Hypertension affects many Americans, and can lead to serious health complications if left uncontrolled. MedlinePlus states that blood pressure readings over 120/80 mm Hg may be a sign that you have hypertension. However, many factors can temporarily increase your blood pressure. Several blood pressure measurements are required before a diagnosis of hypertension. Visit your doctor before taking dietary supplements to manage your hypertension, as some supplements may be inappropriate for you and your condition.
Hypertension and Health
Hypertension, reports MayoClinic.com, can take many years to develop. Most people with hypertension are unaware that anything in their body is amiss, as hypertension rarely causes observable signs or symptoms. However, some people may feel dizzy or experience headaches associated with this condition. Most cases of hypertension are known as primary hypertension and have no known cause. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another condition, such as congenital blood vessel defects or kidney problems.
Dietary Supplements
According to Dr. Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician and author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," there are numerous herbal and non-herbal dietary supplements that may help treat your hypertension. Marz states that herbal dietary supplements for hypertension include hawthorn and garlic. Other herbal supplements for hypertension include onion and mistletoe. Non-herbal dietary supplements for hypertension include calcium citrate, magnesium, essential fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin B6. For optimal health benefits, dietary supplements for hypertension should be combined with increased levels of physical activity.
A Popular Supplement
Vitamin C is a popular dietary supplement for the treatment of hypertension. According to Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," the greater your intake of vitamin C, the lower your blood pressure. Vitamin C possesses the ability to modestly lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, notes Pizzorno. Vitamin C also promotes the excretion of lead from your body. Lead is associated with hypertension and increased cardiovascular mortality.
Precautions
Dietary supplements can have significant effects on your body's physiological processes. Dietary supplements should be used under the supervision and guidance of your physician. Consider visiting a physician who has extensive training in clinical nutrition and botanical medicine before taking supplements to treat your hypertension. A qualified health care professional can help explain proper dosage, methods of use, duration of treatment and the possible risks and drug interactions associated with specific dietary supplements.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hypertension
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D.; 2002
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