10 Natural Treatment of High Blood Pressure

10 Natural Treatment of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is called a silent killer. It is believed that it affects nearly a third of the American population. They suffer from varying degrees of hypertension like obesity, a modern epidemic. Normal blood pressure tends to be around 120 over 80, though this can vary between people, depending on their fitness activities and diet.  As there are few obvious symptoms of hypertension, it isn’t until the effects impact us more seriously than we become aware. These can be a stroke, heart attack, metabolic syndromes, and vision loss.  This makes checking regular blood pressure and maintaining a healthy level through our diet, exercise, and supplements crucial.

Natural Treatment of High Blood Pressue

Unfortunately, modern lifestyles make the chance of having hypertension much higher.  The processed sugar and some chemicals found in many products are a dangerous mix for our blood pressure. In fact, fructose can cause blood pressure to rocket.  So fruit, yes, fruit – as well as any type of bread, pasta, corn, potatoes, and rice can impact your blood pressure.  Always modify your diet and increase your exercise time to cut out sugar and stress.  However, once you have done this you will want to include other supplements.

There are lots of options out there. Here are ten different supplements that can support a healthy blood pressure level.

  1. Potassium Gluconate

A normal level of potassium in your blood is important for all sorts of reasons, especially that low potassium is a major cause of cramp in our muscles.  Our levels of potassium are easily managed in a balanced diet, however, diarrhea, vomiting and certain diuretics such as water pills can cause a drop in potassium levels. Some nutritionists also claim that a modern Western diet is low in potassium – so a supplement is often necessary.

Potassium is important for the healthy beating of your heart.  In fact, low potassium can cause problems like abnormal heart rhythm.  This has an obvious impact on your blood pressure. Taking potassium can lower blood pressure and support the heart.

  1. L-Tyrosine

This supplement is an amino acid that helps produce dopamine and noradrenaline, neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and its consequences, including high blood pressure. The supplement is a stimulant and is most commonly used to improve cognition when the body is under extreme stress ranging from the cold or to climbing at high altitudes. However, studies have also proven that this supplement can reduce blood pressure.  Some studies question whether this is a placebo effect or an impact of a reduction in stress, which in turn is likely to reduce blood pressure. Whether it is a direct impact on blood pressure or merely a happy extension of reduced stress: L-Tyrosine has some positive effects.

  1. L-Arginine

Like L-Tyrosine, L-Arginine is an amino acid that can be obtained from a balanced diet. It is found in foods, including dairy, meat, poultry, fish, and nuts. L-arginine is necessary for the body’s ability to get rid of ammonia and stimulates the release of insulin and reduces blood pressure, L-Arginine is useful in making nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes the blood vessels in the body. This makes L-Arginine a suggested treatment for angina and congestive heart failure, both a result of the abnormal control of blood pressure. Some doctors are keen to point out that L-arginine can be useful but should not be a replacement on the usage of prescribed medications.

 

  1. Chromium Picolinate

This supplement replaces chromium in the body. Chromium is important in the process of metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, therefore a handy mineral to have around.  Chromium deficiency can cause insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities. Thus, it is often taken by bodybuilders to help with the efficiency of protein and help them become leaner. This can prevent hypertension and therefore the reduction of heart disease.  Most doctors are cautious about the use of chromium as taken in large doses can cause damage to organs.  However, the dosage suggested on labels is tested, preventing causing harm. The benefits of blood pressure are enough to outweigh its possible side effects.

  1. DGL Licorice

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, or DGL Licorice, has been used in food processing and traditional medicine for centuries.  Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar but it can be used to treat disorders as simple as the common cold and something as complex as liver disease.  Long-term use of Licorice can cause issues with hypertension but over time, in the short term, it can act as an adrenal that supports blood pressure.  The advice is to use it while keeping a close check on your blood pressure.  You should also consult your doctor about this intake.

  1. GABA

Gaba may sound weird, but it's a pretty useful supplement. GABA actually stands for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, a class of neurotransmitters. It is a downer, in other words, a depressive and a sedative which is critical for relaxation. GABA supplements improve mood. It can calm anxiety and act as a natural tranquilizer. 

The reduction in hypertension has been proven in a study by Shimada et al who noted that GABA was a useful control of blood pressure.  The diastolic blood pressure decreased after taking GABA.  The results of the study were such that the researchers were able to conclude that GABA was useful prevention of and the treatment for hypertension.

