Functional Medicine for High Blood Pressure & Hypertension
Find natural solutions to your hypertension
If you’re seeking a natural, holistic approach to managing hypertension, Thrive Naturopathic offers personalized solutions that address the root causes of your condition.



















Virtual Appointments • In-Person in Alexandria & McLean
Getting to the Root Cause of High Blood Pressure
Content by Dr. Christopher Johnson, ND | Founder of Thrive Naturopathic
Many times we think of hypertension as something that just happens to us. It doesn’t produce any obvious symptoms to alert us, then all of a sudden, one day at the doctor’s office, we’re told our blood pressure is elevated. It seems like it just happened on its own.
Now, it is true that blood pressure does tend to increase as we get older. But that doesn’t mean its just fated to happen – that we don’t have any control over the situation. Usually there are a number of factors that go into our blood pressure increasing over the years. The great news is that in most cases, blood pressure can be brought back to normal and can remain so for the rest of your life.
Long before you’re diagnosed with hypertension changes are happening in your cardiovascular system and metabolic health that start to tip the scales. Blood vessels start to become more stiff due to lack of being challenged by movement and exercise. Weight gain causes the heart to have to pump harder to reach more areas in the body and to support more tissue. Stress signals from the brain and nervous system narrow blood vessels – making it harder for the heart to pump blood through them.
This is one reason I rarely focus on blood pressure alone. While improving your blood pressure numbers is certainly important, those numbers are only part of the story. My goal is to better understand why you developed hypertension in the first place and identify the underlying factors that may be contributing to it.
Over my 18+ years in practice, I’ve found that meaningful, lasting improvements usually come from addressing multiple interconnected systems rather than relying on a single diet, supplement or short-term solution. That’s why our programs take a comprehensive approach to improving metabolic health.
The Roots of Hypertension
Over the years I've worked with a lot of folks with hypertension. And at the end of the day, lowering your blood pressure is not rocket science - there are really only a limited number of factors at play.
Genetics does play a role - but in very few cases does this mean you have to have hypertension - as long as you are willing to make sufficient changes to address it.
One obvious factor is exercise. That is why so many of us have hypertension these days - most of us are sitting for most of the day. Exercise increases pliability and dilation of the blood vessels - making it easier for blood to move through. Exercise also stimulates the creation of extra blood vessels - reducing stress on other vessels.
Another major factor is our stress response. When we are feeling stressed our brain sends noradrenaline down into the cardiovascular system - which has the effect of narrowing the blood vessels and increasing our blood pressure. If this happens occasionally, it doesn't lead to hypertension. But feeling this way on a regular basis over years has a significant effect on our system.
Our Holistic Approach to Hypertension & High Blood Pressure
At Thrive Naturopathic, we believe in a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing hypertension. Our integrated treatment plans address the underlying imbalances contributing to elevated blood pressure levels, promoting long-term health and well-being. Here’s what we recommend with our treatment plan:
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Diet & Exercise
Diet and exercise play a fundamental role in maintaining cardiovascular health and managing blood pressure levels. By emphasizing a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, we can help regulate blood pressure and promote overall well-being. In addition, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can improve circulation, reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
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Stress Management
Chronic stress is a significant contributor to hypertension, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. Our holistic approach to hypertension management includes stress management techniques to help individuals cope with daily stressors and reduce their impact on blood pressure levels. From mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to biofeedback and meditation, we offer a variety of tools to help you manage stress effectively.
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Nutritional Supplements & Herbal Medicine
In addition to dietary and lifestyle modifications, we may recommend nutritional supplements and herbal medicine to support cardiovascular health and manage hypertension. These natural remedies can complement dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, providing additional support for blood pressure regulation and overall well-being. Our team carefully selects supplements and herbal remedies to ensure safe and effective integration into personalized treatment plans.
At Thrive Naturopathic, our approach to functional medicine for high blood pressure empowers you to take control of your own health and well-being. From lifestyle modifications to targeted supplementation, our naturopathic hypertension treatments optimize your cardiovascular health naturally. Through a combination of thorough evaluation, tailored treatment plans and ongoing support, we work with you to restore balance and vitality to your life.
Schedule your free discovery call to learn more about how the transformative power of functional medicine can help you.
Feel Better Naturally with a Holistic Approach to High Blood Pressure
Schedule Your Discover Call to See How Our Functional Medicine Approach Can Help with Your Blood Pressure
If you’re looking to take a proactive approach to resolving hypertension through functional medicine techniques, our team at Thrive Naturopathic is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. With our holistic approach to hypertension treatment, you’ll receive personalized care that focuses on treating the root causes of your condition, empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.
Schedule your discovery call and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Meet Dr. Christopher Johnson
Dr. Christopher Johnson is a naturopathic doctor and founder of Thrive Naturopathic in Alexandria and McLean, Virginia. Over the past 18+ years, he has worked with more than 3,000 patients, with a focus on midlife hormone health, metabolic and stress-related health concerns using functional medicine in a program-based model.
His approach helps patients better understand and address the patterns behind their symptoms through structured, systems-based care.
Former Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine and former Vice President of the Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians.