Natural Treatments For High Blood Pressure Are Available

By Bart Forcey

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one out of every three adults in the United States. Approximately one-third of these individuals will experience no symptoms until it is too late. Some symptoms such as headaches and feeling light-headed are common and often ignored. If you know that you are at risk of developing high blood pressure, it may interest you to know that natural treatment for high blood pressure can be easily incorporated into your life now to prevent problems down the road.

Recent studies have shown that Coenzyme Q10 has the ability to reduce both systolic and diastolic pressure. CoQ10 is produced naturally in the body. It is a key factor in the production of energy in the mitochondria. A fat-soluble substance, CoQ10 should only be used in conjunction with other approved treatments and under the supervision of a physician.

Garlic naturally thins the blood. It improves circulation and lessens the symptoms of high blood pressure. Due to its blood thinning properties, garlic should be used carefully. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before increasing garlic intake to prevent any medication interaction. Hawthorn is an herb supplement. It improves circulation by dilating the arteries. Studies have shown that hawthorn mildly reduces both the diastolic and systolic pressures.

Fish oil has a minor effect on hypertension. Although the FDA has not approved this supplement, the key ingredient, DHA (docohexaenoic acid), has been proven effective in the reduction of overall blood pressure. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is a water soluble substance. It can not be stored within the body, therefore, a constant supply is necessary to maintain proper levels within the human system. It has been shown to reduce the homocysteine levels in some people with high blood pressure.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium are three other popular minerals that offer natural treatment for high blood pressure. Calcium appears to have a mild affect, but more research is needed. Magnesium, during 12 trials, has been found to reduce diastolic pressure, but has no effect on systolic pressure. Potassium supplementation has undergone five trials. These trials have shown a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Diet is a major factor in the reduction and prevention of high blood pressure. The National Institutes of Health have developed two diets that, if followed, will naturally prevent and reduce hypertension. These diets called DASH and DASH sodium are dietary approaches to stopping hypertension. Sodium intake is reduced by 1500 mg a day with DASH sodium.

Many other natural remedies exist for the treatment of hypertension. Most of these treatments are lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise. Other treatments include autogenic training. This type of training explains how to control the inner functions through breathing techniques. This remedy is often used in conjunction with biofeedback. Finally, non-traditional medicines from India and China can work as natural treatments for high blood pressure. - 31820

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