Top supplements that help reduce high blood pressure

Although exercise, not smoking, and weight management are the most effective ways to control high blppd pressure, there are a number of natural supplements which are proven to lower blood pressure. These supplements are available at a fraction of the cost of pharmaceutical drugs and are safer and provide almost no side effects.

1) L-ARGININE

 Arginine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in normal body functions, but it is also a powerful tool in the fight against high blood pressure, in addition to it lowering blood pressure Arginine is also scientifically proven to be helpful against type 2 diabetis and sexual dysfunction in both males and females.

L-arginine produces Nitric Oxide(NO) in the human body, NO causes vasodilation of the blood vessels thereby allowing more blood to flow more freely thoughout the body. NO is such an important molecule that the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine was given to three scientists for their pioneering research on its role in human physiology.

Arginine Reduces Blood Pressure in Healthy individuals

More and more studies are being published showing the beneficial effects of arginine supplementation on blood pressure. A recent study in Italy examined blood pressure changes among six healthy male volunteers who were placed on three different diets.² The first diet consisted of foods that contained 3 to 4 grams of arginine per day. The second diet was high in arginine-rich foods (nuts and legumes), so that these volunteers consumed about 10 grams of arginine daily. The third diet was the same as the first, except for the addition of 10 grams of supplemental arginine daily.

After only one week, the men on both diets 2 and 3 registered significant decreases in blood pressure compared to those on diet 1. Interestingly, a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose (blood sugar) was also seen in the men on diet 2 or diet 3. ."

Arginine Reduces Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetics

People who suffer from diabetes have an increased risk for developing coronary artery disease, of which high blood pressure is often a significant component. Scientists are now looking at how arginine might help people with diabetes, in terms of both reducing their blood pressure and helping their bodies use insulin more efficiently.

A recent study examined the effects on blood pressure when arginine was given to six patients with type 2 (age-related) diabetes and hypertension.³ They received 3 grams of arginine every hour for 10 hours on either day 2 or day 3 of the study. On both of these days, their blood pressure was monitored for the same 10 hours. The results showed that the patients' systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly reduced only 2 hours after they started taking arginine.

References

1. Calvert, JF. Cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Clinics Fam Pract 2001;3(4):733-56.
2. Siani A, Pagano E, Iacone R, et al. Blood pressure and metabolic changes during dietary L-arginine supplementation in humans. Am J Hyperten 2000;13:547-51.
3. Huynh NT, Tayek JA. Oral arginine reduces systemic blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: its potential role in nitric oxide generation. J Am Coll Nutr 2002;5:422-7.
4. Piatti P, Monti LD, Vilsecchi G, et al. Long-term oral L-arginine administration improves peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Diab Care 2001;24:875-80.

2) TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

In addition to increasing libido amd naturally increasing the production of testosterone in the human body, tribulis also has properties that help lower blood pressure.

According to a scientific study published in " Life Sciences", tribulus was proven to lower blood pressure.

Researchers measured the activity of tribulus on levels of ACE, an enzyme that helps constrict blood vessels and promote fluid retention, which raises blood pressure. The study concluded that consuming tribulus decreases ACE activity, which lowers blood pressure in rats.

REFERENCE:

"Life Sciences"; Study of Antihypertensive Mechanism of Tribulus terrestris in 2k1c Hypertensive Rats: Role of Tissue ACE Activity; A.M. Sharifi et al.; October 2003

3) Co ENZYME Q10

There is some evidence that the supplement CoQ10 may help to reduce high blood pressure. A 12 week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 people with systolic hypertension examined the effect of CoQ10 supplements (60 mg twice daily). After the 12 weeks, there was a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of 17.8 mm Hg in the Coq10-treated group.

Another study conducted at the University of Western Australia looked at the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure and glycemic control in 74 people with type 2 diabetes. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100mg CoQ10 twice daily, 200mg of the drug fenfibrate, both, or neither for 12 weeks.

CoQ10 significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure(mean reduction 6.1 mm Hg and 2.9 mm Hg respectively). There was also a reduction in HbA1C, a marker for long-term glycemic control.

4) FOLIC ACID

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure, in One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure.

Conclusion

As a personal trainer i know that excercise and living a healthy balanced lifestyle are essential for maintaining a healthy blood pressure and overall health.

*These natural blood pressure aid supplements are not intended to cure the disease, but they will definitly improve the condition and improve overall physical performance.

*Individuals with high blood pressure should first consult a doctor before commencing with an exercise program.

Hypertension is the silent killer. know your blood pressure status!