High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people. Left unchecked, it quietly wears down blood vessels, putting extra strain on the heart, which increases the risk of cardiovascular and kidney problems.
Although this disease is often linked to age or lifestyle, it is no longer an older person’s issue, with younger adults increasingly being diagnosed, too.
The increasing prevalence has led to a growing interest in natural approaches to keeping hypertension in check. From knowing the recommended high blood pressure supplements and understanding the causes of this condition to exploring how the immune system may be involved, more people are paying closer attention to what’s really going on inside the body to combat this disease.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension occurs when the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels becomes extremely high.
When this happens repeatedly for long periods, the pressure causes tiny tears on the walls of blood vessels. The body deploys special cells to cover and repair the damage. Cholesterol, fats, and other substances may also build up and form plaque over these minute holes.
Over time, atherosclerosis happens, a process wherein plaque builds up in the arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrower, raising the blood pressure further.
People with hypertension consistently have blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, whether measured by a sphygmomanometer or a home blood pressure monitor.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Hypertension can be caused by one or more of the following:
- An unhealthy lifestyle, inadequate exercise and a poor diet
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Thyroid disease
Certain medications, such as over-the-counter cold and sinus medicines, pain relievers containing caffeine, and birth control pills, can also elevate your blood pressure.
Inflammation can also increase your risk for hypertension. It occurs when your immune system activates and sends out inflammatory cells to fight harmful substances in the body or to heal an injury.
Chronic inflammation, in particular, can be problematic. It can damage the linings of blood vessels, which can lead to arterial stiffness. This, in turn, can elevate blood pressure.
What Supplements Lower Blood Pressure?
Supplements offer additional support when you want to manage your blood pressure naturally.
Here are some of the most recommended supplements that lower blood pressure:
1. GcMAF Supplement
Let’s start with a lesser-known supplement: GcMAF. But what is GcMAF?
GcMAF stands for Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor, a naturally occurring protein that activates macrophages, a type of white blood cell. These white blood cells help strengthen the body’s immune system.
Macrophages play several important roles in the immune system and body. These include:
- Activating microglia. Microglia are a type of macrophage that work as the brain and spinal cord’s main immune cells. These cells are on the constant lookout for infections, harmful substances, and signs of cellular damage and respond immediately to these threats when activated. They also help remove damaged cells and other infectious elements.
- Repairing and healing damaged tissues. Activated macrophages help remove dead cells from injured sites and release growth factors that repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
- Reducing chronic inflammation. Macrophages help clean and manage the tissues’ inflammatory response once the infection or injury has been dealt with. This reduces long-term inflammation, which is one of the remarkable GcMAF benefits.
These processes help the body control hypertension, making GcMAF one of the recommended supplements to lower blood pressure to include in your diet.
Most GcMAF capsules can be taken twice a day to experience these blood pressure-lowering effects and other health benefits.
2. Vitamin D
If you’re looking for vitamins to lower blood pressure, vitamin D should be at the top of your list. A study showed that people with high blood pressure tend to have a deficiency in or low levels of this nutrient.
The suggested daily intake for vitamin D for adults up to 70 years is 500 IU, while those over 70 need 800 IU daily.
Ensuring you get enough vitamin D daily is crucial when taking GcMAF dietary supplements to increase their antiangiogenic effects, which helps manage inflammatory conditions.
However, avoid going beyond the recommended daily intake or over 4,000 IU a day since it can lead to vitamin D toxicity.
In addition to supplements, you can get this nutrient from salmon, sardines, and other fatty fish, dairy products, and orange juice and plant milk fortified with vitamin D.
3. Potassium
Potassium is one of the best supplements for high blood pressure. It is a nutrient that helps the heart and blood vessels pump blood efficiently. It also relaxes the blood vessels and balances sodium in the body.
Insufficient intake of this nutrient can cause the blood vessels to tighten or constrict, which can lead to hypertension.
According to a study, increasing your potassium intake to 3,500 to 5,000 mg per day can help lower high blood pressure.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Various studies show that an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce high blood pressure.
These healthy fats are among the widely consumed supplements that help lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids relax and facilitate the vasodilation of blood vessels, which improves blood flow. They also reduce the amount of plaque in arteries and inflammation.
In addition to capsules, chewable soft gels, and gummies, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, tuna, trout, and other fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
The recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce high blood pressure is around three grams.
5. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is one of the best supplements for lowering blood pressure. It is a natural substance found in nearly every cell of the body. It helps blood vessels relax, produces energy in the mitochondria, and works as a powerful antioxidant.
One study showed that this nutrient can lower systolic blood pressure.
Most health experts recommend taking 100 to 200 mg of CoQ10 supplements daily. You can also get this nutrient from fish, meat, and nuts.
What’s the Best Next Step for Managing Your High Blood Pressure?
Consulting a trusted medical practitioner is the next best step if you suspect you have hypertension or have already been diagnosed.
During your consultation, ask which supplements you can take and the recommended dosage. Find out what lifestyle changes you should also implement to manage your high blood pressure effectively.
Contact us if you need more information or have questions about our GcMAF supplements.
Author
Dr Toshio Inui
Doctor, expert in internal medicine and worldwide authority on GcMAF treatments, Dr. Inui is the visiting professor at Kagoshima University. He has dedicated his career to developing innovative treatments using MAF, and has 22 research works and 266 citations into macrophage activating factors.