Is there an alternative to taking a diuretic for high blood pressure?

User1,
I'm a 90 year old male, 5'11", 165 lbs. My vitals are excellent. Two years ago I got CHF and have suffered with it since. I've had 2 needle aspirations to remove fluid from my right lung caused by a leaky Mitral valve. Testing still underway. The meds I'm taking keep my BP under control. Avg. 108/55 for the month so far. My problem is the diuretic dries out my colon causing chronic constipation which I fight on a daily basis.
Thanks,
tadueo

Have you tried taking a stool softner each day. They are nonhabit forming and usually solve the problem nicely. Dried apricots, raisens, prunes, dried figs all seem to work like magic. You might give them a shot for snack time.
Gina5009

Gina,
I take Miralax at least once a day and sometimes twice. Also many of the dried fruits you mention. They usually work.
My problem is I have a "redundant" colon (means extra long colon) and the diuretic I take dries it out the combination of which periodically, once or twice a week, causes severe constipation I have to clear with powerful laxatives or enemas, suppositories or the like. No fun at all.
Thanks,
Tadueo

Hi @tadueo. Constipation you say? Just dealing with that symptom myself and haven't settled on a solution -- though from my medical team came "FIRST: Drink up to 8 glasses of water every day." While that sounds like a conflict with the effect of diuretics, we're going to try it to see how well my system can divide the water between my digestive function and my urinary function without adding to my circulatory system. Water is crucial to the function of the liver, a major part of the digestive system, so that has to be taken care of. I'm also dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease which may be impeding removal of water from my blood. Wish me luck! Martin

Martin,
Good luck on your quest!
I presently drink the equivalent (I include 4 ozs. each for Miralax and for instant oatmeal) of 65 ozs. of water per day after making a 3 month study of water intake vs. "dry colon" and "high BP" during which I learned the following: Take a capful of Miralax in water prior to going to bed and at least 2 hours after dinner. Eat meals with at least one generous bowl of steamed veggies (broccoli, green beans, asparagus) per day. Dried fruits are also good. Do an exercise routine for 15>20 minutes after getting out of bed. Have BM. OK to miss BM once in a while.
This presently works for me.
PS: My Gastroenterologist made me promise to have one bowl of instant oatmeal each morning for breakfast.t
Tadueo