Natural Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Countless people out there are suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension, a condition that is extremely dangerous because it can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension can be accidental, when you get angry or upset about something or when you have strong emotions. However, there are individuals suffering from this condition for years and it’s mostly caused by obesity, a diet high in fats and sweets, lack of physical activity and stress. If you want to keep your blood pressure under control, then you could try to use natural treatments as they are more effective than the conventional medicines and they have fewer side effects.

Garlic

You can naturally lower your blood pressure by consuming garlic. This vegetable contains active ingredients such as allicin and sulfur-containing constituents that decrease the systolic blood pressure and relax the arteries. You can consume it raw, one or two cloves of garlic per day or cooked in foods.

Hibiscus

Various studies have shown that hibiscus tea is effective in lowering both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. You can consume one or two cups of hibiscus tea per day, or you can take it in supplements if you find it easier for you. Side effects like diuresis can be caused by hibiscus.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fatty acids are found in various plant foods and in fish. Omega-3 is beneficial for numerous diseases and conditions, among which we can also include high blood pressure. A quantity of up to 4 grams of fatty acids per day should be enough for noticing small results. A higher dose might increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.

Magnesium

This mineral can reduce the blood pressure with up to 4mmHg. You can use intravenous magnesium for immediate results, or you can take magnesium from natural sources such as bananas, almonds or dark chocolate.

Cocoa Extract / Chocolate

Since we’ve mentioned chocolate, let’s talk a little about it. Keep in mind that we are talking about dark chocolate and cocoa products with flavonols. You can get a reduction of 3mm Hg in blood pressure by consuming 50 grams of cocoa every day. Chocolate is also helpful in the vasodilatation of the blood vessels. Remember that chocolate also contains sugar and caffeine, so make sure to keep the doses low.

Tea

If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, you may want to reduce your caffeine intake as it promotes this condition. For this purpose, you can consume tea instead of coffee. Green tea, in particular, is extremely efficient, because it also has the capability to keep you energized throughout the day and, at the same time, it can lower your blood pressure with almost 2mm Hg.

Vitamin D

The lack of vitamin D can lead to high blood pressure. So, in order to restore the normal blood pressure levels, you need to consume natural vitamin D sources such as cod liver oil, fortified milk, eggs and fish. The exposure to sunlight is also helpful for the natural production of vitamin D, but make sure to avoid too much exposure, because then you’ll cause other problems.