People who suffer from high blood pressure are often prescribed medicines like diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers that help them lower their blood pressure. The effects of these medications are even more crucial for those whose blood pressure does not dip even at night, which covers more than 30 percent of hypertensive patients. This dip is necessary since it helps ameliorate the damage high blood pressure may have on the blood vessels and organs. However, medications for high blood pressure are often associated with side effects like diarrhea, dizziness, anxiousness, tiredness, headaches, nausea, rashes, and weight loss or gain. To avoid these consequences, you can opt to use naturally-occurring compounds, such as the following:
- Flavonoids -- Quercetin, myricetin, and myricitrin are polyphenols found in many fruits and vegetables. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties that don't just prevent oxidative damage but are also credited for the ability to lower blood pressure. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like red onions, blueberries, apples, and red lettuce are great sources of quercetin. Meanwhile, myricetin and myricitrin, which are related to each other are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, as well as in black and green teas.
- Steviosides -- The Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is the source of the sweetener called stevia, contains compounds called steviosides that are beneficial for patients with high blood pressure. It works by blocking calcium channels found in the smooth muscle cells of the vascular system in order to relax blood vessels. To achieve significant improvements, the recommended dosage is 750 to 1500 milligrams of steviosides per day. Moreover, you can also use it with flavonoids for better control over your blood pressure.
- Melatonin -- Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and regulating signals from the autonomic nervous system. When used in its controlled-release form, it is able to provide the nighttime dip in blood pressure that is beneficial for the body's recovery.
With these compounds, you can achieve better control over your blood pressure without the need for harmful medications. (Related: Common blood pressure drug increases risk of breast cancer recurrence.)
Possible complications due to high blood pressure
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer since it can cause severe damage without exhibiting any symptoms until years later. Once you find out that you have this condition, be sure to make the necessary lifestyle changes and use the appropriate remedies to prevent complications associated with hypertension, which include the following:
- Aneurysm
- Coronary artery disease
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Eye nerve or blood vessel damage
- Sleep problem
- Bone loss
- Sexual dysfunction
For more articles about natural remedies for high blood pressure, visit Health.news.
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