3 essential -- and often overlooked -- factors in hypertension Q: The last time I went to my doctor, he told me I have high blood pressure, or, as he called it "essential hypertension." He wants me to take a diuretic to see if that helps bring it down, but I'd rather not take the pills if I don't have to. Do you have any suggestions for things I could try first? Dr. Wright: Most of the folks I've worked with who have been diagnosed with essential hypertension have tested positive for insulin resistance, heavy metal toxicity, or both, and most of them have had less than "tropical" blood levels of vitamin D. So your chances of eliminating -- or at the very least reducing -- your essential hypertension are very good. But be patient: Blood pressure reduction hardly ever happens overnight, and it could take a few months before you see any results. To find a physician who can help you with both the glucose tolerance/ insulin resistance test and chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity, contact any of the following sources: | 
