High blood pressure (hypertension) is thought to affect around 50 million Americans, of which 15 million are undiagnosed. If your blood pressure is greater than 140/90 then you are one of the 50 million; perhaps even more worryingly is the rising incidence of hypertension in adolescents and children. On the pharmaceutical market there are a number of high blood pressure remedies including diuretics and ACE inhibitors, all of which bring their own unwanted side effects. Additionally resistant blood pressure requiring a combination of two or more high blood pressure prescription medications, leads to increased risk of serious side effects, and it is for this reason that natural methods including diet should be sought to reduce blood pressure naturally.

There are many foods which can be consumed in order to lower your blood pressure naturally.

Berries

Berries contain lots of Vitamin C, very few calories and lots of fibre as well as being a very tasty snack. A cup of blueberries only contains 83 calories but the berries are packed full of antioxidants such as anthocyanosides. Free radicals are part of the hypertensive process and antioxidants help prevent the formation of free radicals therefore the consumption of blueberries helps prevent free radical damage which leads to hypertension. Strawberries are another excellent fruit to consume to help lower blood pressure naturally. They contain even fewer calories than blueberries and contain essential components such as magnesium and potassium which help to lower blood pressure.

Bananas and other potassium rich foods

Scientific research has claimed that six potassium rich foods such as bananas, oranges, dried apricots, and raisins daily may lower your blood pressure. People with a low dietary potassium intake are at increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The method by which potassium exerts its beneficial effects on blood vessels is still to be resolved.

Foods that boost glutathione

There are many food sources which can help to boost your glutathione levels including asparagus, broccoli, avocado and spinach, as well as raw eggs, garlic and grapes. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of a diet rich in grapes compared to a diet void of grapes. This beneficial effect is being attributed to phytochemicals present in grapes. These phytochemicals have been shown to stimulate the action of genes involved in glutathione production. Glutathione helps prevent free radical damage to the heart. Free radical damage leads to high blood pressure. Glutathione levels in high blood pressure patients are often reduced, therefore a diet rich in glutathione boosting foods will help restore glutathione levels and achieve ideal blood pressure.

Celery

Celery is one of the most beneficial vegetables in lowering blood pressure naturally. It is so effective due to the presence of a phytochemical called 3-N-butylphthalide, which helps reduce stress hormones that narrow blood vessels increasing high blood pressure.

Garlic

Garlic in the form of garlic powder has been shown to be effective in reducing either systolic or diastolic blood pressure in 7 major scientific studies in those suffering from mild hypertension. In order to increase your garlic content, why not add garlic to sauces and bread.

Others

Many other foods and supplements such as hawthorn, Coenzyme Q10, fish oil have been shown to be effective in some studies in lowering blood pressure naturally.

By modifying your diet and including the list of foods above as well as exercising and weight loss you will be well on your way to lowering your blood pressure the natural way without the use of dangerous prescription medications.

Learn more about this author, Marie Bywater.
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