In high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too great. High blood pressure can occur without obvious symptoms. Left unchecked, it can lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. A healthy lifestyle, including salt reduction and exercise, may help lower blood pressure. Supplements may also be beneficial, but they are not a substitute for advice and treatment from a qualified health care professional.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for normal growth and health. Because they cannot be synthesized in the body, omega-3s must be obtained through food. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a study that concluded that daily doses of 3 g or more of omega-3s may help lower blood pressure. Omega-3s convey other cardiovascular benefits, including the reduction of heart-disease inducing cholesterol. Oily fish like lake trout, mackerel, herring and salmon are excellent sources of omega-3s, but non-fish eaters can meet their omega-3 requirements through fish oil supplements. The American Heart Association recommends 2 or more servings of fish per week for optimal cardiovascular health.
Vitamins and Minerals
In his book "Integrative Medicine," physician David Rakel lists magnesium, potassium and vitamin C as nutrients that play a role in healthy blood pressure. Rakel recounts two studies in which magnesium was the dietary factor with the highest correlation to high blood pressure. Potassium, a mineral and electrolyte, is sometimes prescribed by physicians for high blood pressure. It's best to get potassium through potassium-rich foods like bananas, pumpkin, spinach and squash, but it is also available in well-formulated multivitamins. According to Rakel, preliminary studies on vitamin C have shown that it may modestly lower blood pressure. Ask a qualified health care practitioner if these supplements are appropriate for you.
Herbal Supplements
Dr. Rakel suggests garlic and hawthorn as useful herbs for lowering high blood pressure. He describes a meta-analysis of research studies which concluded that garlic is moderately effective for that purpose. The meta-analysis not only showed that garlic is beneficial in hypertension, it also showed garlic reduced cholesterol levels by 9 percent. Hawthorn is both prescribed by physicians in Europe and recommended by traditional herbalists for high blood pressure. Considered to be a general cardiovascular tonic, hawthorn may also help alleviate angina and abnormal heart rhythms. Use these herbs under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, often abbreviated as CoQ10, is a natural substance present in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for energy production. CoQ10 supplements are often used to increase energy and boost immunity. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, CoQ10 was shown to lower blood pressure without significant side effects in small clinical trials. However, the antihypertensive benefits of this supplement may not be apparent for 1 to 3 months. More research is needed before CoQ10 can be widely recommended for lowering blood pressure.
References
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
