The rash of recalls involving dozens of lots of blood pressure drugs found to be tainted with carcinogens and sourced from China has raised the ire of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some of the factories were already under fire for faulty manufacturing practices before the cancer-causing agents — N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) — were found, USA Today said.
Once the carcinogens were found and the recalls began, the FDA reported that, earlier, they had also found problems in the factory machinery and management such as:
- Fraying gaskets
- Rusted screws
- Missing parts
- Dirty equipment
- Shredded documents
Shocking as it sounds, the FDA reported that workers in one factory were caught shredding documents before a team of inspectors were scheduled to arrive in 2016. As you read through the list, though, what’s even more shocking is that conditions contributing to product contamination apparently have been ongoing for years — long before the NDEA and NDMA triggered the recalls.
When you consider that the FDA estimates nearly 80 percent of active ingredients used in medications in the U.S. originate abroad, the majority of which come from China and India, it certainly gives you pause to think.
What’s worse, as evidenced by the document shredding, the Chinese factories knew their production facilities were not operating safely. Since the FDA indicated that its report is not complete, there may be still more troubling news ahead.
In a way, this emphasizes why it’s important to take control of your health so you don’t have to rely on drugs to keep going. For example, did you know that you can make certain dietary changes and lower your blood pressure?
Granted, if your blood pressure is high, you may need short-term medication to avoid an acute problem, but it would be in your best interest to address your lifestyle as well, especially through your diet.
One of the most important dietary changes you can make to affect your blood pressure is to eliminate or dramatically reduce sugar and processed fructose from your diet. The easiest way is to replace processed foods with real, whole foods.
This not only addresses insulin and leptin resistance but also helps reduce elevated uric acid levels, both of which are significant factors in blood pressure. In one study, researchers discovered those who consumed 74 grams or more per day of fructose had a 77 percent greater risk of high blood pressure.
It also increased the risk of a reading of 135/85 by 26 percent and a reading of 140/90 by 30 percent, both which fall in the range of hypertension. By checking your fasting insulin level, you can see whether insulin and leptin resistance is at play.
Next, cut out unhealthy fats, including all trans fats or hydrogenated fats such as margarines, vegetable oils, butter-like spreads and baked goods. Take note that a type of fat you may need more of is animal-based omega-3, as research shows that those with the highest serum levels of omega-3 also have the lowest blood pressure readings.
Learning how to naturally relax your arteries and reduce blood pressure with foods like beets or exercises like the Nitric Oxide Dump can also help. butter-like spreads and baked goods. Take note that a type of fat you may need more of is animal-based omega-3, as research shows that those with the highest serum levels of omega-3 also have the lowest blood pressure readings.
Another food that has been found to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure is beets. In one small placebo-controlled trial, one glass (250 milliliters or 8.5 ounces) of beetroot juice per day for one month reduced blood pressure in those diagnosed with hypertension by an average of 8 mmHg systolic and 4 mmHg diastolic pressure.
The beneficial effects are related to the nitrate found in beetroot juice. Your body converts the nitrate into bioactive nitrite followed by nitric oxide (NO), which helps relax and dilate your blood vessels, and helps prevent blood clots. Other vegetables high in nitrates include arugula, butter leaf lettuce and spring greens, but the absolute richest source of nitrate is fermented beets.