High blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases are often referred to as “silent killers” due to their unclear symptoms and lack of warning signs. Yet, they can lead to serious health consequences. Therefore, finding the right foods to support health and prevent heart disease is urgently required. This article will delve into natural foods proven to support cardiovascular health, along with many other benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Natural supplements such as magnesium, garlic, and beetroot juice can lower blood pressure.
- Combining these supplements with a healthy lifestyle can boost their effectiveness.
- It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking medication.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently elevated above normal levels. Over time, this condition can damage the heart and blood vessels, hindering normal blood circulation and leading to cardiovascular complications. Blood pressure is typically expressed through two main numbers: systolic blood pressure (the upper number measuring pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number measuring pressure when the heart rests).
Blood pressure levels indicate different conditions:
- Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140+/90+ mmHg
What Natural Supplements Lower Blood Pressure?
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax, thus improving blood circulation. Studies show magnesium supplementation can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Magnesium can be supplemented through green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. This substance functions similarly to magnesium by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure. Research shows that regular consumption of beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular conditions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects blood vessels from oxidative stress. It also improves the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces pressure on the heart. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and some green vegetables.
Vitamin D
In addition to vitamin C, a deficiency in vitamin D can also increase the risk of high blood pressure. Adequate vitamin D levels help the body maintain calcium balance, which is essential for regulating blood pressure. The easiest way to get enough vitamin D is through direct sunlight exposure.
Vitamin B
Specifically, vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12 play important roles in reducing levels of homocysteine—a type of amino acid closely related to arterial stress. Excessive homocysteine can damage the lining of arteries and worsen high blood pressure. Sources of B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, beans, grains, and B-complex vitamin supplements.
Garlic
Garlic has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including high blood pressure. This is because garlic contains allicin, a compound that dilates blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and improves circulation.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Hibiscus tea is another herbal supplement for low blood pressure known for relaxing blood vessels and its antioxidant properties. Natural ACE compounds in hibiscus have been shown to lower systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract, found in certain supplements, is another natural supplement for low blood pressure and cardiovascular health. It helps the body produce nitric oxide, fights oxidation and enhances heart health.
Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins—powerful antioxidants that relax blood vessels and effectively improve circulation. This is why green tea is considered a superfood used to treat many conditions.
Ginger
Ginger is no longer a strange ingredient to all of us. However, it is an extremely useful product in reducing blood pressure. Besides, ginger also helps naturally thin the blood and reduce blood pressure and risk of forming blood clots.
What Is The Best Natural Supplement For High Blood Pressure?
As mentioned above, natural foods are extremely effective for dealing with high blood pressure. However, supplements extracted from the above products are also highly effective for dealing with this cardiovascular problem.
However, to choose the most suitable product, you also need to consider your needs, preferences, health status, and advice from experts to find the right product.
Herbal Supplements May Interact With Blood Pressure Medication
St. John’s Wort
This is a drug commonly used to treat depression and reduce nervous tension. However, they can interact with certain substances and interfere with the effectiveness of the supplements you are taking.
Ginkgo Biloba
Although it is an herb to improve memory, this product can cause unwanted increases in blood pressure.
Licorice
Licorice is generally a fairly safe herbal product. However, excessive consumption of licorice can also cause high blood pressure.
Arnica
This is a product used primarily for pain relief, but regular consumption of food can cause it to interact with other substances in the supplements you take.
What Supplements To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure?
In addition to common foods often found in recipes like licorice, you should avoid some ingredients found in supplements like ephedra, yohimbine, or caffeine. These are all substances that can greatly affect blood pressure. To ensure safety, you can consult medical experts or talk directly with distributors to get the exact answer for the products you intend to use.
When Is The Best Time To Take Supplements for Blood Pressure?
This mainly depends on what ingredients are included in the custom fomula supplement you take. Some products like magnesium are often used before bed or at night because they have a good soothing effect. Meanwhile, products like beetroot juice bring a feeling of alertness, so they are suitable for use at the beginning of the day in your breakfast.
How Long Does It Take For Supplement To Work For Blood Pressure?
The time it takes for a supplement to work will depend on your product type. While most supplements will show results after a few weeks to months of continuous use due to their long-term effects, some exceptions, like beetroot juice, show results quickly.
Products that provide short-term benefits include beetroot juice. But products like magnesium, oranges, tangerines, or garlic,… are products that provide long-term effects.
Other Ways To Lower Blood Pressure And Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
In addition to using the products listed above, there are still many other ways you can supplement nutrients and regulate cardiovascular problems by improving your lifestyle.
More specifically, having an exercise routine accompanied by a reasonable diet and rest and a menu rich in fruits, vegetables, and low salt can bring about positive results. Incredible results in managing & regulating long-term cardiovascular health. You will quickly see a big improvement in your blood pressure!
Conclusion
In summary, natural supplements offer a promising approach to lowering blood pressure and supporting heart health. However, they should be combined with a healthy lifestyle and used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Whether you choose magnesium, beetroot juice, or garlic, the most important thing is to stay consistent and adopt a holistic approach to managing your blood pressure!