6 supplements that can help control blood pressure

It's well known that nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help maintain healthy blood pressure. But did you know that there are several supplements that can also help? We'll go over 6 of the most effective ones.

• Consider taking a high quality daily multivitamin with minerals as a low-cost, no-risk insurance policy to make sure that you get all of the nutrients you need.
• In addition to supplemental nutrients, certain herbs have been used throughout history to control blood pressure. Herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications, so be sure to speak with your doctor before you start using them.

1. Black cumin seeds: Extracts of this herb have a long history of use in folk medicine as diuretic and blood pressure-lowering agents, and animal studies have found that cumin has actions comparable to those of common diuretics, such as furosemide and nifedipine.
2. Coleus: The active ingredient in this herb is forskolin, a substance that relaxes muscles, thus providing a relaxing effect for arteries. However, it may interact with some blood-thinning medications.
3. Hawthorn: This herb contains combinations of chemicals that improve the heart's pumping action and dilate coronary blood vessels. Give it time though, as it may take up to four weeks before you see any effect. Be careful with the dosage because too much could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
4. Indian snakeroot: Forget the common perception of snakeroot as a hoax. This herb is cultivated especially for the medicinal use of its 30 phytochemicals, many of which have antihypertensive properties. They're believed to work by controlling nerve impulses along certain pathways that affect heart and blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Several clinical studies have shown significant reductions in blood pressure when various extracts were used.
5. Olive leaf extract: This herb contains several phytochemicals and other chemicals that act as vasodilators, opening blood vessels and thus lowering blood pressure and preventing angina attacks. In one study of 30 people with hypertension who received the extract for three months, all had a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure, with no side effects.
6. Stevia: This perennial South American shrub has leaves that are naturally sweet and stevia has been widely used as a sweetener and flavour enhancer for centuries. Animal studies have shown that stevia may lower blood pressure, and tests on people have generally been positive as well. Stevia appears to have three positive effects. First, it contains several chemicals that cause blood vessels to widen. Second, it may improve the muscle tone of the heart. And third, it promotes the loss of water from the body.

Though they aren't a replacement for a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, these supplements can all help you manage your blood pressure. So speak with your doctor to find out which are optimal for you and your body.