More than two years ago, on July 4, 2019, I declared my independence from prescription blood pressure (BP) drugs with the help of my doctor.
Beyond all the dangerous side effects that come along with taking these pills, we both had huge concerns about the potential cancer-causing chemicals found in certain generic BP drugs.
And I’m sad to say that since then, the news about BP meds has only gotten WORSE!
In fact, in one new study, researchers linked a common type of BP drug with a slew of awful, NEW side effects.
And in a second study, people who took another common BP drug had a 60 percent higher risk of developing a DEADLY type of cancer.
Here’s everything you need to know…
BP drug interferes with lung function (and MORE)
For the first study, researchers with Columbia University looked at a type of BP medication called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Millions of Americans take these drugs daily to reduce their BP. They work, as their name suggests, by blocking the production of ACE in the lungs. And—by blocking ACE, they also block the production of angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
The problem is…the drugs also interfere with basic lung and respiratory functions. And, actually, from the very beginning of their time on the market, these drugs had one well-known, common—but ultimately “acceptable”—side effect…
A terrible, annoying, chronic cough.
In fact, ACE inhibitor consumers have a one-third higher risk of developing a chronic cough compared to those who took an angiotensin receptor (ARB) blocker, another type of prescription BP medication.
These people also run a significantly higher risk of developing more serious lung diseases, including lung cancer. And now, research reveals these drugs may even heighten the risk of developing more serious coronavirus infections.
But that’s not all.
A new analysis also revealed that those who took ACE inhibitors were THREE TIMES more likely to develop angioedema—a dangerous condition that causes severe swelling in the skin (often in the face). Plus, these people were more likely to develop GI bleeding and pancreatitis. (Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which can interfere with insulin and blood sugar metabolism.)
So, remind me…why are these drugs still being doled out like candy? Especially when you consider the shocking results of yet another new analysis, which involved more than 300,000 men and women…
Researchers find a link between ACE inhibitors and DEADLY melanoma
For this new study, researchers looked a class of drugs known as thiazide diuretics. Millions of Americans take them as their “first-line treatment” for high BP. They work by increasing urine flow and preventing your kidneys from holding onto too much fluid.
It turns out, exposure to these drugs also makes your skin more sensitive to harm from ultraviolet (UV) light…
In fact, the people who took a thiazide diuretic for more than 7.5 years had a 53 percent higher risk of developing keratinocyte skin cancers—including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and advanced keratinocyte carcinoma.
Worse yet…
They had a 60 percent higher risk of melanoma—the one DEADLY form of skin cancer.
And as the data showed, the longer you take the drugs, the higher your risk!
Even after ALL of these eye-opening findings, the researchers urged people to continue taking these harmful drugs and just slather on toxic sunscreens. Or stay out of the sun altogether.
Never mind all the safe, science-backed approaches to managing BP. What a terrible prescription for healthy blood pressure and good health!
Well, that’s where THIS insider comes in…
Backward logic prevails, yet again
First, as you already know, staying out of the sun only puts you at a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency, which research links to all kinds of chronic diseases. Including heart disease.
Not to mention, studies show that spending time outdoors in the direct sunlight results in LOWER blood pressure! (You can learn all about effect of sun exposure on blood pressure in the June 2020 issue of Insiders’ Cures, my monthly newsletter [“The natural ‘cure all’ everyone should be taking”]. If you’re not yet a subscriber, now is the perfect time to become one.)
In the end, the mainstream has it all backwards, as usual.
They would rather see you continue taking a dangerous drug and avoid the sun than seek out the many effective, science-backed ways to manage your blood pressure and protect your heart, naturally and SAFELY.
Fortunately, you can learn all about the MANY natural approaches to lowering BP and supporting your heart in my Heart Attack Prevention and Repair Protocol. Simply click here to learn more about this online learning tool or to enroll today.
P.S. Tune back in on Thursday for an important report about the link between another popular type of heart health drug and dementia
Sources:
“Comparative First-Line Effectiveness and Safety of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: A Multinational Cohort Study.” Hypertension, 26 July 2021; 78: 591-603. doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.16667
“Association between antihypertensive medications and risk of skin cancer in people older than 65 years: a population-based study.” CMAJ April 12, 2021;193 (15): E508-E516. doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.201971