Non-pharmacological management of hypertension.By Renata Trister DO

Natural Remedies For Hypertension

Renata Trister DO

Millions of adults around the world deal with hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension can be successfully managed through lifestyle modifications, medications, and natural remedies. Most people with hypertension experience improvement with prescription treatment and some may require more than one prescription medication to reach optimal blood pressure.   Dietary modifications, exercise and smoking cessation are critical to managing hypertension, with or without the use of medication.  Reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption as well as stress management are also important.

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo biloba can thin the blood while dilating your blood vessels, which allow the blood to circulate more easily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This popular herb is also high in important antioxidants, which are known to lower blood pressure.

Hawthorn – Hawthorn supports the overall health of your cardiovascular system by strengthening the walls of the heart. This herb is a tonic for heart tissue.

Cinnamon – Specifically, Ceylon Cinnamon. Studies show that consuming cinnamon every day lowers blood pressure in those with diabetes.

Cat’s Claw – Traditional Chinese medicine has used cat’s claw to treat high blood pressure as well as neurological problems. Studies show that it can help reduce your blood pressure by acting on the calcium channels inside cells.

Celery – Chinese medicine has used celery seed for hundreds of years to treat high blood pressure, but juicing the entire plant has the same action. Celery is a known diuretic, which might be why it lowers blood pressure so effectively.

Black Cumin Seeds – Or Nigella seeds. Daily use of black cumin seed extract for 2 months may have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild hypertension according to studies. It also helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which is further beneficial for cardiac health.

Flax Seed – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which is the natural precursor of the cardio-protective long-chain n-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds protect heart health by reducing serum cholesterol, stabilizing blood pressure, and improving glucose tolerance. It’s also a potent antioxidant and so easy to add to any dish. According to research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil (8d/day) lowers blood pressure. Another study found that there’s a significant reduction in both Systolic BP and Diastolic BP following supplementation with various flaxseed products. Since whole flaxseeds can pass virtually undigested through the human body, flaxseeds need to be freshly ground for best effect. Add 30 grams of freshly ground flaxseeds to your daily routine.

Recommended Foods for Heart Health (containing Antioxidants)

Cherries

Apricots

Oranges –Calcium protects the nervous system, Vitamin C

Wild blueberries (you can find these in the frozen section)

Raspberries

Blackberries

Mangos

Papayas

Watermelon

Zucchini

Broccoli

Asparagus

Kale

Artichokes

Pomegranate

Squash

Celery –contains bioavailable mineral salts –critical for everything in the body –fuel for the heart. Mineral salts conduct electricity. Magnesium. Potassium. Sodium.

Omega 3’s from Walnuts, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds.

Additional supplements for the heart

Curcumin

Resveratrol

Magnesium Glycinate

CoQ10

Barley Grass Juice Powder

Hawthorne Berry Tea

Rosehip Tea