Diet and Supplements

• The role of diet and supplementation must be examined when dealing with high blood pressure. Because high blood pressure is so inherently risky, conventional medicine offers a bounty of pharmaceutical treasures to bring down the level. Unfortunately, many of these drugs have nasty side effects. Conventional and alternative medical professionals tend to agree that to attack the problem of high blood pressure, lifestyle adjustments should take priority over drugs if possible.
  
  To lower blood pressure look at a comprehensive plan to lose weight, eat healthier, be more active, and partake in yoga or meditation to deal with stress. These things alone can have a huge impact on blood pressure levels.
  
  Minerals also have some bearing on blood pressure readings, particularly potassium and magnesium. Most people consume too much salt, and not enough magnesium. Take 1,000 mg of magnesium in divided doses every day and be sure to consult with your doctor before adding this supplement to your treatment program.
  Potassium levels are critical in the body as they seem to negate the effects of salt on raising blood pressure levels. With your doctor's approval, add a potassium supplement to your treatment options.
  
  

Herbal Options

• While conventional medicine may lower your blood pressure readings quickly, herbal options along with a healthier lifestyle may lower it permanently.
  
  Garlic is considered a heart healthy food along with being a heart healthy herb. Whether you add it to your cooking, or ingest whole cloves of garlic, it can work wonders for lowering blood pressure. Add some chopped up garlic, preferably raw, to some of your favorite dishes. This method is typically used as more of a preventative measure against developing high blood pressure, rather than treating existing high blood pressure. If you already have moderate to high blood pressure readings, supplements may be more appropriate as a treatment option. Look for standardized garlic supplements that contain allicin, which is the natural, beneficial component in garlic. Take four to six 600 mg capsule or tablets a day, in divided doses.
  
  Hawthorn is one the most commonly used herbs to treat hypertension. It works in a similar fashion to conventional medicine without the side effects. To treat high blood pressure, look for hawthorn standardized for specific flavonoids, known as vitexin. It is available either in tincture or capsule form. It is not recommended to take hawthorn on a regular basis for longer than a few weeks without medical supervision. Follow dosing instructions carefully, aiming for two 500 mg capsules or 1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day. Again, consult with your physician for appropriate dosing and follow-up.
  
  High blood pressure is a serious condition with far-reaching health effects. Consult with your physician before embarking on any herbal or alternative treatment program.