If you have high blood pressure, or BP, it is important that you eat a healthy diet, get plenty of physical activity, practice stress management techniques and maintain a healthy weight. Supplements can play a supporting role in your lifestyle modifications, but they should only be taken under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
Fiber Supplements
A fiber supplement is important to help absorb fats and toxins in the bloodstream and remove them from the body. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition recommends taking a ground flaxseed, oat bran, pectin, psyllium, guar gum or rice bran fiber supplement, and supplementing with 5g three times daily.
B6, B12 and Folic Acid Supplements
CSNN also recommends taking Vitamin B6, B12 and B9, which is commonly referred to as folic acid. These B vitamins help to lower homocysteine levels, as high homocysteine can contribute to high blood pressure, adds CSNN.
Essential Fatty Acid Supplements
Phyllis Balch suggests in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" taking an essential fatty acid supplement such as flaxseed oil or primrose oil. Balch says that essential fatty acids are important for circulation and for lowering blood pressure. CSNN recommends taking a fish oil supplement that contains 1g to 2g of the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, because several studies have shown omega-3s to effectively lower elevated BP levels.
Antioxidant Supplements
Antioxidants are important for proper health and the treatment of high blood pressure, and CSNN notes that many people with hypertension are deficient in them. CSNN recommends taking an antioxidant supplement that contains a blend of vitamins A, C and E; carotenes; and selenium. Vitamins C and E may be particularly beneficial antioxidants. Balch says that vitamin C can reduce blood-clotting potential and support healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. She adds that vitamin E is beneficial for people with high BP because it both thins the blood and strengthens the heart. The recommended dose is 100 international units of vitamin E twice daily for the first two weeks, and then gradually increasing to 400 IU twice daily, according to Ross Trattler in his book "Better Health Through Natural Healing."
Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
Another antioxidant supplement that may be helpful is coenzyme Q10. CSNN explains that CoQ10 is an enzyme found naturally in your body that is essential for the breakdown of fatty acids and the production of energy. Balch adds that CoQ10 helps to improve heart function. If you are on statin drugs, it may be particularly helpful because statins deplete CoQ10 in your body. The recommended dose is 100mg to 300mg daily, taken with food and preferably in a soft gel form for maximum absorbability.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; 2008
- "Better Health Through Natural Healing"; Ross Trattler, N.D.; 2003
