High blood pressure often leads to life-threatening heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Cod liver oil, a form of fish oil, contains omega-3 fatty acids that are useful in lowering triglyceride levels and helps lower blood pressure, Drugs.com notes. Your body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids so you must take them from dietary sources or supplements. Exercise and eat healthily to fully experience the benefits of taking cod liver oil. Always consult your doctor prior to taking cod liver oil supplements to lower your risk of potential side effects and adverse reactions.
Dose
Cod liver oil dose should be based on omega-3 fatty acid content instead of cod liver oil amount, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Do not give cod liver oil to children because there is currently no established recommended dose for them. Adults should take about 4 g of cod liver oil each day to lower blood pressure, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, advises. Taking 4 g/day also reduces the risk of long-term rise in blood pressure. Taking 6 g of cod liver oil daily for three months will alleviate arterial hardening. Reduce this dose to 3 g/day to prevent your arteries from hardening again.
Cod Liver Oil and Blood Pressure
Taking cod liver oil will help lower your blood pressure because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains cause a temporary relaxation within your blood vessels, MedlinePlus notes. Dilating your blood vessels reduces blood pressure. Cod liver oil is also effective in lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lowering these lipid levels also helps prevent your blood vessels from becoming clogged or congested, lowering your risk of developing hypertension.
Other Uses
People with diabetes have low levels of high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Cod liver oil helps increase HDL levels and lower the risk of developing hypertension or high blood sugar. Cod liver oil also helps reduce the risk of developing blood vessel blocks after heart surgery or transplant, MedlinePlus notes. This also helps lower your risk of developing hypertension.
Side Effects and Interactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction after taking cod liver oil supplements. Examples of severe allergies to cod liver oil include swelling of the facial area, breathing problems, irregular heartbeats and stomach upset, Drugs.com notes. There is a risk that cod liver oil supplements will potentiate the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin and beta-blockers like metoprolol.
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