Vinegar and garlic are used in cooking, but they are both taken medicinally as well. Some take one or the other, or use them in combination, to help prevent or manage cancer, arthritis, cold and flu symptoms, and to treat a variety of heart conditions, including high blood pressure. However, both high and low blood pressure can be serious, and herbal remedies can cause side effects, so it is always best to check with your physician to see if garlic and vinegar are safe for you to take.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force that blood places against your blood vessel walls as it is pumped through your body. Blood pressure is recorded as a fraction, and the top, or systolic, number represents the heart when it is beating. The bottom, or diastolic, number represents the heart at rest. Blood pressure that goes too high or too low can cause a variety of health concerns and symptoms. To prevent complications, the American Heart Association recommends keeping your systolic pressure at less than 120 mm Hg and your diastolic at less than 80 mm Hg. There is no set number for blood pressure that is too low; it is only considered a problem if it is accompanied by symptoms.
Garlic and Blood Pressure
Garlic is high in antioxidants. More research is needed, but consuming garlic may help to reduce your risk of heart disease by improving blood flow and cholesterol levels, and by inhibiting free radicals from damaging the blood vessel walls, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. All of the above changes may lead to a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Garlic may also lower the amount of two other substances that play a role in heart disease: homocysteine and C-reactive protein. While there is no one known amount of garlic that helps, a general recommendation is to consume 2 to 4 g per day of fresh minced garlic.
Garlic Side Effects
Taking garlic can reduce blood pressure by 7 to 8 percent even in those who do not have high blood pressure, according to MedlinePlus. However, both fresh and processed garlic may increase your chances of bleeding and can cause bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor and diarrhea. Garlic can interact with other medications, so it should only be used under medical supervision. If you and your doctor decide to use garlic supplements, it is important to note that the amount of garlic in each individual product can vary widely. The health benefits of garlic are believed to be due to the active ingredient allicin, and the amount of allicin in supplements depends on how the product was processed.
Vinegar and High Blood Pressure
While garlic may possibly help lower blood pressure, there is not enough scientific evidence that vinegar can do the same. While garlic and vinegar are considered generally safe to consume, limiting fat, cholesterol and salt, and getting regular exercise, are still the best ways to keep your blood pressure numbers under control, notes MayoClinic.com. If you want to try either remedy, the best bet is to add them to foods instead of taking supplements. However, if you do decide to try supplements, talk with your doctor first to avoid complications or interactions with other medications you are taking.
