Which Supplements Best Support Blood Pressure and Overall Heart Health?
Almost half of the adults in the U.S. suffer from high blood pressure. If you're one of them, controlling your blood pressure is vital for protecting your heart health. Supplements may work with other treatments and lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular health complications. Read on to discover some of the best blood pressure supplements for those with hypertension.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels as it moves through your body. Healthcare providers measure in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The top number is the systolic pressure and represents the force of blood when your heart actively pumps. Called the diastolic pressure, the bottom number shows how much pressure the blood exerts when your heart muscle relaxes between beats.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
The normal range for blood pressure is less than or equal to 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic blood pressure is 120 to 129 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg or less, you have elevated blood pressure. Once the top number reaches 130 or above or the bottom number goes above 80 mmHg, your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension or high blood pressure.
Many things can cause high blood pressure, including the buildup of plaque in the arteries, damage due to diabetes and other conditions and hardening of the arteries.
What Are the Dangers of Hypertension?
Hypertension can cause damage to the cardiovascular system and other systems in the body. Left untreated, high blood pressure increases your risk of:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Vision problems
- Heart failure
- Memory problems, including dementia
What Is the Best Blood Pressure Supplement?
Blood pressure supplements contain nutrients and botanical extracts that are believed to play a role in blood pressure regulation or to lower blood pressure. Some of the best blood pressure supplements include magnesium and a type of antioxidant known as polyphenols.
Magnesium and Blood Pressure Regulation
Magnesium is an essential mineral that performs many jobs in the human body. For the cardiovascular system, magnesium helps blood vessels relax, so blood can pass through more quickly. Many older adults don't get enough magnesium through their diets, and a deficiency could increase the risk of hypertension. Taking a magnesium supplement can help to bridge the diet gap to support heart health as well as healthy bones and nerve cells.
There is also some evidence to suggest that magnesium may lower blood pressure in people who aren't deficient. One systematic review of 34 trials concluded that the mineral does seem to have a positive effect on high blood pressure and that supplements could begin to lower pressure levels within as little as 30 days.
Polyphenols and Blood Pressure
Polyphenols are natural substances found in pomegranates, grapes and other plants. One well-known polyphenol is resveratrol, which is found in wine grapes. Acting as antioxidants, polyphenols help to fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals, reactive particles found in pollution and ultraviolet energy. By limiting oxidation, antioxidants may help to protect the heart and blood vessels.
One review of previous clinical studies concluded that diets rich in polyphenols could greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The authors stated that antioxidants could lower the likelihood of structural changes developing in blood vessels. By doing so, polyphenols may help blood circulate more freely and may make a person less likely to suffer from hypertension and potentially lower pressure in those who already have this condition. Supplements can be good sources of polyphenols for people who have trouble eating fruits and vegetables that contain beneficial antioxidants due to hectic lifestyles, dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Will Polyphenols Really Help Regulate My Blood Pressure?
A high-quality supplement that contains magnesium and polyphenols can make a difference for people with elevated blood pressure. Body Kitchen Blood Pressure Balance provides a blend of magnesium, standardized pomegranate extract and standardized grape seed extract to support cardiovascular health. To deliver the best possible results, the product features dosages shown in clinical studies to be beneficial.
Body Kitchen Blood Pressure Balance can play a role in your blood pressure care plan. However, you may need to make changes to your diet, exercise more and use additional treatments to get your pressure levels into the ideal range. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether blood pressure supplements are right for you.