High Blood Pressure Support Group

sherryalton
high blood pressure supplements
Posted on 06/27/09, 01:13 am
found this list of supplement that may be helfpul for blood pressure


Over 78% of Americans are now making the choice of good health through natural medicines, instead of pharmaceutical drugs. Of course pharmaceutical drugs have the potential for many negative side-effects including fatigue, dizziness, depression, impotence, liver damage and more.
Now, a high percentage of health care practitioners are recommending nutritional support with natural supplements. Below is a list of our 14 powerful ingredients:

1. Vitamin C: Researchers have discovered that a daily supplement of vitamin C can significantly reduce high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study, published this month in the medical journal Lancet, was produced by scientists at the Boston University and the Linus Institute at Oregon State. It was supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. "Hypertension is a serious health problem in much of the world," stated the co-author of the research along with principal investigator Dr. Vital at BU. "It's a key risk factor in heart disease and strokes." "We believe this is a significant finding that may be of considerable value to patients who have moderately elevated blood pressure, and may provide a way to bring their blood pressure back within acceptable levels without the cost or possible side effects of prescription drugs."

2. Hawthorne: One of the most highly respected natural remedies for high blood pressure and has well-known cardio-protective properties. Hawthorn Berries dilate blood vessels by blocking the action of a primary blood constricting enzyme. This helps to increase the heart's energy supply while improving its pumping ability. Hawthorn not only reduces blood pressure in cases where there are chronically constricted arteries, but also has anti-oxidant components. Hawthorn can affect intracellular calcium levels in the heart muscle, resulting in improved cardiac function and lowered spastic cardiac conditions. Hawthorne also has proven to help people exercise better without shortness of breath or exhaustion.

The herb Hawthorne is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure. Hawthorne offers a way of strengthening the heart is remarkably free of side effects, and is also effective in its action. Following a report by the German Ministry of Health, Hawthorn has gained full recognition throughout Europe as a heart remedy. They found that Hawthorne increases the strength of contraction of the heart muscle, normalizes irregular heart beat, and increases coronary circulation by dilating the coronary arteries. They concluded that its clinical applications were 1- the long-term treatment of �loss of cardiac function�, 2- any situation where there is a subjective feelings of congestion and 'oppression' in the heart region, 3- mild arrhythmia�s and conditions of the aging. Most significantly, no side effects were noted.

How does the Hawthorne achieve results? By dilating the coronary arteries and improving coronary circulation, it can reduce the likelihood of anginal attacks and also relieve the symptoms. Hawthorn also aids availability and utilization of energy by the heart tissue. The end result is a gentle but long term support, also sustained positive effect on some degenerative age-related changes. It does not produce rapid results but they are persistent once achieved. Putting it simply - Hawthorn will help keep the circulation and heart healthy, preventing the development of coronary disease as you age. It may be safely used for hypertension.

3. Garlic (odorless): This �heart helping� herb helps keep your blood from becoming sticky and forming platelets. It�s used by millions of people who have hypertension and cholesterol concerns. Garlic is one of nature�s most studied and helpful herbs. Scientific trials have revealed that it can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raise high-density lipoprotein levels (HDL, the good cholesterol), reduce some of the formation of plaque in carotid arteries, and also provide protection against aging in the all-important aorta�the cardiac blood vessel, partly responsible for maintaining blood flow and pressure.

Garlic has a well deserved reputation for lowering both cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This source helps in breaking up toxins which lead to blood pressure. It also stimulates blood circulation and helps the digestive system. In an overview of seven randomized controlled trials of the use of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild hypertension. Garlic also reduces the tendency for unnecessary clotting to occur within blood vessels, lessening the �stickiness� of blood platelets by reducing aggregation and inhibiting the release of clotting factors in the blood.

