I have been suffering from hypertension for many years. Some people have told me that Ge Gen Fen (Pueraria lobata root powder) can lower blood pressure and is suitable for people with hypertension. I would like to know if it is really effective for people with hypertension to drink Ge Gen Fen.
Can people with hypertension consume Ge Gen Fen?
Yes, they can.
Hypertension refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by an increase in systemic arterial blood pressure, accompanied by damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
Ge Gen Fen is made from the root tuber of the plant Pueraria lobata. It has a sweet taste and cool properties, and has the effects of reducing fever, relieving restlessness, and quenching thirst. Taking Ge Gen Fen will not cause an increase in blood pressure for people with hypertension. On the contrary, the active ingredients in Ge Gen Fen have a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on hypertension. Therefore, people with hypertension can consume Ge Gen Fen.
Is it effective for people with hypertension to drink Ge Gen Fen?
It has a certain efficacy.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, Ge Gen Fen has the function of relieving exterior syndrome and dispersing pathogens. It can relieve symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, headache, and tinnitus caused by hypertension.
From the perspective of Western medicine, the component of Ge Gen Fen, puerarin, can help dilate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular vessels, promote circulation, and reduce vascular resistance. This can help alleviate the pressure on blood vessel walls to a certain extent and help lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is beneficial for people with hypertension to drink Ge Gen Fen.
What should people with hypertension pay attention to when drinking Ge Gen Fen?
1. It cannot replace antihypertensive drugs.
Although Ge Gen Fen has a certain effect in reducing blood pressure, its effect is limited and cannot replace antihypertensive drugs. Patients with hypertension should continue to take antihypertensive drugs while consuming Ge Gen Fen.
2. Do not consume excessive amounts.
Patients with hypertension should not consume excessive amounts of Ge Gen Fen. It is generally recommended to consume around 10-20 grams. Ge Gen Fen has a cool property and consuming too much can irritate the stomach and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Consume after meals.
It is recommended to consume Ge Gen Fen after meals and not on an empty stomach. This is because Ge Gen Fen has a cool property and consuming it on an empty stomach may harm the spleen and stomach, leading to diarrhea and loose stools.
How to prepare Ge Gen Fen for people with hypertension?
Steps:
1. Take 15-20 grams of Ge Gen Fen and put it in a bowl.
2. Add a small amount of warm water and mix well.
3. Then pour in boiling water, stirring slowly until it becomes translucent.
4. You can add some rock sugar or honey to taste.
What dietary considerations should people with hypertension have?
1. Low-salt and low-fat diet.
Patients with hypertension should consume a light diet and avoid foods high in fat and salt, such as fatty meat, animal liver, and pickled vegetables. Excessive fat and salt can increase blood viscosity and cause an increase in blood pressure.
2. Quit smoking and drinking.
Nicotine and alcohol in cigarettes can stimulate blood vessels and the heart, directly leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended for patients with hypertension to quit smoking and drinking.
3. Consume foods with antihypertensive effects.
Examples include black fungus, celery, corn, and carrots. These foods can help lower blood pressure to a certain extent.