Fasting has been shown to not only improve overall health but also to lower blood pressure and extend life. For individuals with advanced cardiovascular disease, fasting can help reverse damage caused by years of poor dietary habits. It can also significantly reduce the risk of sudden death from heart attacks or strokes.
Rapidly Lowering Blood Pressure Without Medication
Fasting has a profound effect on high blood pressure, often lowering it without the need for medications. In many cases, these positive effects are permanent, provided the individual adopts a healthy diet after the fast. Therapeutic fasting can lower blood pressure, even in people with severe hypertension.
One of Dr. Fuhrman’s patients, for example, came to him suffering from repeated temporary reduced blood flow attacks—what are known as "mini-strokes"—which can signal an imminent, life-threatening stroke. Despite being on a high dose of blood pressure medications, his blood pressure remained elevated, and he suffered from headaches and visual disturbances. Dr. Fuhrman recommended a fast. When the patient started, his blood pressure was 150/90, and he weighed 236 pounds.
After fasting for 12 days, his medication was tapered off, and his blood pressure decreased significantly. By day 4, his blood pressure dropped to 132/90, and by the end of the fast, it was 110/78. He lost 20 pounds during this period, and at a follow-up appointment, his blood pressure remained in the healthy range—108/76—without any medication, as he maintained a healthy diet.
Understanding High Blood Pressure and Its Risks
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, while 130/80 mmHg or higher generally indicates high blood pressure.
What Can High Blood Pressure Do?
High blood pressure often has no immediate symptoms, but it can lead to serious health complications over time, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision problems
- Aneurysm
- Cognitive issues
How Can High Blood Pressure Be Managed?
Managing high blood pressure involves several lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication:
- Lifestyle Changes: Eating a healthy diet (low in salt and sugar, high in fruits and vegetables), exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
- Medication: Antihypertensive drugs prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Regular Monitoring: Checking blood pressure regularly.
If you suspect you have high blood pressure, it’s important to consult a doctor for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan.
Fasting and Blood Pressure: What the Studies Show
Scientific literature supports fasting as an effective method for lowering blood pressure. For instance, a study of 683 obese patients found that after just 2 to 4 days of fasting, most individuals experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure. This was true for both obese and non-obese patients.
In Dr. Alan Goldhamer's ongoing research on fasting and hypertension, 51 participants with high blood pressure fasted for an average of 11.2 days. Their average blood pressure at the start was 151.8/91.1, which dropped to 117.8/75.1 by the end of the fast. At a 27-week follow-up, the average blood pressure was still 123/77.
Fasting as a Permanent Solution for High Blood Pressure
When fasting is followed by a health-supporting diet, it can offer a permanent solution to high blood pressure. However, if the same unhealthy diet that caused high blood pressure is resumed, the issue is likely to return.
The blood pressure-lowering effect of fasting does not result solely from fluid loss or weight loss. In fact, the blood pressure reductions seen during fasting are typically greater than those from losing the same amount of weight through conventional dieting. Fasting, combined with a vegetarian or vegan diet and raw foods, has been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Many of Dr. Fuhrman’s patients can stop taking blood pressure medications after adopting such a diet.
A Natural Approach to Health Recovery
Dr. Fuhrman believes that many patients would prefer a natural approach to health recovery, such as fasting and adopting a vegan diet, rather than relying on medication or surgery. When patients are educated about the side effects of hypertension medications—such as fatigue, swelling, headaches, and nausea—many choose natural alternatives, such as fasting and a plant-based diet. Dr. Fuhrman regularly sees patients eager to reduce or stop their medications once they understand the risks and limitations of treating only the symptoms without addressing the root cause.
Preventing Health Issues with a Healthy Lifestyle
It’s essential to eat a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and consider fasting as part of a holistic approach to preventing and managing health issues, including high blood pressure.
Why a Vegan Diet Can Be the Key to Better Health
Hi, I’m Dimy, and I want to share with you some previous articles I’ve written about how to follow a plant-based diet (also known as the vegan diet) without starving yourself or spending excessive time and money on preparation. A plant-based diet benefits not only your health but also the planet and animals.
I’ve also created several vegan recipe videos, featuring clean-eating recipes that are easy to follow. I prepare the recipes step-by-step, so they’re simple and enjoyable to make. My recipe videos will be available soon on my website—I hope you check them out and enjoy incorporating them into your daily routine!
One excellent resource I recommend is the "How Not To Diet" cookbook by Dr. Michael Greger, a leading authority on plant-based nutrition. His book contains over 100 vegan recipes that are both easy to follow and budget-friendly, selling for just $10 on Amazon. All of Dr. Greger’s book proceeds go to help promote the plant-based diet globally, supporting better health and a healthier planet. Enjoy exploring the recipes and making a positive impact on your health and the world!
Fasting-and-Eating for Health, A Medical Doctor's Program For Conquering Disease. Book written by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
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