4. Coleus Forskohlii: The theory behind Coleus forskohlii as a dietary supplement is that its content of forskolin can be used to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity, which will increase cAMP levels in the fat cell, which will in turn activate another enzyme (hormone sensitive lipase) to start breaking down fat stores. Coleus is the source of a unique substance known as forskolin. Forskolin supports heart health and a healthy blood pressure. By activating adenosin cyclase, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is increased in the cells. cAMP does support blood vessel relaxation and healthy heart muscle contractions. Forskolin has been used in well over 5,000 in vitro research studies designed to better understand cellular processes. There is evidence that this supports healthy blood pressure.

5. Folic Acid: Taking a supplement with folic acid lowers homocysteine levels, according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Previous studies have indicated that folic acid can lower homocysteine levels. The American Heart Association issued an advisory suggesting that those with a history of heart disease make sure that they consume the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It helps to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels. Taking a supplement with both folic acid and vitamin B12 lowers homocysteine levels more dramatically than taking folic acid alone, according to a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Previous studies have indicated that folic acid can lower homocysteine levels. Although it has not been proven that lowering homocysteine level can prevent heart problems, the American Heart Association issued an advisory suggesting that those with a history of heart disease make sure that they consume the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid.

6. Hibiscus Flower: Studies have demonstrated that hibiscus has a diuretic property with mild blood vessel�dilating effects. Several trials using hibiscus extracts have suggested that hibiscus can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. A current study evaluated people with mild to moderate hypertension who were otherwise healthy and had not received treatment for at least one month before entering the trial. Blood pressure was measured at the beginning of the study and weekly during the study. After four weeks, the effectiveness of the two treatments was statistically similar: diastolic blood pressure (the lower number of a blood pressure reading) was reduced by at least ten points in 79% of the people receiving hibiscus.

According to a study performed by Shan Medical University's Institute of Biochemistry in Taiwan, extract from the hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) lowers both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. People with high blood pressure (hypertension) can lower their blood pressure by taking the extract of hibiscus flower every day, according to a study published in Phytomedicine. The antioxidants in hibiscus add to its cardiovascular benefits by protecting blood vessels and heart muscle from oxidative damage. Furthermore, its safety and low potential for causing negative side effects make hibiscus an attractive alternative to antihypertensive medications.

7. Niacin: Niacin's basic function is to assist in the cell's utilization of all major nutrients. Without question, niacin is one of the most important factors in keeping us moving toward optimal heart health. Niacin is a mild vasodilator, which means that it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow. Niacin also lowers high blood cholesterol

Because niacin dilates the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and appears to lower blood cholesterol, there is support surrounding its use as a treatment in heart disease. The primary problem in heart disease is the blockage of blood vessels. Any factor which widens the blood vessels and restores circulation is of possible benefit. High blood pressure and blood cholesterol also appear to heighten the risk of developing heart disease. So any factor which can lower blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels is a potential aid, too.

Niacin is extremely important for controlling blood lipid levels and for proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Niacin is commonly used to lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels in the blood. Niacin is a natural blood pressure lowering agent that alonehas been shown to outperform prescriptive drugs in mild and even moderate cases! It helps your body to work on the cellular level and improves circulation, promotes healthy skin, and the sound functioning of your nervous system.

8. Olive Leaf Extract: Recent research has discovered a substance in the olive leaf called oleuropein, which in test tube studies has shown that it can help with blood pressure levels while promoting the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Recently, Italian researchers found the olive leaf extract (oleuropein) had the capacity to lower blood pressure in animals. Other researchers confirmed this finding and determined that olive leaf extract also increased blood flow in the coronary arteries and relieved arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). Olive Leaf Extract has a number of unique properties that helps to destroy viruses, bacteria and parasites. Olive Leaf Extract has the ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses or by preventing virus shedding, budding or assemble at the cell membranes. The ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.

Olive Leaf Extract has powerful antioxidant properties and has been shown to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. These are the so-called "bad cholesterol" involved in heart and arterial disease. What's more, with its antioxidant properties, it has great potential benefit for people involved in vigorous exercise programs in preventing free radical generation and the resulting damage they cause to healthy cells.

