Natural Cures for High Blood Pressure

Diet and lifestyle   changes can do a great deal toward lowering high blood pressure. Consuming a   diet rich in plant foods is a great way to start. In addition the following   supplements may help one avoid pharmaceutical medications.

• Magnesium This        mineral has a relaxant effect on the nervous system and blood vessel        walls. It is commonly deficient in the U.S. diet and is commonly        depleted by alcohol and caffeine consumption. It is also thought that        high stress levels deplete the body’s magnesium. Lastly, some        pharmaceutical medications cause this nutrient to be depleted.
• Fish Oil        Fish oil has several benefits for the cardiovascular system. In        particular it reduces the inflammatory response common to many        cardiovascular conditions. It also has a blood-thinning effect, which        reduces pressure inside the artery walls. Over 31 trials have        demonstrated that fish oil lowers blood pressure.
• CoQ10        Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin like compound that also provides many benefits        for the cardiovascular system.
  Several studies have shown that CoQ10 reduces blood pressure. In one        study, researchers followed 109 patients with essential hypertension who        were administered CoQ10 in addition to their existing drug regimen.        Participants had significantly improved systolic and diastolic blood        pressure, and 51% of patients were able to discontinue use of all        pharmaceutical medication.
  In an additional study published in the European Journal of Clinical        Nutrition involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled        study of patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects who received CoQ10        experienced a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood        pressure.
• Melatonin        This over-the-counter hormone is commonly used to help fight insomnia.        Research has also shown it to be beneficial for nighttime hypertension.        This is important, since elevated blood pressure at night injures the        heart and blood vessels just as it does during the day.
• Potassium        Potassium is a key mineral for the reduction of blood pressure. It must        be maintained in good balance with sodium. More than 33 trials have        demonstrated that potassium lowers blood pressure.