Blood pressure is regulated by a highly involved system in our body, and can fluctuate greatly depending on our level of stress and activity. Hypertension, or high blood pressure as it is more commonly referred to, is known as a "silent killer" due to the fact that it can exhibit very few symptoms in the first stages. Yet if left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke and organ damage. Vitamins such as Vitamin C and nutrients such as CoQ10 have the capability to help lower blood pressure safely and effectively.
Coenzyme Q10
Consider taking the fat-soluble nutrient Coenzyme Q10. The results of a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension in 2007 showed that supplementing with CoQ10 helped reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10 percent, safely and effectively. Although there is no recommended daily intake (RDI) of CoQ10, the Linus Pauling Institute suggests supplementing with 30 to100 mg of CoQ10 daily.
Potassium
Try taking a potassium supplement. Potassium is considered to be an electrolyte, found in tissues, blood and body fluids. A study published in 1997 in the American Journal of the Medical Science found that potassium supplementation can be beneficial to those with high blood pressure. The results of the study indicated that those who had supplemented with potassium had overall lower blood pressure compared with the other group involved in the study, who supplemented with a lower daily dosage of potassium. The AI (adequate intake) of potassium is 4700 mg for adults 19 years of age and older.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, more typically known as Vitamin C, is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for good health. To help reduce systolic blood pressure, supplement with 500 mg of this vitamin every day. A study published in 1999 in the medical journal the Lancet yielded results that showed participants lowered their blood pressure by approximately 9 percent after four weeks while supplementing with 500 mg a day of Vitamin C. The RDI of Vitamin C is set at 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral our body requires for many functions such as bone health, energy production and protein synthesis. Supplementing with magnesium daily can help to moderately lower blood pressure. Some studies into magnesium supplementation by those with hypertension have indicated that patients with high blood pressure are usually magnesium deficient. The RDI of magnesium is set at 400 mg for men ages 19 to 30; for men 31 years of age and older, 420 mg. For women 19 to 30 years of age, the RDI is 310 mg, and for women 31 years and older, 320 mg.
Calcium
As the most plentiful mineral in the body, calcium can also help to lower both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Extensive research on this mineral has indicated a direct association between calcium and how it can affect blood pressure. The AI of calcium per day is set at 1000 mg for those 19 to 50 years of age, and 1200 mg for those 51 years and older. Supplementing with calcium regularly has also been shown to help prevent individuals from developing hypertension.
Tips and Cautions
The information contained herein is is not meant as a substitute for professional medical care.
Hypertension is a life-threatening disorder. If you suspect you are suffering with hypertension, see your health-care practitioner as soon as possible.
Never take any more of a vitamin than is deemed safe. Read the label's directions thoroughly for proper dosage.
Always talk with your doctor prior to starting any supplement regimen.
Tags: blood pressure, high blood, high blood pressure, years older, lower blood, study published