A new Meta analysis found supplementation with Vitamin C resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure (3.84 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 1.48 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure) and individuals with high blood pressure saw even greater results (4.85 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 1.67 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure) .
Researchers pooled data from 29 clinical trials where the median Vitamin C dosage was calculated to be 500 mg daily and the median trial lasted 8 weeks.
Approximately one billion people suffer from Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) worldwide. Hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure over 140 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure over 90 mmHg. The American Heart Association released data that shows approximately 1/3 of all adults in the United States have Hypertension, which is a leading cause of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). CVD is responsible for about 35% of all deaths annually in the US. One person dies of CVD every 39 seconds in this country.
Long term clinical trials are needed to further verify these findings.
Since we are talking about High Blood Pressure or Hypertension, let’s look this topic in more depth:
One of the leading causes of death or disability caused by stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure is High Blood Pressure. It is a very common chronic disease experienced by many people in this country. Because High Blood Pressure doesn’t produce symptoms it is referred to as the “silent killer’ and because of this often goes undetected. Some symptoms of High Blood Pressure are headaches, nosebleeds, or dizziness. Usually people develop symptoms or Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Disease or Strokes which are all complications of having uncontrolled High Blood Pressure.
A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg. What this means in during the heart’s pumping phase referred to as systolic pressure; the pressure in the arteries is 120 mmHg. The diastolic blood pressure refers to the pressure between beats when the heart is relaxing and filling with blood. Your are considered to have High Blood Pressure when your systolic blood pressure is continually over 140 mmHg and your diastolic blood pressure is consistently over 90 mmHg. Medication is the typical conventional approach to managing blood pressure. Although this approach is effective for managing High Blood Pressure, the drugs prescribed have many undesirable side effects.
Here is a look at some other nutrients found to help support healthy Blood Pressure levels:
Garlic:
Garlic is one of the most effective natural Blood Pressure lowering nutrients and has a long history of use in this area. There are many double blind studies showing the benefits of Garlic for Blood Pressure support, most of which utilize a 600 – 900 mg daily dose over at least a one month period. These studies were done on participants who had Hypertension and a significant reduction in blood pressure was seen. Garlic supplements standardized for the phyto-nutrients found in Garlic like Allicin, Allin, Sulphur, Scordinin, Ajoenes, Dithins, & Diallyl Sulfides are the most recommended.
Hawthorne Extract:
Hawthorne is an herb that has been traditionally for cardiac toning and currently has a history of use in treating Hypertension, Angina, Congestive Heart Failure as well as Arrhythmias. Hawthorne leaves and flowers are the most researched and with results that have been validated. Many studies show the benefit for Hawthorne and its ability to lower Blood Pressure. Germany’s Commission E has validated Hawthorn use for Cardiac Insufficiency, Heart Work Tolerance and for Reductions in Pressure/Heart Rate.
Cayenne:
Cayenne Pepper has been used in cooking and as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Capsaicin, the phyto-nutrient in Cayenne that gives this pepper its beneficial properties also is the compound that gives Cayenne its spicy flavor. Cayenne has been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean medicines to aid in digestion, loss of appetite and blood circulation. A study done in 2003 found capsaicin affects the sensory nerves that work with the neuro-hormonal system and helps in lowering blood pressure. Another study done in 2010 found that Cayenne activated the TRPV-1 receptor in mice which lowered blood pressure.
Forslean Coleus Forskohlii Extract:
Forskolin is found in the roots of the plant Plectranthus barbatus (Coleus Forskohlii). This plant has been used for many centuries to treat heart disorders like High Blood Pressure and Angina (Chest Pain) as well as respiratory disorders like Asthma.
Celery Seed:
Celery Seed has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in the Eastern World. Ayurvedic medicine has used Celery Seed to treat different types of arthritis, poor digestion, water retention, flu, and certain diseases of the spleen and the liver. Today Celery Seed is used mostly as a diuretic helping the body to eliminate water. Celery contains a phyto-nutrient called phthalides, which helps relax the tissues of the artery walls increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Motherwort Extract:
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an herb from the mint family. Medicinal use of the Motherwort herb date back to the early Greeks. Motherwort is a tonic for the heart, especially heart palpitations. Research shows Motherwort may have cardiac-protective abilities and has been shown to relax heart cells and help to prevent blood clots that cause heart attacks. A 2012 study using rat cells shows this herb acts like a very weak calcium channel blocker, a drug known to lower blood pressure. A 2014 study showed the antioxidants in Motherwort may protect the heart from damage.
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