DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been on your diet since February and have lost 10-15 pounds. I didn’t realize that it could lower my blood pressure in addition to the weight loss. I began noticing dizziness periodically during the day so my cardiologist reduced my blood pressure medicine. Recently I noticed I was still having some dizziness and got winded with little exertion so my doctor had me hospitalized where I was diagnosed with hypotension. All’s well now but I suggest that you make it clear that your diet can also cause lowered blood pressure so that those on medication can be alert to the problem of hypotension. Thanks.
DEAR READER: I do specifically mention that weight loss in general as well as from my diet, can reduce blood pressure (as well as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more) in my book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet”. I have also recommended weight loss as an aid to reducing high blood pressure in my column numerous times. In addition, I have repeatedly stated that no diet — mine included — should be initiated without the approval of a personal physician or specialist. In this way, he or she can help you monitor any pre-existing medical conditions that may be affected by diet and exercise changes.
As you have already discovered, weight loss, in addition to eating a more balanced, healthful diet can drastically reduce blood pressure and reduce or eliminate the need for medication. I have had many readers write in to tell me that they no longer need medications for diabetes, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and that their heart disease, arthritis symptoms, acid reflux, and more are all under control with minimal or no medication.
That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to again remind my readers who wish to give my diet a try to inform their physicians, and be aware that positive health benefits will occur. Medications may need to be reduced or discontinued with physician approval. You will also discover that your clothes fit better, or even become too big, necessitating smaller sizes (depending on how much weight you need to lose).
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Reports “Hypertension” and “A Strategy for Losing Weight: An Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print an order form from my website.
