
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading cause of heart disease in the U.S., affecting about 120 million adults. Half of adults with hypertension take medication, and despite widespread medication use, only 1 in 4 people with hypertension have their blood pressure under control.
As the awareness of risks associated with medication grows, so does the demand for natural remedies in the form of dietary supplements and nutrition. So, what supplements lower blood pressure? We will cover that in more detail down below.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the amount of tension, or pressure, that occurs as a result of blood flowing through the arteries. It is normal to have variations in blood pressure throughout the day, but chronically elevated blood pressure can cause heart complications.
What is high blood pressure?
- Normal blood pressure is defined as 120/80 mmHg
- High blood pressure is defined as 130/80mmHg or above.
High blood pressure can cause many different serious health conditions. Taking dietary supplements and eating a heart healthy diet can lead to significant reductions in these types of cardiovascular issues.
Explain Systolic Blood Pressure vs Diastolic Blood Pressure
To read blood pressure, you’ll typically see two numbers, like 120/80 mmHg. The first (and higher) number (120) is the systolic pressure, indicating the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood, while the second number (80) is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats, representing the lower value. Both are important for assessing heart health.
Why is it important to manage high blood pressure?
Managing high blood pressure can improve your quality of life and longevity. Monitoring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have it, since there are often no symptoms.
What causes high blood pressure?
Smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, poor diet, and physical inactivity can cause high blood pressure. You’re also more likely to have high blood pressure with high cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, another major risk factor for heart disease.
How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
Certain lifestyle changes can prevent hypertension. Here are some ways you can manage your blood pressure without medication:
- Lose weight
- Engage in regular exercise
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Follow a heart healthy diet
What to eat for high blood pressure?
A heart healthy diet can help you lower LDL cholesterol, which will reduce blood pressure. The DASH diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) are two approaches you can take to improve your heart health and lower your blood pressure.
What nutrients help lower blood pressure?
Potassium
Potassium is important for arterial flexibility; when potassium is low, the artery walls become stiff. We need over twice as much potassium than sodium each day, but both are needed in a specific ratio for maintaining optimal fluid balance and pumping the heart.
Magnesium
As an essential mineral necessary for maintaining proper electrolyte and fluid balance, it supports circulation and flexible arteries.
B vitamins
Certain B vitamins like folate help break down homocysteine, a metabolic byproduct that can build up leading to vasoconstriction and can damage blood vessels.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants can improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and helping repair damaged tissues. Find some antioxidant rich supplements in our list, read on for more.
Supplements to Help Manage Blood Pressure
For additional blood pressure support, consider adding a supplement to your routine. Below is our list of supplements you can try to help you manage your blood pressure, but remember to consult your practitioner first, especially if you take medications.
RUVED Carditone Healthy Blood Pressure Support
RUVED Carditone Healthy Blood Pressure Support is an ayurvedic blend of herbs for high blood pressure. This 550mg proprietary blend helps lower inflammation and relax blood vessels. Free of dairy, wheat, soy, and GMOs.
Life Extension Triple Action Blood Pressure
Life Extension Triple Action Blood Pressure delivers 24-hour blood pressure support with a blend of potent antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and arteries. Manufactured to cGMP standards and GMO-free.
Terry Naturally Blood Pressure Health
Terry Naturally Blood Pressure Health contains a combination of olive leaf and grape seed extract to support optimal blood flow and lower inflammation. Vegan-friendly and free of gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, soy, GMOs, and artificial preservatives.
Vibrant Health Cholesterol Vibrance
Vibrant Health Cholesterol Vibrance targets elevated cholesterol to help lower blood pressure. It contains policosanol and beta-sitosterol, two antioxidants which help lower inflammation and breakdown cholesterol buildup. Vegetarian-friendly and free of wheat, dairy, nuts, egg, and yeast.
Biopharma NanoLean Weight Management
Biopharma NanoLean Weight Management is a powder drink mix designed to help with appetite and weight loss. It fat-burning ingredients like green tea extract and ashwagandha to promote a healthy stress response. Free of gluten, sugar, GMOs, and vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Avoid smoking and alcohol, get daily physical activity, and weight loss are the most effective steps you can take to prevent hypertension. Following a heart healthy diet is recommended and can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Dietary supplements offer a natural way to meet your nutrient needs to lower blood pressure naturally.
FAQ
What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Use this blood pressure chart from the American Heart Association to compare your numbers.
Can I lower my blood pressure without medication?
Yes, it is possible. Eating a heart healthy diet, getting enough physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are the most simple and effective lifestyle changes for preventing hypertension and managing blood pressure.
What is the main cause of high blood pressure?
Being overweight, physically inactive, poor dietary choices, alcohol consumption, and smoking are the main causes of high blood pressure.
To find out what blood pressure medications or what supplements lower blood pressure that may best fit in your health regimen and their potential side effects, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider.