High blood pressure

High blood pressure, (hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension) often has no symptoms or warning signs. If it stays elevated above 120/80 mmHg over time and is uncontrolled, it can lead to heart and kidney disease.

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder than normal putting both the heart and arteries at greater risk of damage. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, damage to the eyes, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis and many other medical problems.

Left untreated high blood pressure can cause the heart to become abnormally large and less efficient (ventricular hypertrophy) causing heart failure and increased risk of heart attack.

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Although high blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people suffer no symptoms at all. As a result many people with hypertension remain undiagnosed because they have no symptoms to motivate them to see a doctor or get their blood pressure checked.

If high blood pressure is not treated and is combined with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack is several times higher.

High blood pressure is known to aggravate endothelial dysfunction, and leading researchers have identified the endothelium as an “end organ” for damage caused by high blood pressure. The endothelium is the thin layer of cells that lines the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels throughout the body Optimal blood pressure of 115/75 mmHg (or lower) is recommended.

WARNING: If a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher happens more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

It is worth purchasing a blood pressure testing machine for those at risk of developing high blood pressure.

Diagram of the heart

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension?

High blood pressure in the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension (PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a chronic and life-changing disease that can lead to right heart failure if left untreated.

Patients experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue and the severity of symptoms usually correlates with the progression of the disease.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disorder characterised by abnormally high blood pressure (hypertension) in the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Hypertension occurs when most of the very small arteries throughout the lungs narrow in diameter, which increases the resistance to blood flow through the lungs.

To overcome the increased resistance, pressure increases in the pulmonary artery and in the heart chamber that pumps blood into the pulmonary artery (the right ventricle).

Asthma and breathlessness can be signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension. See Asthma for natural remedies and advice.

What can cause high blood pressure?

  • Kidney abnormality
  • Tumour of the adrenal gland
  • Congenital defect of the aorta
  • People from African-Caribbean and South Asian communities are at greater risk of high blood pressure.
  • Can be an inherited condition.
  • High blood pressure can affect older people who have led an unhealthy lifestyle.
  • Too much alcohol can raise the blood pressure significantly.
  • Being overweight, obese and under active can raise blood pressure.
  • Not eating enough fruit and vegetables can raise the blood pressure.
  • Smoking tobacco significantly raises the blood pressure.

Which herbs can increase blood pressure?

  • Butcher’s broom
  • Ephedra
  • Feverfew
  • Ginseng
  • Liquorice root

Dramatically reducing salt intake can help to lower blood pressure. Never consume salted nuts or crisps and avoid anchovies and any processed foods which have salt as an ingredient including bread and cheese.

If salt is really required, only ever use Himalayan pink salt crystals sparingly. Refined table salt has all the minerals stripped out and sea-salt now contains microplastic particles.

NOTE: Most foods consumed naturally contain sodium so extra is unnecessary and potentially very harmful to those suffering from high blood pressure.

WARNING: Some prescribed blood pressure medications can cause Parkinsonism which mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If these symptoms should manifest themselves the doctor will need to review and change the prescription.

Natural remedies for high blood pressure

Reducing salt intake lowers the blood pressure. Use spices or seaweed for taste instead which will add more very healthy nutrients to the diet.

A diet that emphasises fruits, vegetables and whole grains appears effective in shaving points off a blood pressure reading.

Regular gentle exercise can have an amazing effect on the reduction of high blood pressure. Walking, swimming and any other non-weight-bearing physical exertion will help to get the blood flowing correctly again as well as reducing excess weight.

Which fruits can help to lower blood pressure?

  • Mango
  • Melon
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Plums
  • Pomegranate
  • Prunes
  • Raisins
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon

Which vegetables can help to lower blood pressure?

Raw juice therapy can successfully treat high blood pressure. The best organic natural foods to juice or blend are:

  • Beetroot
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Grapes
  • Orange

Add any other the other natural food listed on this page if desired. Organically grown fruit and vegetables are best, and skins should be included as they often contain the nutrients required.

How do some foods help to lower the blood pressure?

Alfalfa sprouts are rich in many minerals and other nutrients that can help to lower blood pressure. See>> Sprouting greens

Apples: are high in antioxidants which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. The potassium in apples helps balance the effects of sodium, which is associated with high blood pressure. Eat one per day.

Apple cider vinegar: Lowers acidity in the body and helps blood vessels relax. Take one tablespoon per day.

