Although there are a number of prescription and over the counter medications a doctor can prescribe to someone with high blood pressure, they have in the past seemed to be reluctant to offer natural blood pressure reduction options to patients. This may be partly responsible for the current backlash, with more people seeking to lower blood pressure naturally.
It is estimated that the number of people who will suffer with hypertension by the year 2025 will be 1.56billion. This huge number and growth seems to be due to the further “westernization” of developing counties, and the adoption of poor diets and sedentary lifestyles.
Even in the industrialized nations the number of cases of high blood pressure are growing, and it is estimated that about a third of the people who have elevated blood pressure are not aware and go undiagnosed. Of those who are diagnosed, it is estimated that about 50% of them do not take the blood pressure medication as prescribed.
The complications of high blood pressure are grave, increasing the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
So, what can a person with hypertension do to lower high blood pressure?
Firstly, it is worth noting that natural methods to relieve high blood pressure, although effective, should not replace the prescribed medication given by a doctor. Generally, if medication has been prescribed it is because the blood pressure is too high and needs to be reduced as quickly as possible to lower the risk of complications.
That being said, there are a number of complementary supplements and dietary options that can help lower blood pressure. Just be sure to speak with the doctor to ensure they are aware of your actions and can warn of any potential interactions that may take place with conventional medication.
Some of the foods that have been studied and been shown to help alleviate high blood pressure include, garlic, fish oil as well as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
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In a meta analysis of 7 trials which tested the usefulness of garlic supplements to help reduce blood pressure, the researchers concluded that Garlic powder supplements may be of use for patients with hypertension. The study found that 3 trials revealed a reduction in systolic blood pressure and 4 reported a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.
CoQ10 showed itself to be a natural blood pressure reliever after a 12-week trial involving 83 people with systolic high blood pressure who were given CoQ10 supplements twice per day. They showed a significant reduction in blood pressure once the 12 weeks had elapsed.
There have also been some studies that preliminarily show fish oil may have a modest impact on reducing blood pressure. The active ingredient is thought to be docohexaenoic acid (DHA), which is believed to have the effect of lowering blood pressure levels.
There has also been excellent research carried out that shows a controlled diet which increases the volume of fresh fruit and vegetables and removes foods high in fat or sodium can have as much of an impact on reducing high blood pressure as blood pressure medication.
Exercise is an important factor in high blood pressure reduction and prevention. Compared to 20 years ago the lives we lead now are much more sedentary and so the need to exercise in order to ensure weight is controlled and we have a healthy cardiovascular system is more important than it previously was.
Even a small amount of exercise daily can make a big difference to blood pressure levels. However, if a person is overweight, then they should speak to their doctor before throwing him or herself into exercise.
New methods to lower blood pressure naturally are being studied each day, so make sure that you keep abreast of the latest information by signing up to our regular newsletter below.
By: Paul J Johnson
