Food Supplements to Lower Blood Pressure

Calcium

Calcium deficiency has been related to hypertension, but it is not yet clear whether ingesting calcium as a supplement has the same effect on blood pressure as low-fat dairy products. You may try taking 1,000-1,200 mg. of calcium at bedtime for a trial period of two months.

Coenzyme Q10

This supplement is extremely helpful for people with cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. It is believed that CoQI0 improves the function of the blood-vessel walls, thus contributing to the regulation of blood pressure.

In one study, which gave 26 hypertensives CoQ10 at a dose of 50 mg twice daily for 10 weeks, systolic blood pressure decreased from an average of 164 mm Hg to 146 mmHg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased from an average of 98 mm Hg to 86 mm Hg.

Long term studies have shown CoQ10 it to be a safe supplement. The recommended dose is usualy about 30 mg., three times daily, but some specialists recommend taking up to 250 grams a day. Note, that 4-12 weeks may pass before significant results are measured.

CoQ10 has also been found to be effective in reducing total cholesterol.

Magnesium

You may try taking 250 mg. of magnesium two times daily, for a trial period of two months.

Omega-3 oils

There is an established connection between fish oil - and the omega-3 fatty acids in it - and the regulation of blood pressure. Many studies have shown a reduction of blood pressure when taking fish oil either in the form of a supplement, or as an increase in the consumption of fish, particularly mackerel. The recommended dose of omega-3 supplement is 1,000 mg, three times daily.

Vitamin C

This vitamin has been recently found to help regulate blood pressure. While studies have not yet shown effectiveness in reducing diastolic pressure, vitamin C can definitely help reduce the systolic reading. Practitioners recommend 1,000 mg. daily.