Asparagus reduces the risk of heart disease and can lower blood pressure as it protects blood cholesterol from oxidation. It is also rich in vitamin K.

Avocado is rich in healthy fats and nutrients that protect the heart.

Bananas are rich in potassium which is important to reduce blood pressure. But only consume one barely ripe banana every few days. The riper a banana is the more sugar it contains.

Barley grass is rich in vitamin B12 which is unusual for a plant and useful for vegetarians and vegans and people with high blood pressure. It can be purchased dried as a powder or the seeds can be sprouted at home. See >> Sprouting greens

Beetroot has powerful blood pressure lowering abilities.

Berries: Black, blue and red berries contain important anthocyanins and other flavonoids, which stop bad cholesterol from oxidising and sticking to artery walls.

Cantaloupe can reduce the plaque that sticks to arterial walls.

Celery contains phthalides and is a good source of potassium and magnesium, which are known to help regulate blood pressure.

Chilli pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that is beneficial for treating heart and circulatory problems. It also helps reduce the risk of irregular heart rhythms and lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The phytochemicals present in this spice also purify the blood and enhance immunity.

  1. Add half to one teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water.
  2. Stir well and drink it.
  3. Repeat two or three times daily for a few weeks.
  4. Follow it with a cup of hibiscus tea to heal the burning sensation and promote heart health.

Alternatively it can be added to many savoury dishes.

Cumin lowers blood pressure and purifies and thins the blood. Half a teaspoon in warm water or sauces or on meals should be consumed every day.

Flax seeds: are rich in vitamin E and other nutrients that can lower blood pressure and helps to improve blood flow.

Garlic can help to thin the blood as efficiently as aspirin without the danger of stomach bleeds or ulcers. Consume four cloves per day.

NOTE: Always leave to stand for ten minutes after chopping or crushing before cooking or consuming to allow the allicin to be produced.

WARNING: Garlic should be avoided if blood thinning medications are taken.

Ginger lowers blood pressure and purifies and thins the blood. It can produce significantly higher insulin sensitivity which is beneficial to diabetics as well as lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

WARNING: Ginger should be avoided if blood thinning medications are taken.

Grapes (black and red) contain flavonoids, which stop bad cholesterol from oxidising and sticking to artery walls and grape seed extract has been proven to lower blood pressure.

Daikon is a type of radish known to lower blood pressure.

Figs are rich in potassium and fibre which helps to stabilise the blood pressure. Another remedy is to place 3 fig leaves in half a litre of bottled mineral water. Boil for 15 minutes and drink daily.

Hemp seeds are easily digested and very rich in healthy fatty acids, essential amino acids and minerals which can help reduce blood pressure. They are the only food to contain the correct balanced ratio of 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 is inflammatory and omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and todays western diet is far too rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

Holy basil, when taken daily, can lower high blood pressure by helping optimize cholesterol levels.

Horseradish speeds up the metabolism and helps to protect against high blood pressure.

Lemon is a natural diuretic which can also regulate blood pressure

Maqui berry is a Chilean ‘super fruit’ which contains the highest number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than any other known natural food. It also contains a high number of compounds which boost metabolism, reduce blood sugar, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Regular consumption can also help to reduce weight dramatically.

Melon is alkalising, mineralising, oxidant and diuretic and helps control heart rate and blood pressure offering protection against stroke and coronary heart disease.

Nuts and raisins: One small daily handful (especially pistachios and walnuts) and raisins have all shown some effect in lowering high blood pressure.

Passionflower is effective in lowering blood pressure since it reduces stress and anxiety.

Pineapple has powerful properties that act as anticoagulants that can reduce high blood pressure.

Pomegranates and pomegranate juice can radically reduce plaque on artery walls. Drink around two large glasses daily.

Radish (raw) especially daikon speeds up the metabolism, increases removal of waste and protects against high blood pressure and heart disease.

Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, which help to prevent artery clogging plaque from developing. It also contains good levels of potassium and vitamin B9 (folic acid) which lowers the blood pressure.

Tomatoes consumed regularly (cooked and uncooked) this antioxidant-rich food that prevents the oxidisation of LDL cholesterol and can cut the risk of arteriosclerosis by half. Must be consumed with an oily food such as avocado, coconut, fish, nut, olive, seed or other plant oils in order to absorb the ft-soluble carotenoids.

