A Functional Medicine Approach to Hypertension with Dr. Mark Houston

Dr. Mark Houston, Internist, and hypertension and cardiovascular specialist, is the cofounder of The Hypertension Institute, which immediately received national acclaim as one of the leading Institutes in the US for the treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Houston has presented over 10,000 lectures, nationally and internationally, and published over 250 medical articles, and scientific abstracts in peer-reviewed medical journals, books, and book chapters. He is an author, teacher, clinician, and researcher and is triple-boarded in hypertension as an American Society of Hypertension (ASH) specialist and Fellow of the American Society of Hypertension (FASH), Internal Medicine (ABIM), and Anti-aging Medicine (ABAARM). He also has a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a Master of Science degree in Functional and Metabolic Medicine from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Together Dr. Houston and I discuss a functional medicine approach to hypertension, including supplements, diagnosis, endothelial glycocalyx, and more. He shares hypertension statistics, why high blood pressure is so prevalent in the US, and the consequences of high blood pressure that physicians need to share with their patients. He offers insights into clinical trials and results of key blood pressure testing, the nutrients, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes that can better support endothelial dysfunction, and key diet and lifestyle recommendations for hypertension including meat, fish oil, and sodium chloride intake. As Dr. Houston notes, hypertension can be impacted by both genetics and environment, and our conversation is filled with clinical pearls for physicians to share with their patients today for healthier blood pressure tomorrow. I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. Episode Resources: Dr. Mark Houston - hypertensioninstitute.com/dr-mark-houston/ Design for Health Resources: Designs for Health - www.designsforhealth.com/ Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog. www.designsforhealth.com/ Chapters: 00:00 02:45 Dr. Houston shares the family history that started his journey into integrative medicine. 04:32 Hypertension statistics, why it is so prevalent in the US, and the consequences of high blood pressure that physicians need to share with their patients. 07:06 Correctly diagnosing hypertension starts with properly testing blood pressure in the office and prescribing the correct medication to be taken at the right time of day. 12:03 Key concerns with medicines that result in low blood pressure and appropriate testing options. 15:57 The pathophysiology of hypertension as it relates to the arteries and endothelial glycocalyx. 18:32 Nutrients, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes that can better support endothelial dysfunction to enhance nitrous oxide production and viability. 20:23 Dr. Houston highlights the clinical trials and results of key blood pressure testing. 24:17 Blood pressure medications and common nutrients that can be helpful for reducing blood pressure. 28:47 The relationships between nitric oxide production and the endothelial lining. 31:02 Physical improvements that accompany increased nitric oxide production and its potential impact on low blood pressure. 33:05 Dr. Houston’s diet and lifestyle recommendations for hypertension including meat, fish oil, and sodium chloride intake. 38:38 The impact of genetics, stress, and exercise on hypertension. 44:10 The connection between the oral microbiome and blood pressure and cardiovascular health. 46:36 The relationship between iron and cardiovascular health. 49:03 Dr. Houston shares what he is most excited about in the future of the field of integrative and functional cardiology. 52:14 Dr. Houston highlights the greatest change he made over the course of his career, his three personal favorite supplements, and his preferred health practices.