Blood pressure is the force exerted by the flowing blood on the walls of arteries. A variety of factors including excessive salt or water in the body, hormonal imbalance, clogged arteries and poor brain or kidney function can lead to hypertension, or high blood pressure, a condition that affects about 33 percent of the American population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your doctor may prescribe medications along with a healthy diet and exercise to treat the hypertension. Certain foods such as vinegar may also help manage the condition.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a form of acetic acid made by the fermentation of fermentable carbohydrate sources such as dates, apples, pears, grapes, grains and potatoes. For centuries, it has been used as a flavoring agent in foods and also to treat a variety of conditions including infections, heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. The dose may be different in different people. Your doctor may help establish a regimen that is right for you, based on your age and overall health.
Role in Hypertension
The acetic acid found in vinegar helps lower blood pressure significantly in hypertensive rats, according to a study published in a 2001 issue of the journal “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry." A May 2006 review article in the “Medscape Journal of Medicine” also reveals that vinegar may regulate the renin-angiotensin system in the body, which is responsible for controlling the blood pressure. The authors of the study, however, point out the benefits of vinegar have been demonstrated in laboratory animals only, and actual clinical trials are needed before it can replace your existing hypertension medications. Vinegar may also help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in laboratory animals, says a study published in the December 2008 issue of the “Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences.” This may, in turn, help lessen high blood pressure.
Side Effects
Vinegar has been used as a condiment for centuries and is generally considered safe even during pregnancy and nursing. It may, however, lead to the inflammation of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus in rare cases. It may also cause hypokalemia, or reduced blood potassium levels, occasionally.
Precautions
Vinegar is easily available at most food stores, but you must talk to a doctor before using it to control high blood pressure. Also, make sure the product you intend to use is pure and has been tested for safety and efficacy.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hypertension
- "Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Biomedicine"; Antihypertensive Effects of Acetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; Shino Kondo, et al.; 2001
- "Medscape Journal of Medicine"; Vinegar: Medicinal Uses and Antiglycemic Effect; Carol S. Johnston, et al.; May 2006
- "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences"; Apple Cider Vinegar Attenuates Lipid Profile in Normal and Diabetic Rats; F. Shishehbor, et al.; December 2008
- PubMed Health: Hypertension