  1. Vitamin B8

Also known as Inositol, Vitamin B8 is vital for health as it is an important component of cell membranes.  The phospholipids created by Vitamin B8 are important for electrical current and nutrient transports within cells.  It is found in our brain, liver, heart, spleen, stomach, and kidneys. Therefore, pretty crucial to our whole body.

It controls hypertension by helping effective blood flow via arteries. It also helps with psychological problems including anxiety and depression, which can directly impact the blood pressure. Therefore, Inositol is a useful tool on multiple fronts of high blood sufferers.

  1. 7 Keto

7 keto DHEA, or 7 keto dehydroepiandrosterone, is a chemical that is naturally stored in the body.  Many people take this supplement because it helps to increase the metabolism and therefore helps with weight loss.  With obesity being a cause of high blood pressure, this is in itself a useful supplement.  However, 7 Keto is one of the most useful of the adrenal hormones because it can also reduce stress, another contributory factor in high blood pressure.

However, as we grow older our blood concentration begins to decline. In fact, it starts to decline from the age of 39 and is reduced to up to 50% by the time we reach 50. This means that cortisol, which can increase the effects of aging and contribute to heart disease – all of which contribute to blood pressure, must be in the body. 

  1. Vitamin E

Vitamin is an antioxidant, which can have an effect on mild hypertension by attacking the free radicals that can be harmful to our bodies.  A study by Boshtam et al (2002) found that giving patients 200mg of Vitamin E supplement for 27 weeks had a remarkable effect on the blood pressure. The vitamin was proven successful in reducing both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as heart rate, at a dosage of 200 international units daily.  However, as the vitamin is fat-soluble, the body is able to store Vitamin E, and therefore the recommended daily intake should be at least 224 international units daily.

Vitamin E also helps to produce nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels through vasodilation. This means that the pressure on the arteries and veins.  This can be both a treatment for hypertension and also a preventative measure, as healthy veins and arteries are much more likely to help our heart.

Advice from experts suggests that natural forms of Vitamin E supplements are better than synthetic forms.  Therefore, when checking the label you should look for “d-“ rather than “dl-“.  So, d-alpha-tocopherol or d-beta-tocopherol. 

  1. Basil, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, and ginger…

Natural Treatment for High Blood Pressue

This sounds like the ingredients list from a decent curry.  Each of these herbs and spices is used regularly in our food and all of them can have a positive impact on our blood pressure.  Now, before you take a trip to your local curry store, stop.  Remember that one of the major contributory factors to high blood pressure is obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are results of a high sugar diet.  If you can guarantee that your local store sell organic cinnamon, then go for it.  

Basil can lower blood pressure. Some people found to have cinnamon daily saw a significant reduction in hypertension, the same with cardamom seeds.  Both of these spices are wonder foods really, in fact, thought to actually warm the blood.  The same with the ginger. Ginger also improves blood circulation and helps relax the muscles surrounding the blood vessels. 

Garlic has long been known to be good for the heart.  It is thought to lower blood pressure by helping blood vessels to relax and dilate.  The obvious downside to your breath can be overcome by buying it in supplement form.  It is likely one of the few ways of getting an appropriate dosage to help with your blood pressure.

 

So many choices…

With hypertension being one of the biggest health concerns of modern times, it is comforting to know that there is a whole host of supplements that can be taken each day to help.  A healthy diet and an exercise regimen are important factors in controlling our blood pressure.  Remember it is the increase in processed foods that have raised rates of cases – therefore a more natural diet – something similar to the paleo diet – will help your body regulate its own systems.

However, as our body from the age of 30 onwards naturally lessens the concentration of our blood, it is a matter of common sense to suggest as we grow older that we will become more susceptible to hypertension.  Taking supplements will help us to stave off the worst effects of age and mean we can continue to live a fulfilling life. 

Which supplements to choose when there are so many choices should not be a chore.  Many supplements come with multiple benefits – so choose the one that best suits you and your needs.  If you want to lose weight, as well as improve blood pressure, then 7-Keto might suit.  If you are also worried about heart disease and stroke, then taking L-arginine will help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Checking the label and the dosage will give you an idea of what you should take.  You might also want to speak to your medical professional.  It is likely that the best approach will be a mixture of factors.  It could mean taking a good multi-vitamin, maybe some good herbs and spices in your food, a brisk walk each evening with the dog and not too much-processed food in the diet.  Whatever you choose, make a positive choice for your health.

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