Turmeric: Studies indicate that turmeric can help prevent atherosclerosis. Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin that helps maintain heart health by reducing cholesterol oxidation, plaque build-up and clot formation. Plus, it helps lower LDL and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Being a potent antioxidant, it also neutralises free radicals that contribute to aging and several chronic diseases. Use turmeric regularly in cooking. It can be added to all kinds of dishes and vegetables. It is good with brown rice and cauliflower for added heat health benefits. One teaspoon of turmeric powder can be simmered in one cup of water or milk. Drink it once or twice daily for several weeks to a few months.

Valerian contains a natural tranquiliser which relaxes muscles and lowers blood pressure. Daily consumption of valerian will aid in a state of overall relaxation and elimination of stress which will, in turn, decrease blood pressure in people experiencing hypertension.

Wasabi reduces blood pressure and protects the heart.

Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, it also helps improve kidney functioning. This in turn reduces blood pressure levels and also helps a lot with arthritis.

Grind equal quantities of dried watermelon seeds and poppy seeds. Take one teaspoon of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and again in the evening.

Alternatively, add two teaspoons of dried and crushed watermelon seeds to one cup of hot boiled water. Steep it for about an hour, then strain it. Take four tablespoons of this water at regular intervals throughout the day.

Wheatgrass has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for the reduction of high blood pressure and lowering of cholesterol. It can easily be grown as a sprout on the windowsill. See>> Sprouting greens

Which herbs and spices can reduce blood pressure?

  • Bergamot
  • Burdock root
  • Chilli pepper
  • Chinese hibiscus flowers
  • Cinnamon
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Dandelion
  • Ginger
  • Hawthorn berry
  • Marjoram
  • Motherwort
  • Oregano
  • Peppercorns
  • Pepperwort
  • Pine bark
  • Skull cap
  • Thyme
  • Gotu kola
  • Paico leaf

Bergamot, marjoram, oregano, pepperwort and thyme contain carvacrol which is very effective in lowering blood pressure. It reduces the heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and both the diastolic and systolic blood pressures as well.

Oregano is also a viable alternative to salt in meals, as the sodium in salt is a leading cause of high blood pressure. A high-sodium diet can lead to high blood pressure as each teaspoon of salt has more than 2,300 mg of sodium. Oregano is a sodium-free food, so it does not contribute to a higher blood pressure. A low-sodium diet for individuals with high blood pressure has a limit of 1,500 mg per day.

Chinese hibiscus: Researchers from Taiwan found that an extract of hibiscus flowers had anti-atherosclerosis activity. They believe that hibiscus contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, that contributes to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

An infusion prepared from this herb is also believed to help regulate high blood pressure.

  1. Boil two petals of a hibiscus flower in one cup of water.
  2. Strain and add one teaspoon of raw honey.
  3. Drink this once daily for a few weeks.

Hawthorn: In western herbalism, hawthorn is a well-known herb for heart conditions because it is excellent for the cardiovascular system. It helps increase blood flow to the heart and improves cardiac muscle contractions, thus leading to a stronger pumping action.

It also helps increase cardiac performance and output and reduces the heart’s workload. Plus, it has an anti-arrhythmic effect that helps steady the heartbeat. This herb can be taken in supplement form by way of an extract standardised to contain about 2 to 3 percent flavonoids. The general dosage is 300 to 600 mg three times daily. Follow this natural treatment for several weeks to a few months.

NOTE: Though this herb is safe to use, consult your doctor before taking this or any other herbal remedy, especially if taking medications.

Horse chestnut is good for poor circulation in the veins or chronic venous insufficiency. It is used to relieve symptoms such as swelling and inflammation in haemorrhoids and strengthen blood vessel walls. Horse chestnut can be taken as a tea. It can also be applied externally as a compress.

WARNING: People with an allergy to the horse chestnut family, bleeding disorders, or people taking blood thinners should not take horse chestnut.

Only products made from the seeds or bark of the young branches of horse chestnut should be used. Other parts of the plant are poisonous. Although uncommon, side effects have included kidney damage, severe bleeding, bruising and liver damage.

Which nutrients help to reduce high blood pressure?

NOTE: Alcohol, coffee and other caffeine-laden drinks act as diuretics which can leach out many important nutrients. Therefore ingestion of these drinks should be limited.

Try baking, roasting or steaming when cooking vegetables that contain these nutrients. Avoid boiling as the nutrients will leach out into the water during cooking.

How do bioflavonoids help to reduce blood pressure?

Bioflavonoids (vitamin P) are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate their permeability. They assist vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular “cement” in healthy condition; are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C.

They also prevent vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation and are beneficial in hypertension by preventing haemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections. Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruits.

How does magnesium help reduce high blood pressure?

When magnesium is present in water, life and health are enhanced. One of the main benefits of drinking plenty of magnesium-rich water is to prevent heart disease and stroke. Full hydration is essential to help prevent clogging of arteries in the heart and brain.

Full hydration with water and magnesium is crucial for treating high blood pressure without using diuretics or other pharmaceutical medications.

NOTE: Bottled mineral water is usually far higher in magnesium than tap water. Check the label.

Magnesium is lacking in the modern diet because the intense farming techniques have leached it from the soil and not replaced it, so crops that are grown in this soil are severely lacking in this vital mineral.

Algae and seaweed, that come from the sea, will still be rich in magnesium and are a good choice to add to the diet for all their other beneficial nutrients.

The recommended dietary allowances for magnesium are 350 mg per day for adult man 300 mg for women and 450 mg during pregnancy and lactation.

WARNING: Magnesium supplements are not advised because they can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Very high doses can lead to more serious problems like irregular heartbeat or even cardiac arrest.

People with liver, kidney or heart diseases, alcohol dependence, phenylketonuria (increased phenylalanine levels in the blood), and diabetes should not take magnesium supplements.

Highest natural sources of magnesium in milligrams per 100 grams

  1. Rice bran 781 mg
  2. Basil, coriander, dill and sage 694 mg
  3. Pumpkin and squash seeds 535 mg
  4. Raw cocoa 499 mg
  5. Flaxseeds 392 mg
  6. Brazil nuts 376 mg
  7. Sesame seeds 353 mg
  8. Sunflower seeds 346 mg
  9. Wheat germ 313 mg
  10. Black strap molasses 242 mg
  11. Spirulina 189 mg
  12. Kale 88 mg
  13. Globe artichoke 60 mg
  14. Okra 57 mg
  15. Rocket 47 mg
  16. Plantain 37 mg
  17. Butternut squash 34 mg
  18. Potatoes with skin 30 mg
  19. Passion fruit 29 mg
  20. Savoy cabbage 28 mg
  21. Peas 24 mg
  22. Raspberries 22 mg
  23. Guava 22 mg
  24. Blackberries 20 mg
  25. Kiwi fruit 17 mg

Why is calcium and potassium vital to lower blood pressure?

Calcium, as well as potassium, play an important role in regulating high blood pressure.  People with high blood pressure, often show low levels of calcium in their blood.

WARNING: Calcium supplements are not advised as they have been shown to cause heart attacks. Calcium supplements and many prescription medicines do not mix well. This includes antibiotics, bisphosphonates and high blood pressure medicines.

Potassium requirements have not been established but an intake of 800 mg to 1300 mg. per day is estimated as approximately the minimum need. As for calcium, an average adult needs at least 600 mg of calcium daily.

Highest sources of potassium in milligrams per 100 grams

  • Dried basil, chervil, coriander, dill, parsley 4240 mg
  • Sun dried tomatoes 3427 mg
  • Raw cocoa 2509 mg
  • Whey powder 2289 mg
  • Paprika and chilli powder 2280 mg
  • Yeast extract 2100 mg
  • Rice bran 1485 mg
  • Black strap molasses 1464 mg
  • Dried soya beans 1364 mg
  • Spirulina 1363 mg
  • Pistachio nuts 1007 mg
  • Squash and pumpkin seeds 919 mg
  • Sunflower seeds 850 mg
  • Almonds 705 mg
  • Dates 696 mg
  • Whelks 694 mg
  • Dried figs 680 mg
  • Clams 628 mg
  • Watermelon seeds 648 mg
  • Chestnuts 592 mg
  • Cashews (unsalted) 565 mg
  • Walnuts 441mg
  • Brussel sprouts (juiced raw) 389 mg
  • Coconut water 250 mg
  • Orange juice 200 mg

