How I Overcame Stage 2 Hypertension as a 22 Year Old
How I Got Started – Lowering Stage 2 Hypertension in 3 Months
How many 22-year old’s are talking about blood pressure? Or how many have a blood pressure cuff beside their bed? One in three American adults have high blood pressure, and whether I want to admit it or not, I’m an adult.
Well, at the ripe age of 22, I had Stage 2 Hypertension. My blood pressure was 152/83. According to the American Heart Association, my blood pressure was UP there. And here’s the thing, I felt healthy, ate well, got enough sleep – Maybe my anxiety was a bit high, but enough to have high blood pressure?
I felt lost and defeated. High blood pressure was something I experienced once as a young teen, but it was never serious. To encounter elevated blood pressure again as a young adult was pretty unnerving. I went to the doctor multiple times and tried different methods of checking my blood pressure as I hoped it was just a form of “white coat” (Aka, getting nervous at the doctor’s office).
Nope. Still high.
So, immediately I began researching natural lifestyle changes to slow the roll of my elevated blood pressure. I incorporated more cardio and rest days, apple cider vinegar, yoga etc. (Which I still do).
Here’s the biggie. I began using CBD for high blood pressure daily. A legitimate regimen with dosing and everything. Since I work in the hemp industry and grow the magical plant, I used hemp and CBD products freely. Honestly, I hadn’t tracked my usage because a new CBD oil or hemp strain is always around to test (Not complaining, don’t get me wrong). But, after my diagnosis, I was on a mission. I saw it as an opportunity to practice dosing, starting small, finding the sweet spot, and tracking my progress along the way.
Well, it saved my life (See below). Don’t get me wrong, there was no placebo controlled double-blind study, but it personally changed my life. There are many reasons to use CBD oil, but using it for my blood pressure was literally vital. Here are three reasons I began following a strict CBD regimen since October 2019 to naturally lower my blood pressure.
#1 – Decreased Levels of Anxiety and Stress
We may no longer be trying to avoid getting mauled by a bear like our ancestors, but relatively speaking, our daily life can bring a variety of stressful situations.
High-stress conditions can lead to increased blood pressure, and CBD oil has been a game-changer for me in the way of decreasing my anxiety (Not stressing about outrunning a cheetah, but deadlines are pretty stressful too).
CBD is a vasodilator. According to research gathered by Jack Herer in The Emperor Wears No Clothes, “Cannabis lowers blood pressure, dilates the arteries, and reduces body temperature an average of one-half degree, thereby relieving stress.”
A study done in 2019 on adults with anxiety, showed their anxiety decreased relatively rapidly over three months taking CBD oil. Coming from someone who witnessed my blood pressure and anxiety levels fall drastically over three months, this does not come as a surprise whatsoever.
Public speaking is basically a universally recognized stressor for many, and people who enjoy public speaking are a rare breed (Cue, sweaty armpits). So, another study performed in 2019 tested different CBD dosing levels for an incredibly stress-inducing situation, a public speaking simulation. This study examined different dosing levels and found the group that took an average amount of CBD experienced “anxiolytic-like properties of CBD,” meaning stress levels were noticeably lower.
Summary – Anxiety or stress increase our chances of high blood pressure and multiple studies have indicated CBD can noticeably reduce high-stress levels (Here are some great high CBD strains for anxiety, grown by my family).
#2 – CBD is an Anti-Inflammatory
Existing in an “inflamed” state is relatively common in today’s world. I mean, I am fully aware the processed fries I consumed last night were highly inflammatory, but YOLO.
Sometimes you must feed the bod; sometimes, you must feed the soul.
Studies indicate that inflammation in the body could be a cause of hypertension, aka high blood pressure. Inflammation can cause pain and tension in the body.
So, does CBD help with inflammation in a world of late-night, sodium-laden fries?
According to Healthline, several studies in animals have indicated that “CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.” Furthermore, using CBD oil or cannabis products gets our endocannabinoid system firing. CBD boosts the activity in our endocannabinoid system and interacts with neurotransmitters that help to eliminate inflammation.
What does this mean for us? Less inflammation, aka less pain and reduced chance of high blood pressure!
Summary – Inflammation causes pain in the body and is related to high blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory power of CBD can reduce pain and blood pressure levels.
#3 – A More Natural and Holistic Approach
Whenever I found out I had high blood pressure, I was not looking forward to being reliant on medication. I don’t know anyone who is looking forward to adding another prescription to their life. So, I immediately turned to natural remedies.
In a large case study done on cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep, CBD is better tolerated than routine psychiatric medicine. Personally, CBD oil has been vital to helping me get to a healthy blood pressure level naturally, and other hypertension patients also use CBD to alleviate high blood pressure naturally. I am so thankful for the industry I’m in as it has literally saved my life.
Summary – CBD oil is a natural remedy to potentially lower blood pressure and has few to no adverse side effects.
Conclusion – Can CBD oil lower blood pressure? While more research is needed, as with everything, studies indicate CBD oil is a natural way to lower blood pressure. A 2017 study on healthy individuals subjected them to stressful situations. Those who had taken CBD had reduced blood pressure. CBD oil affects blood pressure by lowering stress, reducing inflammation and assisting naturally.
*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.*
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