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Our blood pressure fluctuates during the day, depending on our activities. Habits, especially unhealthy ones, can also influence BP. If our blood pressure becomes unstable, it could cause potential health problems. BP indicates the pressure of blood that flows through our arteries. If there are any blockages, there can be problems. If it flows too fast or too slow, that can cause other problems.
Hypertension, or having consistently higher than normal BP, is a medical condition that increases the risk of heart disease and premature death. The number of people who have high BP worldwide is phenomenal!
The cause is mostly diet and lifestyle. These two factors significantly influence our blood pressure levels. For example, obesity, not getting enough physical activity, and unhealthy habits such as smoking can all increase blood pressure levels.
The wonderful thing is that it can be avoided and reversed. However, it would help if you made healthy lifestyle changes first and foremost. You can also take supplements to help lower high blood pressure levels as part of your management plan.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for different bodily functions, including regulating blood pressure. It works by increasing nitric oxide production, which relaxes the blood vessels to allow better blood flow. Magnesium can help prevent hypertension (high blood pressure) and help lower high blood sugar levels.
Some people have seen results within a few months. Regardless of how long it takes, magnesium is a nutrient we all need for optimum health.
Potassium
Another mineral vital to our overall health is potassium. Among its functions is lowering BP; it also helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Potassium effectively regulates blood pressure by helping release sodium through the urine, and doctors have linked high sodium levels to hypertension. Potassium can also help relax the walls of blood vessels, leading to lower BP.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital nutrients in keeping our bodies functioning well. This nutrient would have to be one of the top supplements available today! It can help with many health problems. Among its functions are keeping blood vessels healthy and lowering high blood pressure.
Fish oil, a great omega-3 source, is also generally beneficial to heart health. It can help lower blood lipid levels and inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease. Krill oil and cod liver oil are also high in omega-3s.
Dietary Fiber
Increasing fiber intake is a popular, natural way to lower blood pressure. It also helps reduce high cholesterol levels and has many other benefits. Taking fiber supplements in either pill or powder form mixed with water, such as psyllium or methylcellulose, is a safe way to increase your fiber intake if you don’t eat enough fiber-rich foods.
B Vitamins (Folic Acid)
B-group vitamins are vital in several body processes. Some of the B vitamins, specifically folic acid, and riboflavin, are beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Folic acid, also called vitamin B9, may effectively regulate blood pressure, especially among people diagnosed with heart disease.
Garlic
Garlic has long been proven an excellent natural supplement for improving heart health, including regulating BP. Supplementing with garlic may be a natural way to decrease blood pressure, which is significant enough to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.
Taking supplements is an excellent way to manage blood pressure levels and improve overall health. However, increasing your supplement intake is just one way. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce blood pressure and your risk of developing other life-threatening diseases.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- Zhang, X., Li, Y., Del Gobbo, L. C., Rosanoff, A., Wang, J., Zhang, W., & Song, Y. (2016). Effects of magnesium supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(10), 1129-1136. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.46
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure