Best supplements for high blood pressure: supplement to lower reading

High blood pressure affects one in four adults in the UK, but many people don’t know they have it. This is because symptoms are rarely noticeable. The best way to find out if you have high

blood pressure is to have your reading regularly checked, either by your GP or local pharmacist or using a blood pressure monitor at home. High blood pressure can often be prevented or

reduced by some simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily. The NHS advises: “Cut down on the amount of salt in your food and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.” It adds: “Salt

raises your blood pressure. The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure. “Aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful. “Eating a low-fat diet that

includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure.” READ MORE: High blood pressure: Best tea to drink for

breakfast to lower your reading  But some experts believe the addition of supplements in a person’s diet can also help control blood pressure. One supplement proven to have a positive impact

on blood pressure is garlic extract. In 2014, Australian scientists found certain nutrients in garlic, particularly a compound called allicin, release chemicals into the bloodstream that

help blood vessels relax, reducing blood pressure. High blood pressure is recorded with two numbers - the systolic and diastolic pressure. DON'T MISS The systolic pressure, the higher

number, is the force at which the heart pumps blood around the body. The diastolic pressure, the lower number, is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels. In a 2012 Cochrane

review on the effects of garlic on high blood pressure, researchers concluded (based on two trials in 87 patients with high blood pressure) “garlic reduces mean supine systolic and diastolic

blood pressure by approximately 10-12mmHg and 6-9mmHg”. While garlic can be eaten in its natural form, it’s also available as a supplement. Studies have also demonstrated the positive

effect garlic supplements can have on blood pressure. In one study, 600 to 1,500mg of aged garlic extract was just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24-week

period. Before taking supplements to lower high blood pressure you should speak with your GP. Other ways to lower blood pressure Another way high blood pressure can be reduced or prevented

is by regularly exercising. The NHS explains: “Being active and taking regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition. “Regular exercise can

also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure.” Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as cycling or fast

walking, every week. Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, stopping smoking, and getting a good night’s sleep can also help keep blood pressure in check.