Blood pressure-lowering supplements: 5 of the best options – Medical News Today
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Some dietary supplements may help lower blood pressure when people take them as part of a healthful lifestyle. These include potassium, Omega-3, and certain probiotics.
Doctors refer to high blood pressure as hypertension. It affects about
According to the
Research has also shown that some foods and dietary supplements
Some people will need to take medications to treat hypertension. There is
However, the following supplements could help lower blood pressure:
Potassium is a mineral that the body uses to keep the heart, kidneys, and other organs working properly. It counters the effects of salt in the blood and eases tension in the walls of the blood vessels, both of which
Most people will be able to increase their potassium intake by eating more foods rich in this mineral, such as avocados, bananas, milk, yogurt, mushrooms, orange juice, potatoes, tomatoes, and tuna.
For some people, such as those with kidney disorders, too much potassium will do more harm than good. Anyone considering taking a potassium supplement to help with their blood pressure should speak to their doctor first.
Learn more about potassium-rich foods here.
Potassium supplements are available for purchase here.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many functions within the body, including keeping the blood vessels healthy.
Oily fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines, provide plenty of omega-3. Other good sources include nuts and seeds, such as chia seeds and walnuts.
Some people do not get enough omega-3 from their diet and so choose to take supplements. Fish oil, krill oil, and cod liver oil are all available from drugstores and grocery stores. Alternatively, algal oil is made from algae and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Learn about some of the best sources of omega-3 here.
Omega-3 supplements are available for purchase here.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast. They help people keep a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
People usually take probiotics in the form of fermented foods and yogurt or as dietary supplements. These products might contain a variety of microorganisms, each of which has a different effect. Some of the most common are the bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.
The study of gut bacteria is an emerging area of science. Due to this, researchers are not yet sure which microorganisms are best for lowering blood pressure or what dosages people should take.
Learn more about probiotic-rich foods here.
Probiotics supplements are available for purchase here.
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a type of hibiscus. People may also call it roselle, Florida cranberry, red sorrel, or Jamaican sorrel. People have used it as a natural medicine for many years, and they can consume it as either a supplement or a tea.
The authors of a 2015 review of all the available evidence concluded that consuming this plant in the form of a tea could lower blood pressure. However, researchers need to carry out more studies before they can be sure of how it works or how much people should drink.
Learn more about the potential health benefits of hibiscus tea here.
H. sabdariffa supplements are available for purchase here.
The human body needs calcium to build bones and to make the blood clot, the muscles contract, and the heart beat. It is an essential mineral.
A 2015 review found that an increased calcium intake could lower blood pressure, but only slightly. The authors noted that more studies were necessary before doctors could be sure of how it works and how much people should take.
Most people will get all of the calcium that they need from their diet. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables, and canned oily fish with bones.
For those who are unable to get enough calcium from their food, calcium supplements are available from drugstores, grocery stores, and online.
Learn more about calcium here.
Calcium supplements are available for purchase here.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is common.
It can damage the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. Over time, it can result in heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or chronic kidney disease.
The best way for people to lower their blood pressure is by following a healthful lifestyle. Doing this involves eating a healthful diet that is rich in all of the nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy.
Some people may not be able to get all of the vitamins and minerals that they need from their diet. For these individuals, dietary supplements may help. Anyone who is worried about their blood pressure should speak to a doctor.
Last medically reviewed on June 17, 2020
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