Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid found in large amounts in your body's muscle tissues. It is a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body produces taurine on its own, although it can also be found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and dairy products. Taurine plays an important role in maintaining healthy physiological functions throughout your body. It is particularly abundant in your brain and heart, and may be helpful in lowering blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure refers to the amount of pressure in your arteries, the blood vessels which carry blood away from the heart. It is measured in two numbers, systolic pressure written over diastolic pressure, as in 118/75. Systolic is the pressure in the arteries when your heart muscle contracts, while diastolic is the pressure in the arteries when your rests between beats. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure readings are 120/80 or below.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is divided into three stages. In prehypertension, blood pressure numbers are a systolic reading of 120 to 139 or a diastolic reading of 80 to 89. Stage 1 hypertension has a systolic reading of 140 to 159 or a diastolic reading of 90 to 99. Blood pressure readings of Stage 2 hypertension are a systolic reading of 160 or higher or a diastolic reading of 100 or higher. A single reading above normal does not mean that you have high blood pressure. The readings must remain high over a period of time for you to be diagnosed with hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, about one in three adults in the U.S. have hypertension.
How It Works
Taurine may help to lower blood pressure in several ways. One of its many effects on your body is a diuretic effect. Diuretics help control blood pressure by ridding the body of excess salt and water. They are often prescribed for patients with hypertension. Taurine may also aid in lowering blood pressure by helping to suppress your central nervous system which relaxes arteries. In addition, the University of Michigan Health System reports that taurine may help in lowering blood pressure by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine or adrenaline. You should always check with a health care professional before taking taurine or any other supplement.
Other Heart Conditions
In addition to blood pressure, taurine may be helpful in managing other conditions of the heart and circulatory system. According to the University of Michigan, it may aid in the treatment of congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and diabetes, among other medical conditiions. Before taking taurine or any other supplement, you should consult your doctor for appropriate dosages.
