Blood pressure can rise several times a day, for instance if you're running or stressed. But you have high blood pressure if you have three or more consecutive readings over time that are equal to or higher than 140/90 milliliters of mercury, or mmHG. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk of several health problems, but curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, may help lower blood pressure and ward off complications. However, consult your doctor before taking it.
What is Blood Pressure?
Your blood pressure is the force blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. The two numbers used to measure your blood pressure represent systolic pressure, which is the first number and measures pressure when your heart beats, and diastolic, which is the second number and measures your pressure when your heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHG or lower. If you usually have readings between 120 and 139 systolic and 80 and 89 diastolic, you have prehypertension.
Turmeric and Curcumin
For about 4,000 years, turmeric has been a trusted treatment for wounds, skin diseases, digestive problems, liver problems and inflammation. It is a common remedy in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Turmeric contains an active substance called curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help defend your body against free radicals, which are harmful particles that can damage and kill cell membranes in your body.
Benefits of Curcumin
By protecting cells from damage, curcumin helps keep blood vessels healthy, thereby allowing smoother flow of blood. Curcumin also helps lower inflammation by blocking inflammation-causing enzymes, COX-2 and LOX. Inflammation damages cells and plays a role in cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and heart disease. Furthermore, curcumin helps prevent blood clots -- the thinner your blood, the lower your blood pressure.
How to Take Turmeric
You won't get enough curcumin to treat high blood pressure by eating turmeric, so you may need to take a supplement. Turmeric is available in tincture, fluid extract, standardized powder or capsule form. For general health, adults can take 400 to 600 mg of standardized curcumin powder three times daily or 30 to 90 drops of fluid extract daily. However, speak to your doctor about the appropriate amount of curcumin to take to lower blood pressure.
Precautions
Don't exceed the recommended dose of turmeric or curcumin. In high doses, it may cause stomach upset and ulcers. If you have diabetes, turmeric may lower blood sugar to dangerous levels, especially if you're also taking diabetes medication. Do not take curcumin before speaking to a physician if you have gallstones, a bile duct disorder or if you're taking medications such as stomach-acid drugs or blood thinners, including aspirin.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Pressure
- Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- American Heart Association: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings
- "The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healthy Foods"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2008
