High blood pressure affects 1/3 of American adults, leading to serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke. Natural treatments are available to manage high blood pressure. Natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil advises that this condition can be completely managed with natural therapies and lifestyle changes and has counseled patients to do so. An integrative approach using both standard and alternative treatments is also an option. It is imperative to consult with a health care professional knowledgeable in natural medicine if these methods are involved in high blood pressure treatment.
Dietary Supplements
A study led by M.M.Diaz and published in the June 2008 issue of The American Journal of Physiology observed that fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduced levels of both cholesterol and blood pressure. It must be noted that the doses used in the study were high and it is not clear if lower doses would exhibit a similar effect. High doses can cause complications in patients taking blood thinners or using aspirin therapy. Increasing the consumption of cold water fish is a safe alternative. Talk to your doctor before adding fish oil supplements to a blood pressure treatment regimen.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, coenyzme Q10 reduces blood pressure slightly; take 100 mg per day to achieve this effect. They also suggest the supplements magnesium citrate (350-500 mg ) and calcium (1,000 mg daily) have potential to lower blood pressure but study results have been mixed. Prescription potassium at a dosage determined by a doctor can also be beneficial.
Herbal Treatments
Garlic has properties that lower blood pressure; take 400 mg three times a day. Bilberry keeps arteries flexible; take 360 mg daily. Ginseng lowers blood pressure and protects the heart muscle; dosage depends upon body weight so take the tincture as directed on the label. Hawthorn and Reishi mushrooms reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure---use 250 mg three times daily and 300 mg daily, respectively. Scutelleria dilates blood vessels, allowing blood to move more freely; take 2,000 mg three times a day.
Other Suggestions
The National Institutes of Health studied the effect of foods on blood pressure and devised the DASH diet. Core recommendations include eating generous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as low or fat-free dairy products rich in calcium. Limit or eliminate caffeine as it increases blood pressure. Avoid alcohol because metabolizing alcohol increases blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a study led by M. Reif-Hernandez in a 2000 issue of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapy found that hypertensive patients who received massages achieved lower blood pressure readings as well as a reduction in stress hormones.
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