Herbs and Supplements for Hypertension

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There are many holistic therapies for hypertension. Everything from vitamin supplements to meditation can improve blood pressure according to recent studies. One easy switch to make in your diet is the addition of olive oil. Reducing your saturated fat intake and replacing them with olive oil can markedly improve your health and blood pressure. There is speculation that the polyphenols in the oil could be the reason it is beneficial.

Fish oil is another addition to your diet that has shown promising results. Including salmon twice a week in your nutrition plan or eating other fatty fish like sardines can help lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, though the effect on people with normal blood pressure is not yet clear.

One hypothesis is that some cases of hypertension are caused by a heart dysfunction of the endothelial vasodilator mechanism. The amino acid L-argnine has been shown to be highly effective in reversing this dysfunction. Taken either orally or intravenously it may prevent or correct hardening of the arteries, and increase the coronary blood flow to the heart.

Some herbs showing good preliminary results are coleus Forskohlii which may lower blood pressure and improve heart function and hawthorne, which helps dilate coronary blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Rauwolfia is considered the most potent hypertensive herb because only a small dose is required and the side effects are limited, with the most severe being nasal congestion.

Working with a homeopathic professional will help you formulate a plan to find what works for you. But do not be afraid to discuss herbs and vitamins with your physician. Eastern style medicine has become more accepted in the American medical community as a complement to routine medical treatments.

You also may consider adding yoga, or tai chi, as keeping your body limber and well-stretched will make life easier for your heart by increasing blood flow.

In no particular order:

Reishi - Yes, this yummy mushroom can help lower your blood pressure. As commercial farming of Reishi becomes more popular with in the United States you will be seeing more and more of this heart healthy fungus. Reishi helps lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, along with reducing blood clots.

Resveratrol - Resveratrol is only found in red wine and is the reason that doctors recommend a daily 4 ounce glass of wine for anyone over the age of 21. Resveratrol helps lower blood pressure by improving blood flow, especially within the brain. Resvertrols affect on the brain suggests that it can also help reduce strokes. Many studies have also shown that Resvertrol can help fight obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Coleus - A root in the same family as the ornamental plant. The forskolin in Coleus helps lower blood pressure by relaxing the muscle tissue with the blood vessels walls. Coleus also helps breakdown the fat that is stored within the blood vessels.

Arginine - Arginine is an amino acid. Arginine is found in chocolate, dairy, fish, meats, and nuts. Arginine helps lower you blood pressure by counteracting blood-vessel constriction.

Bilberry - Bilberry is a close relative to blueberry. Bilberry may be listed on product labels as Vaccinium Myrtillus. Bilberry helps lower blood pressure by increasing blood flow. Some studies also show that Bilberry may also help prevent cataracts.

Co-Enzyme Q10 - Study after study shows that Co-Enzyme Q10 is beneficial to the heart. Co-Enzyme Q10 can be found in both fish and meat. Co-Enzyme Q10 lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, especially the blood vessels in the heart. Co-Enzyme Q10 also has overall health benefits by helping cells to produce more energy.

Garlic - Garlic also know as Allium sativum is a widely popular food ingredient. Garlic not only helps lower blood pressure, but also helps reduce arterial plaque and blocks the formation of additional arterial plaque.

Hawthorn - Hawthorn is another herb that studies have shown to have many heart benefits. Hawthorn helps lower blood pressure by improve blood flow, specifically within the heart. Evidence has been found that shows Hawthorn may have been used as a remedy as far back as ancient Greece.

Magnesium - Magnesium is essential for overall health, not just heart health. Magnesium can be bought as an over the counter supplement or consumed in food. Foods that are high in magnesium are dark green vegetables, beans, grains, fish, meat, and nuts. A magnesium deficiency can have many seemly unrelated symptoms like acne, fatigue, and sore joints. Many Doctors and studies recommend a magnesium supplement daily for almost everyone over the age of twelve.

Nattokinase - Largely popular in Japan Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto. It is unknown how Nattokinase helps lower blood pressure, most studies attribute its benefits to thinning the blood. Nattokinase also helps dissolve blood clots.

Potassium - Potassium helps lower blood pressure by helping the body regulate water balance. Potassium is also essential for proper electrical impulses within the heart. A Potassium deficiency can be fatal, however caution should be used when taking Potassium without a doctors consent. Potassium does build up in the body and you can overdose when not used properly or taken when not necessary.

Finding a natural method to reduce hypertension, whether it is lifestyle changes or herbal remedies, can save you a lot of money and have potential life changing effects. Remember to speak with your healthcare professional about your interest in alternative treatments and bring the appropriate research to your appointment if necessary.