High blood pressure is a silent killer. If untreated, it can lead to stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease. A healthy life-style goes a long way towards being able to reduce high blood pressure, from reducing sodium intake to regular physical activity and eating the right foods for blood pressure control. The following specific remedies are often prescribed to reduce or control high blood pressure.
Here’s a Tasty Smoothie That Lowers High Blood Pressure
Vitamin E has been found to be effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and reducing clots when taken in small amounts. It is very important that vitamin E intake is increased slowly in cases of high blood pressure due to its stimulating action on the heart.
The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is low, at around 15mg a day or 22 International Units (IU). It’s recommended at a higher dose for adults, if taken as a supplement; around 400 to 800 IU. However this quantity is not recommended for patients with a history of heart attack or stroke.
Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, and is vital to maintain healthy organ function in the body. At the RDA it is considered perfectly safe with no side-effects, however very high doses can cause nausea, fatigue, rash, bruising and bleeding, weakness, headache and double-vision. Click the images below for best Vitamin E Sources. Image Source: Health Aliciousness
Vitamin C Lowers High Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that high levels of vitamin C, lowers high blood pressure. High plasma levels of vitamin C in patients is found to correlate to lower high blood pressure, even at low doses. Vitamin C has been proven effective in a variety of areas, from treating scurvy to reducing clots and improving iron absorption.
The RDA of Vitamin C for adult non-smoking men is 90mg and for women is 75 mg; smokers need an additional 35mg.Vitamin C is vital for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-Carnitine and some neurotransmitters. It is considered safe at normal doses. Doses over 2000mg are considered potentially unsafe, with the risk of kidney stones and in some cases severe diarrhea. Below are some Vitamin C rich Foods. Click images to enlarge.
Liver Toning Herbs
Herbs such as dandelion, burdock, milk thistle and centaury help the liver, the organ that works to detoxify the body. Commonly considered liver toners, these herbs can be eaten or drunk as tea and infusions. These powerful herbs are often bitter tasting, and most people prefer to take them in capsule form. While dosage can vary from manufacturer, users should always follow the RDA stated on the label.
Dandelion root and milk thistle seeds contain compounds that increase bile production and aid digestion. They help the liver to remove toxins quickly and effectively. Burdock contains powerful anti-oxidants, and studies have shown an improvement in the liver function of heavy drinkers, helping the liver to heal itself and protecting it from further damage. Centaury enhances gastric secretion, and has been used to treat jaundice and as a purifier. Herbal supplements can be found in capsule, tea or infusion form from most herbal shops.
More Herbs That Lower High Blood Pressure
There are a number of herbs that work actively to lower blood pressure, such as garlic, mistletoe and crataegus, commonly known as hawthorne. These herbs may interact with prescription medicines, so always confirm use with a doctor or specialist before using.
Mistletoe extract has been shown to effectively reduce high blood pressure. European and American mistletoe is poisonous and should not be eaten; extraction must not be attempted at home.
Hawthorn can be found in jam, jelly and wine, and is commonly used to treat different ailments as a poultice or a tea. Taken in pill form it can reduce high blood pressure and increase circulation while preventing clots. Some people can suffer from nosebleeds, insomnia, palpitations, fatigue and sweating when using crataegus.
Garlic causes the blood vessels to dilate and relax, reducing blood pressure. Some people can’t abide the taste, even of roasted garlic – supplemental capsules are found in most supermarkets.
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