Patient's question:
I am 58 years old this year. Recently, I have been feeling dizzy and having headaches. When I went to the hospital for a thorough check-up, the doctor said my blood pressure was high and that I needed to take blood pressure medication. I don't want to take medication, and my friend said that bitter melon can lower blood pressure. I want to know if bitter melon really can help with high blood pressure?Doctor's answer:
Currently, bitter melon trials have shown certain effects in regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipids. Bitter melon is a food and is very safe. However, the therapeutic effect of food is weak, and it cannot replace medical treatment or lifestyle and dietary adjustments. It is recommended to consume bitter melon while undergoing conventional treatment. Hypertensive patients should take appropriate antihypertensive medications, such as amlodipine or controlled-release nifedipine, under the guidance of experts, and pay attention to ensuring sufficient rest time during the day.