Vitamins to Lower Blood Pressure

More than 60 million Americans have high blood pressure. The condition can lead to heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Next to maintaining an ideal body weight, perhaps the most important non-drug factors in controlling elevated blood pressure are relaxation, exercise and a healthy, mineral-and-vitamin-rich diet.

High Blood Pressure Defined

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the resistance produced each time the heart beats and sends blood running through the arteries. The peak arterial pressure of the blood, occurring just after the contraction of the left ventricle, is called systolic pressure. The lowest arterial reading is referred to as the diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure is in the 120/80 range, while high blood pressure exceeds 140/90.

Vitamin C

According to four separate studies conducted at Tufts University in Massachusetts, the less vitamin C in the diet, the higher the blood pressure. Although the normal daily value of vitamin C is 60 mg, patients at Tufts were put on a 240 mg daily regimen. It was discovered that they were 50 percent less likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

Vitamin C strengthens blood vessel walls, making them more resistant to hypertension. In conjunction with the herb hawthorn, the vitamin dilates the blood vessels, improving the heart's pumping ability. Regimens call for 1,000 mg of vitamin C three times daily, with 100 to 150 mg of hawthorn three times a day. Some people may have to reduce the dose of the vitamin, since it can cause diarrhea. It is good to remember that foods including orange juice, pineapple juice and cantaloupes are absorbed into the body more efficiently than supplements.

Niacin

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is beneficial in lowering blood pressure by increasing circulation. It may also help to reduce high blood pressure in another way. According to a study in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association and data from the Physician's Health Study, a long-term clinical trial, high cholesterol may lead to high blood pressure in males. Daily doses of 2,000 to 3,000 mg of niacin have been found to reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which clogs arteries, by 20 to 30 percent. Hence, niacin-rich foods such as tuna, veal and chicken breasts may have an indirect impact on elevated blood pressure.

Thiamin

Doctors have long prescribed vitamin B1, commonly known as thiamin, to patients suffering from physical and emotional stress, and depression. A study by the University of California, Davis, found that symptoms of thiamin deficiency include fear, uneasiness, confusion and mood swings--all factors that contribute to elevated blood pressure. They further discovered that thiamin supplements can improve sleep and appetite, elements that reduce high blood pressure.

Riboflavin

Riboflavin is one of the essential B vitamins. It is a proven stress reducer and may help lower high blood pressure. In addition, riboflavin controls cholesterol buildup, which can effect blood pressure, by helping to tame harmful free radicals. Foods rich in riboflavin include poultry, fish, milk and cheese.