Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

There are many natural solutions for lowering blood pressure available on the market today. A good place to start is with a low-salt diet and exercise. Recently, both vitamin C and vitamin D have been shown to lower blood pressure in women, as have several herbs. It is possible to avoid using pharmaceuticals to reduce your blood pressure, as well as to use natural remedies in addition to current medication you may be taking (provided you discuss this with your physician). Here's a look at some of the possibilities:

Vitamin C is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus such as oranges and grapefruit, as well as in broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin C has an anti-oxidant effect and is known to help the body build muscle, blood, and collagen. It is also useful in anemia, to aid the body’s absorption of iron.

A study conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Growth and Health demonstrated the beneficial affect of vitamin C on blood pressure. Two hundred and forty-two women participated in the study over ten years. Starting with women at the age of eight, of varying ethnicities, the study showed that those with higher vitamin C levels maintained lower blood pressure, both lower systolic and diastolic levels. Those with the highest intake of vitamin C, 1.83 mg per deciliter of blood, showed the lowest blood pressure readings: 4.66mmHg lower systolic blood pressure and 6.04 lower diastolic. This research demonstrates that vitamin C is indeed beneficial in lowering blood pressure/

Vitamin D, manufactured in your skin when exposed to sunlight, is also a blood pressure-lowering mechanism in the body. Vitamin D stimulates the formation of a molecule called renin. Renin breaks down angiotensin II, which is what causes high blood pressure. Vitamin D speaks to the genes that control renin production and encourages diminished activity. With less renin produced, the body produces less angiotensin II and this is what lowers the blood pressure.

Current recommended doses of vitamin D are between 2,000 and 10,000 IU a day. A blood test can determine if your blood level is around 40-60 ng/ml, the recommended level. Be patient with supplementation. It can take from six to eight months for the increased vitamin D dosage to take its full effect.

Magnesium is recommended for high blood pressure because it helps relax the walls of the arteries and thereby increases blood flow. Magnesium also helps the body convert food into energy, thereby aiding the exercise regimes that help to lower blood pressure as well. Magnesium is naturally found in green vegetables, nuts, wheat germ, beans, and molasses.

Herbal Remedies
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina) is well known for its beneficial aid for high blood pressure. It is known as a “hypertensive botanical.” This herb can be taken in tea, capsules, or tincture, and small amounts have a beneficial result. There are only few side effects from taking Rauwolfia, such as stuffy nose. Hawthorne (Crataegus oxyacantha) dilates blood vessels, which then lowers blood pressure. This herb contains flavonoids that prevent the further narrowing of the vessels. Hawthorne has been shown to lower blood pressure by 10-15 points over eight weeks. Continued use is not always necessary, as Hawthorne has the function of strengthening the heart muscles and encouraging strong contractions, which leads to better blood flow.

Nature has provided a storehouse of nutrients that help lower blood pressure. A healthy diet, along with exercise, can prevent this disease that affects over 50 million Americans.