Highest sources of calcium in milligrams per 100 grams

  • Dried herbs such as basil, dill, marjoram and thyme 2113 mg (rosemary is also equally in calcium but should be avoided when high blood pressure is present.
  • Spirulina 1362 mg
  • Sesame seeds 975 mg
  • Tinned fish with bones such as sardines, mackerel and pilchards 383 mg
  • Tofu 372 mg
  • Almonds 264 mg
  • Flaxseeds 255 mg
  • Chlorella 221mg
  • Mussels 180 mg
  • Oysters 170 mg
  • Brazil nuts 160 mg
  • Prawns 150 mg
  • Tripe 150 mg
  • Scallops, spirulina and watercress 120 mg
  • Whole milk and whole yoghurt 113 mg
  • Chinese cabbage 105 mg
  • Dark green leafy vegetables such as dandelion greens, kale, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip greens  99 mg
  • Okra 77 mg
  • Soya beans 75 mg
  • Boneless fish such as bass, herring, pike, perch, pollock and rainbow trout 74 mg
  • Kidney beans 70 mg
  • Eggs 60 mg
  • Broccoli 47 mg

Why are cobalt, nickel and vitamin B12 vital to reduce blood pressure?

Balanced levels of cobalt, nickel and vitamin B12 are vital for correct functioning of the heart and circulatory system as they all interact with each other. Together, with vitamin B12, cobalt can help in the production of DNA, choline and red blood cells.

 Cobalt also promotes a healthy nervous system, lowers the blood pressure and can hold the myelin on level, which is the greasy cover that protects the nerves.

Cobalt specifically affects the right coronary artery, resulting in vasodilatation with low levels and vasoconstriction with high levels, while nickel exerts the same vasodilatation /vasoconstriction effect on the left coronary artery.

Natural sources of cobalt in alphabetical order

  • Broccoli
  • Clams
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Oily fish
  • Organ meats
  • Oysters
  • Spinach
  • Whole grains

Natural sources of nickel in alphabetical order

  • Barley
  • Buckwheat
  • Hazelnuts
  • Hemp seeds
  • Herring
  • Legumes
  • Lentils
  • Oats
  • Oysters
  • Peas

Highest sources of vitamin B12 in micrograms per 100 grams

  1. Clams 98.9 μg
  2. Liver 83.1 μg
  3. Barley grass juice 80 μg
  4. Nori seaweed 63.6 μg
  5. Octopus 36 μg
  6. Caviar/fish eggs 20.0 μg
  7. Ashitaba (dried powder) 17.0 μg
  8. Herring 13.7 μg
  9. Tuna fish 10.9 μg
  10. Crab 10.4 μg
  11. Mackerel 8.7 μg
  12. Lean grass-fed beef 8.2 μg
  13. Duck eggs, goose eggs, rabbit 6 μg
  14. Crayfish, pork heart, rainbow trout 5 μg
  15. Shiitake mushroom 4.8 μg
  16. Lobster 4 μg
  17. Lamb, venison 3.7 μg
  18. Swiss Cheese 3.3 μg
  19. Salmon 3.2 μg
  20. Whey powder 2.37 μg
  21. Golden chanterelle mushrooms 2 μg
  22. Tuna 1.9 μg
  23. Halibut 1.2 μg
  24. Chicken egg 1.1 μg
  25. Chicken, turkey 1.0 μg
  26. Anchovies 0.9 μg
  27. Ashitaba leaves 0.4 μg

NOTE: One μg is one microgram.

Why is vitamin B15 vital to reduce high blood pressure?

Vitamin B15 (pangemic acid) has been shown to lower blood cholesterol, improve circulation and general oxygenation of cells and tissues, and is helpful for arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Dimethyl glycine is the active component that combines with gluconic acid to form vitamin B15 in the human body. Vitamin B15 interacts with cobalt, nickel, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B12 which are all vital for the balancing g of the blood pressure.

Nutritional imbalances involving nickel, cobalt, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and vitamin B15 can trigger cardiac, cerebral, emotional and/or anxiety problems due to blood flow changes to the heart or brain through their respective vasoconstrictive or vasodilating changes.

Vitamin B15 is not readily available in supplement form and, in many countries, is not included in the B Complex supplements therefore consuming a balanced diet of natural foods instead which contain vitamin B15, cobalt, nickel, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B12 is important.

Natural sources of vitamin B15 in alphabetical order

  • Brewer’s yeast (dependent upon source check label)
  • Brown rice
  • Buckwheat
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Whole grains

Why is vitamin D important to reduce high blood pressure?

