Numerous supplements can help regulate your blood pressure. According to MayoClinic.com, hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is a common condition in which the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is high enough that it can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease. Certain dietary supplements, along with a healthy, balanced diet and sufficient amounts of aerobic exercise, may help manage your high blood pressure. Before taking supplements to treat your condition, consult your physician for information on dosage and possible side effects.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 may be helpful for regulating your blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, coenzyme Q10 is a compound found naturally in your mitochondria, which make energy in your cells. Coenzyme Q10 is involved in making adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is your cells' principle energy source.
Coenzyme Q10 is involved in other biological processes too. If you have hypertension, taking coenzyme Q10 might significantly lower your blood pressure. The UMMC states that several clinical studies support the use of coenzyme Q10 to lower elevated systolic blood pressure--the top number in blood pressure readings--by up to 17mmHg. However, it may take four to 12 weeks before you see any benefits. Before taking coenzyme Q10 to lower your blood pressure, consult your physician for information on dosage and possible side effects.
Fish Oil
Fish oil may help lower elevated blood pressure. The American Heart Association, or AHA, states that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, benefit the hearts of healthy people and individuals at risk or who have cardiovascular disease. According to the AHA, research has shown a connection between omega-3 fatty acid consumption and decreased risk of irregular heartbeat, decreased triglyceride levels, decreased growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and decreased blood pressure. The two principle types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic, or DHA. Some studies suggest that DHA may have greater effects on blood pressure than EPA or mixed fish oil supplements. Before taking fish oil to treat your elevated blood pressure, consult your physician for information on dosage and possible side effects.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a dietary supplement that may help regulate your blood pressure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, the leaf and flower of hawthorn is used to make liquid extracts. Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus oxycantha, has been used to treat certain cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, angina and hypertension. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that hawthorn is a mild anti-hypertensive, although it usually does not work immediately. In fact, it may take up to one month to see any hypotensive effect. According to Mitchell, hawthorn provides a number of procyanadin molecules that act as antioxidants in the tissues of your arteries. Procyanadins also stabilize and strengthen your arteries' connective tissues. Before taking hawthorn for blood pressure problems, consult your physician for information on dosage and potential side effects.
