Hypertension is one of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions. Around one in four people suffers from this often silent disease, and the incidence increases with age. There’s no shortage of prescription medications to treat hypertension, but many of them come with side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and even sexual dysfunction. No wonder some people are looking for natural remedies to lower high blood pressure.
For people who have mild hypertension, there are a few natural hypertension treatments that may be beneficial, although none of these remedies will likely be suitable for treating severe cases of hypertension. Before using any of these hypertension natural treatments, talk to a doctor first. Here are some treatments that show promise for reducing hypertension naturally.
A Natural Remedy for High Blood Pressure?: Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound found in most cells that helps the body produce ATP, the universal energy source of all cells. Studies show that some people with hypertension have low levels of coenzyme Q10, which makes it a possible candidate for reducing hypertension.
Eight different clinical studies show that when coenzyme Q10 is given in supplemental doses, it lowers blood pressure and may be particularly effective for treating isolated systolic hypertension. In fact, when a group of people with isolated systolic hypertension were given 60 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 twice a day, their systolic blood pressure dropped by almost 18 mm. of Hg. Coenzyme Q10 is available at most health food stores in supplement form.
Reducing Hypertension with Vitamin C
Vitamin C may do more than keep the immune system healthy, several small studies show that vitamin C supplements (500 milligrams per day) lowers systolic blood pressure, but has little effect on diastolic blood pressure. Vitamin C is readily available at most drugstores and health food stores as a supplement.
Another Natural Remedy for High Blood Pressure: Garlic
Another natural remedy for hypertension is found in most people’s spice cabinet. Garlic is a good source of a amino acid called aliin which is converted to allicin – an enzyme which lowers blood pressure by causing the arteries to relax.
Studies show that garlic lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure better than a placebo – but some of these studies were poorly controlled. Larger studies are needed to confirm its blood pressure lowering benefits, but garlic has other health benefits as well, so it doesn’t hurt to get it naturally through diet.
Reducing Hypertension with Fish Oils
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils also caused modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in small studies. One study showed that diabetics with hypertension who took fish oil supplements and also followed an American Heart Association diet experienced even greater reductions in blood pressure. Fish oil supplements also have the advantage of lowering triglyceride levels in people who take three grams a day. Not everyone is a candidate for fish oil supplements and they shouldn’t be used by people taking blood thinners.
Natural Remedies to Lower High Blood Pressure: The Bottom Line
Most of these studies were small and larger, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to prove that these natural remedies are truly effective. It’s unlikely that they would lower blood pressure as well as prescription anti-hypertensives, but they may be a good adjuvant treatment – or possible treatment for very mild cases of hypertension. As always, don’t use these treatments except under medical supervision.
References:
Medscape.com website. "The Natural Treatment of Hypertension". Accessed 05/17/10
Kristie Leong - I'm a family physician interested in all aspects of traditional and alternative medicine, especially the use of nutrition to prevent ...