9. Buchu: This South African herb called buchu - a round, green plant - first used by the San Indians to make tea, is causing an international stir as a treatment for a wide range of ailments including arthritis and high blood pressure. Native to the Cape region of Africa, Buchu has been used in Europe since the 16th century not only for urinary and prostate problems, but also for gout and rheumatism.

Buchu leaves are one of South Africa's best known medicinal plants and has been used by the indigenous peoples of the area for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. It is an effective diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb. Early Dutch settlers used Buchu to make a brandy tincture and Boegoebrandewyn (Buchu brandy) is still used today to treat many disorders.

10, 11 &12. Vitamin B, Vitamin B-6 & Vitamin B-12: These B-complex-related vitamins protect the lining of your arteries keeping them flexible while fighting arteriosclerosis and supporting heart health. In addition to its role in clearing homocysteine, Folic Acid (also called folate) is an essential performer in the intricate biochemical dance through which our blood vessels are instructed to be more elastic, to dilate and to relax.

Vitamin B�s are superb anti-inflammatory vitamins. Inflammation is now recognized by cardiologists as the key triggering element for high -Reactive Protein counts which cause heart disease. Essential for red blood cell formation and to fight depression. Deficiencies result in dizziness, anemia, nervous system degeneration, heart palpitations and unhealthy weight loss. Long term use of cholesterol-lowering drugs and oral contraceptives deplete the body�s supplies and can n turn, cause heart disease to get a foothold in the body.

Vitamin B-3 has an immediate effect on boosting blood circulation. It helps with all energy production, cholesterol metabolism, sex hormone synthesis and digestion. It is essential for fat metabolism, helping to mobilize fat from adipose tissues so that it can be burned as energy. Also aids blood pressure by preventing the buildup of cholesterol in the liver and arteries. Vitamin B-6, also known as Pyridoxine Hcl, is a key factor in red blood cell regeneration, amino acid/protein metabolism and a primary immune system booster. It works as a natural diuretic preventing water retention, thus allowing people to get off dangerous drugs that damage the liver.

A study published in the May 2005 Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests effects of Vitamin B are so powerful it can even be used in very high doses to acutely lower blood pressure in men and women with coronary artery disease.

13. Juniper Berry Dramatic pancreas strengthening herb. It contains a compound that is identical to insulin. Also removes uric acid in Alloxan Induced Diabetes. Juniper grows in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The oil is diuretic and has gastrointestinal irritant and antiseptic properties. Laboratory tests provide support for the use of juniper berry to relieve inflammation.

Juniper is valued by herbalists for its antiseptic and diuretic qualities. In fact, Juniper is an ingredient in many over-the-counter diuretics. This herb also contains a potent antiviral compound, deoxypodophyllotoxin, that appears to inhibit a number of viruses, including those that cause the flu and herpes.

Recommended by some herbalists for the occasional flare-ups of inflamed conditions such as arthritis. Because it is a diuretic, it is helpful in a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

14. Green Tea: The loss of arterial elasticity is one of the major causes of high blood pressure. Youthful arteries expand and contract effortlessly with each heart beat. Aging causes a loss of this arterial elasticity. Green tea inhibits thromboxane production, which is one cause of arterial constriction. A more significant cause of hypertension is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys called angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE). Green tea is a natural ACE inhibitor. Published studies show lowered blood pressure in animals and humans given green tea extracts. Green tea contains large quantities of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.

There are four primary polyphenols in green tea and they are often collectively referred to as catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants that have been shown in numerous studies to fight viruses, slow aging, and have a beneficial effect on health.

Clinical tests have shown that catechins destroy free radicals and have far-reaching positive effects on the entire body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules and fragments of molecules that can damage the body at the cellular level leaving the body susceptible to cancer, heart disease, and many other degenerative diseases.

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Posted on 06/27/09, 02:06 am