by Shaheen Darr

Created on: May 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 09, 2010

Before making any changes to your prescribed blood pressure medication, it is always advisable to consult your doctor but Introducing the following foods to your diet can help reduce your blood pressure naturally. Improving your diet benefits the entire body and there is the added bonus of keeping side effects of prescriptive drugs at bay.

Fish Oil: Fish like mackerel, halibut, tuna, herring and sardines contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fish oils are both anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant and can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol in the body. By thinning the blood and easing blood flow, blood pressure is lowered and there is a decreased risk of blood clots forming in arteries that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. They can also prevent atherosclerosis or hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The aim should be to buy fish from clean water fisheries to avoid dangers of buying fish with high levels of mercury contamination.

Garlic: The benefits of garlic are well known in helping circulatory problems as it contains adenosine that dilates blood vessels, relaxes muscles in the body and lowers blood pressure. Garlic also lowers cholesterol and thins the blood thus preventing the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. It is best eaten raw, and should not be taken if you are already taking blood-thinning medications.

Celery: A vegetable used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and muscle relaxant. It contains compounds called phthalide, which relax the muscles of the arteries and help the flow of blood thus preventing clotting and lowering blood pressure. It is rich in vitamin C, which improves the body's immune system and helps to lower cholesterol but it should be taken in moderation as it contains sodium that can increase blood pressure levels.

Hawthorn: The leaves and flowers of this shrub are used to treat heart problems as they contain bioflavonoids that can contribute towards a healthy heart function. It helps in blood circulation by strengthening the walls of the arteries, lowers cholesterol and prevents blood-clotting. This herb seems to have no long term health problems and is considered safe to use over a long period of time.

Potassium: According to a study done in 2005 in St. George's Medical School in London, potassium citrate was found to be as efficient in lowering blood pressure

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