Certain vitamins that can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure may be extremely beneficial for some. Having an excessively high blood sugar, which may lead to diabetes, coupled with high blood pressure significantly increases your chances for developing heart disease. The knowledge on the benefits of vitamins increases everyday and we now know several vitamins promote health.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 works to maintain your blood glucose, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. When your blood glucose levels drop beyond a safe range, your body works to move stored glucose out of the liver and into your blood. Vitamin B6 is an essential part of this process. Vitamin B6 assists the process of turning stored carbohydrates and nutrients into glucose for release into the bloodstream.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help improve both blood sugar and blood pressure levels. For blood sugar vitamin D can improve the body's insulin sensitivity. A greater response to the presence of insulin can help keep blood sugar from rising too high after a meal. Vitamin D also helps to maintain blood vessel health, which can keep your blood pressure from rising. Vitamin D helps blood vessels maintain pliability, which allows them to dilate as needed, thus reducing the resistance to blood flow and keeping blood pressure low.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another vitamin that can be attributed to improving your metabolic and cardiovascular health. A study published in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research" in 2007 analyzed the effects of supplementary vitamin C on the blood glucose levels of diabetics. Eighty-four patients with type 2 diabetes were given either 500 or 1,000 mg of vitamin C over six weeks. At the end of the study, those receiving 1,000 mg supplements achieved a decrease in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin levels, indicating an improvement in their diabetes. Vitamin C can also help with blood pressure facilitating the vasodilation of blood vessels. When vessels are able to relax, blood pressure lessens.
Methods and Safety
The best way to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need is to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Many vitamins need to be taken in excess to elicit a response concerning blood pressure or blood glucose. For instance, the study published in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research" found that 1,000 mg of vitamin C was necessary. On the other hand, just getting adequate intake of other vitamins, such as vitamin D, may be all you need to gain the health benefits. To obtain the correct amount of vitamins, you may consider taking a multivitamin or a vitamin supplement. However, before taking anything, always check with your physician. He or she may have the best advice on the course of action for your condition.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Heart Disease Risk Factors; February 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- Life Extension; Vitamin D Supports Health Blood Sugar; Steven V. Joyal, MD; October 2009
- Science Daily.com; Vitamin D Levels Linked With Health of Blood Vessels; April 2011
- "Indian Journal of Medical Research"; Effect of Vitamin C on Blood Glucose, Serum Lipids and Serum Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients; M. Afkhami-Ardekani et al.; 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon, PhD; January 2006
