its website reads: “Very high blood pressures can cause headaches, blurred vision, chest pain and other symptoms.
“Checking your blood pressure is the best way to know if you have high blood pressure. If hypertension isn’t treated, it can cause other health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.” People with very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can experience symptoms including:
- severe headaches
- chest pain
- dizziness
- difficulty breathing
- nausea
- vomiting
- blurred vision or other vision changes
- anxiety
- confusion
- buzzing in the ears
- nosebleeds
- abnormal heart rhythm
It’s important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. If you’re on specific medications or receiving treatment for a health issue, be sure to verify that including those vegetables is appropriate for you.
The best ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure are to follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, ditch fatty foods, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol.
There are a variety of widely used medications for managing blood pressure: ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril and lisinopril, help to relax blood vessels and protect the kidneys from damage. Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), like losartan and telmisartan, also work to relax blood vessels and safeguard kidney health.
Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine and felodipine, contribute to the relaxation of blood vessels. Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, assist in removing excess water from the body, which helps to lower blood pressure.