Vitamin D is vital for calcium to be utilised and is often deficient in people of the northern hemisphere due to weak sunshine between April and October. It is also because many cover up, work inside or use sunscreens which all prevents the body from manufacturing vitamin D from the sun’s rays on the skin. The body only stores enough vitamin D for up to 60 days, therefore extra must be consumed from the diet.

Highest sources of vitamin D per serving listed

  • Krill oil – 1 teaspoon: 1000 IU
  • Eel – 85 g or 3 oz: 792 IU
  • Maitake mushrooms – 70 g: 786 IU
  • Rainbow trout – 85 g or 3 oz: 540 IU
  • Cod liver oil – 1 teaspoon: 440 IU
  • Mackerel – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
  • Salmon – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
  • Halibut – 85 g or 3 oz: 196 IU
  • Tuna – 85 g or 3 oz: 228 IU
  • Sardines – 85 g or 3 oz: 164 IU
  • Chanterelle mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 155 IU
  • Raw milk – 1 glass or 8 oz: 98 IU
  • Egg yolk – 1 large: 41 IU
  • Caviar – 28g or 1 oz: 33 IU
  • Hemp seeds – 100 g or 3.5 oz: 22 IU
  • Portabella mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 6 IU

NOTE: One IU is the biological equivalent of 0.3 μg or 0.3 micrograms.

How does vitamin E reduce high blood pressure?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant capable of effectively helping to prevent many conditions and diseases including arthritis, cancer, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes. It also assists in fighting heart disease and is essential for red blood cells, helps with cellular respiration and protects the body from pollution, especially the lungs. Vitamin E is also useful in preventing blood clots from forming.

Highest sources of vitamin E in milligrams per 100 grams

  • Wheat germ 149.4 mg
  • Hemp seeds 55 mg
  • Hazelnut oil 47 mg
  • Almond oil 39 mg
  • Sunflower seeds 38.3 mg
  • Chilli powder 38.1 mg
  • Paprika 38 mg
  • Rice bran oil 32 mg
  • Grape seed oil 29 mg
  • Almonds 26.2 mg
  • Oregano 18.3 mg
  • Hazelnuts 17 mg
  • Flaxseed oil 17 mg
  • Peanut oil 16 mg
  • Hazelnuts 15.3 mg
  • Corn oil 15 mg
  • Olive oil 14 mg
  • Soya bean oil 12 mg
  • Pine nuts 9.3 mg
  • Cloves (ground) 9 mg
  • Peanuts 8 mg
  • Celery flakes (dried) 6 mg
  • Spirulina 5 mg
  • Dried apricots 4.3 mg
  • Bell peppers (red), eel, olives and salmon 4 mg
  • Jalapeno peppers 3.6 mg
  • Anchovies 3.3 mg
  • Broccoli, chicken, chilli peppers (sun-dried), cod, crayfish, dandelion greens, egg yolk, duck, goose, pecan nuts, spinach, tomatoes (tinned or pureed) turkey and turnip greens 3 mg
  • Avocado, beef, bilberries, blue berries, butter, chicory greens, cinnamon (ground), crab, halibut, herring (pickled), mackerel, marjoram, mustard greens, pistachio nuts, poppy seeds, sardines, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, trout, tuna, turnips and walnuts 2 mg
  • Fish roe 1.9 mg
  • Asparagus, kiwi fruit and parsnips 1.5 mg
  • Black berries 1.2 mg
  • Chlorella 1.1 mg

How does vitamin C reduce high blood pressure?

Consuming foods rich in vitamin C can help to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Nickel and vitamin C share a common antagonist, vitamin E. They are antagonists ratio wise to one another, and to other chemical members. For instance, vitamin C increases iron uptake, which vitamin E inhibits. Vitamin C lowers manganese and zinc, while vitamin E helps increase manganese and zinc absorption.

As a result, a very high intake of vitamin C will require an equally high intake of vitamin E to maintain the same ratio. Consuming some seeds and nuts at the same time as vitamin C rich fruits can help maintain the balance of threse two vitamins and, hence the minerals they influence.

