You may be living a healthy lifestyle filled with wholesome meals and regular exercise. You take necessary vitamins, minerals, and other supplements daily to maintain your wellbeing. However, all of this may not be enough to protect you from the silent danger of high blood pressure. With extremely few symptoms, it often goes undetected until it reaches critical levels, putting you at risk for severe health issues such as stroke and heart attacks.
But don’t let the silence mislead you. High blood pressure is a widespread concern, with approximately 1 in 3 American adults having prehypertension and nearly 67 million suffering from high blood pressure, as reported by the CDC. Unfortunately, only about half of these people have their condition under control, and it is responsible for over 348,000 deaths each year.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
There are many variables that contribute to and can impact your blood pressure, including family history, personality type, and the intensity of your daily physical activity. Since each person has unique biochemical individuality, adjustments are necessary to accommodate these different factors.
Is Salt the Villain?
Conventional medicine largely blames salt as a primary cause of high blood pressure. However, the real culprit is sodium chloride—common table salt—which is synthetic and stripped of all natural minerals. In contrast, sea salt contains 16 natural minerals that offer numerous health benefits.
Supplements to Lower Blood Pressure
A range of vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help lower blood pressure and maintain healthy levels, such as:
- Vitamins C, B6, and B12: Antioxidants that help protect the body from damage and oxidative stress.
- Folic acid: Can help lower homocysteine levels, which are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Potassium: Helps to balance sodium levels in the body and support proper kidney function.
- Niacin: Can aid in decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Olive leaf extract: A natural remedy that can help lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Hawthorn berry: A popular herb that improves blood flow and strengthens heart muscles.
- Green tea extract with hibiscus flower: Replete with antioxidants, which have been shown to lower blood pressure.
- Flax oil or fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids): Can help regulate blood pressure by reducing inflammation.
- Cocoa extract: Contains compounds called flavanols, which improve blood flow and blood vessel function.
- Magnesium and vitamin D3: Critical minerals for optimal blood pressure and heart function.
There is substantial research on the effectiveness of these nutrients, so it’s vital to discuss your options with a healthcare professional and determine which are right for you.
Prevention is Key
Preventing high blood pressure complications begins with monitoring your levels regularly. Investing in an at-home blood pressure monitor, such as the Panasonic one available on Amazon or at local pharmacies, is invaluable. This small step can help you keep track of any fluctuations and changes in your blood pressure, ultimately ensuring overall wellness and keeping high blood pressure at bay.
Additionally, it is essential to understand that a healthful diet alone may not always provide all the necessary nutrients to support healthy blood pressure levels. Nutrition supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and herbs targeted at maintaining proper blood pressure can be beneficial.
Be Proactive
High blood pressure’s silent nature makes it an even more substantial threat to your wellbeing. But by being aware of the various factors that contribute to this condition and proactively managing it with proper diet, supplementation, and regular monitoring, you can successfully prevent its devastating impact on your life.
Never underestimate the importance of your blood pressure, as understanding and actively addressing it will drastically reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. Set the foundation for a long and healthy life by taking blood pressure management seriously and investing in the tools and supplements necessary to maintain it at optimal levels.