Highest sources of vitamin C in milligrams per 100 grams

  1. Acerola cherries 1677.6 mg
  2. Camu camu berries 532 mg
  3. Rosehips 426 mg
  4. Green chillies 242.5 mg
  5. Guavas 228.3 mg
  6. Yellow bell peppers 183.5 mg
  7. Black currants 181 mg
  8. Thyme 160.01 mg
  9. Red chillies 143.7 mg
  10. Drumstick pods 141 mg
  11. Kale 120 mg
  12. Jalapeno peppers 118.6 mg
  13. Kiwi fruit 105.4 mg
  14. Sun dried tomatoes 102 mg
  15. Broccoli 89 mg
  16. Brussel sprouts 85 mg
  17. Cloves, saffron 81 mg
  18. Chilli pepper 76 mg
  19. Mustard greens 70 mg
  20. Cress 69 mg
  21. Persimmons fruit 66 mg
  22. Swede 62 mg
  23. Basil 61 mg
  24. Papaya 60 mg
  25. Rosemary 61 mg
  26. Pomelo fruit 61 mg
  27. Strawberries 58 mg
  28. Chives 58 mg
  29. Oranges 53.2 mg
  30. Lemons 53 mg
  31. Pineapple 48 mg
  32. Cauliflower 48 mg
  33. Kumquats 43.9 mg
  34. Watercress 43 mg
  35. Wasabi root 41.9 mg
  36. Kidney bean sprouts 38.7 mg
  37. Melon 36.7 mg
  38. Elderberries 36 mg
  39. Breadfruit 29 mg
  40. Coriander 27 mg

What other ways can naturally lower the blood pressure?

Massaging the body with lavender oil can dramatically reduce blood pressure by 50 percent. Lavender works as a vasodilator by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels, thereby causing the blood pressure to lower.

Lavender oil can be applied throughout the body or by bathing using either lavender flowers or the oil itself. Boiled lavender leaves and flowers can be used internally, as a tea, which has the added benefits of treating insomnia or an upset stomach.

The body is already at a disadvantage because of the poor food that has been ingested for so long that any extra stress leads to a downward spiral of health. Shedding pounds, cutting down on sodium, boosting potassium intake, stopping tobacco smoking and limiting alcohol and coffee intake are all proven ways to help control blood pressure.

Check the body mass index chart to find out the ideal weight. See>> Body mass index chart

People who cooked with a blend of sesame and rice bran oils saw a significant drop in blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions. The researchers found cooking with a combination of these oils in a variety of ways worked nearly as well as commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication.

Is coffee bad for high blood pressure?

Besides the obvious adverse effects of caffeine on the brain and body, the toxic pesticides used on coffee beans, and the roasting process creates a composition of chemicals in coffee which block absorption of many vital nutrients, can damage arterial walls and affect the adrenal glands. This also creates a harmful imbalance and toxic effect on the brain and intestines. See>> Coffee dangers

Is sugar bad for high blood pressure?

Sugar is highly addictive and has become more profitable than tobacco and alcohol, so it is now added freely to thousands of processed food products to ensure repeat sales, but it is one of the most detrimental foods consumed today.

The huge rise in diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and many other debilitating and deadly diseases can be attributed to the daily consumption of high amounts of sugar.

Sugar feeds the pathogenic bacteria in the intestines so they crowd out the friendly bacteria which leads to nutrient deficiency, infection, fatigue, depression, a lowered resistance to viruses and yeasts and ultimately to disease. 

Too much sugar in the blood damages the capillaries that transport blood causing constrictions and can lead to high blood pressure. Many alternative foods can be used to provide the same satisfaction of a sweet taste but with added benefits of nutrients which sugar (especially bleached white sugar) does not possess.

What can be used as a healthy alternative to sugar?

  • Apricots
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Coconut
  • Figs
  • Honey (pure, organic and unblended)
  • Mango
  • Swede
  • Parsnips
  • Peaches
  • Raisins
  • Sultanas
  • Sweet potato

See>> Sugar dangers

Why should dairy products be limited with high blood pressure?

Use cold-pressed coconut oil, coconut milk or organic plain yoghurt as an alternative to cream in sauces and with fruit. Yoghurt, with live cultures, adds some more of those necessary beneficial bacteria to the intestines. Cheese contains too much sodium for those suffering with high blood pressure so should be avoided.

Is white flour bad for high blood pressure?

White flour has had all the nutritional value bleached and stripped out and wheat can cause irritation to the intestines. Use wholegrain amaranth, barley, buckwheat, coconut flour, oatmeal, quinoa, rice flour and rye as alternatives.

Rye especially cannot be stripped of its nutritional husks in the food manufacturing process. There are even sprouted grain flours which are a highly nutritious alternative. The body needs fibre every single day for the intestines to function correctly. See>> Fibre

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