Avoid These Supplements If You Have High Blood Pressure
Monday, April 17, 2017
Avoid These Supplements If You Have High Blood Pressure
It is well documented that certain foods substances such as salt and caffeine may cause elevated blood pressure, but what is not well know is that some natural supplements or the ingredients in some regularly consumed supplements may also cause blood pressure to rise. This can be extremely dangerous for persons who already suffer from hypertension.
People whose blood pressure readings exceed 160/90 mm Hg are said to be hypertensive and should make every effort bring it down to readings within the normal range of 120/80 mm Hg. Some individuals do this using medication prescribed by their doctor while others take a more natural approach with the use of life style changes, diet, exercise and natural supplements.
Supplements such as Hawthorne Berry, Rhodiola, Garlic, and olive oil extract all same to have some impact in reducing blood pressure when taken regularly. However, caution must be taken as some supplements or supplement ingredients may in fact exacerbate blood pressure levels already outside the normal range. While this may not be a problem for non-hypertensive individuals it most definitely poses a treat for suffers of hypertension.
Some of the most commonly used supplements that should be avoided by persons with high blood pressure are described below:
Ginseng: Ginseng comes in a variety of forms e.g. American Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, South American Ginseng, etc. It is thought to have a number of health benefits but recent findings have shown that it may also elevate blood pressure in some people; therefore care must be taken if it is added to a supplement regimen or better yet, hold off on including it until more reliable data is available.
Licorice: Licorice is another one of those natural supplements used to remedy a number of ailments; however findings from the University of Maryland Medical Center posited that taking this supplement may contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.
Bitter Orange: Bitter orange is used to treat internal as well as external ailments. Everything from skin problems to gastrointestinal ailments is covered by this natural remedy. One of its most popular uses is in weight lose programs. But despite its many uses hypertensive suffers have been warned not to use bitter orange because it has been linked to elevated blood pressure and some of the complications associated with this condition.
Ephedra: Ephedra was once a popular weight lose supplement but it is now banned in the USA. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking ephedra may result in high blood pressure, heart problems and other similar complications.
Yohimbe Bark: Yohimbe Bark is marketed under several different names that essentially mean the same thing. It gained popularity as a sexual stimulant in males with erectile dysfunction and for the treatment of people with a low blood condition known as orthostatic hypotension. Based on its uses alone one can deduce that it is effective in increasing blood pressure; consequently, persons with hypertensive conditions should stay far away from this supplement.
These are some of the better known supplements that appear to be closely related to elevate blood pressure, but as it is with most natural supplements more research is needed to better pinpoint the relationship between specific supplements and blood pressure. The best advice one can give at this time is to check with your doctor before you begin taking any supplement particularly if you are already on prescribed medication. High blood pressure is a serious health risk that can create many other complications if it is exacerbated by lifestyle, diet, inactivity or natural supplements.
While I support the use of natural remedies wherever possible, individuals must always bear in mind that everything that says natural does not mean safe. Always do your own research and consult with your physician before deciding to start a natural supplement regimen.
It is well documented that certain foods substances such as salt and caffeine may cause elevated blood pressure, but what is not well know is that some natural supplements or the ingredients in some regularly consumed supplements may also cause blood pressure to rise. This can be extremely dangerous for persons who already suffer from hypertension.
People whose blood pressure readings exceed 160/90 mm Hg are said to be hypertensive and should make every effort bring it down to readings within the normal range of 120/80 mm Hg. Some individuals do this using medication prescribed by their doctor while others take a more natural approach with the use of life style changes, diet, exercise and natural supplements.
Supplements such as Hawthorne Berry, Rhodiola, Garlic, and olive oil extract all same to have some impact in reducing blood pressure when taken regularly. However, caution must be taken as some supplements or supplement ingredients may in fact exacerbate blood pressure levels already outside the normal range. While this may not be a problem for non-hypertensive individuals it most definitely poses a treat for suffers of hypertension.
Some of the most commonly used supplements that should be avoided by persons with high blood pressure are described below:
Ginseng: Ginseng comes in a variety of forms e.g. American Ginseng, Korean Ginseng, South American Ginseng, etc. It is thought to have a number of health benefits but recent findings have shown that it may also elevate blood pressure in some people; therefore care must be taken if it is added to a supplement regimen or better yet, hold off on including it until more reliable data is available.
Licorice: Licorice is another one of those natural supplements used to remedy a number of ailments; however findings from the University of Maryland Medical Center posited that taking this supplement may contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.
Bitter Orange: Bitter orange is used to treat internal as well as external ailments. Everything from skin problems to gastrointestinal ailments is covered by this natural remedy. One of its most popular uses is in weight lose programs. But despite its many uses hypertensive suffers have been warned not to use bitter orange because it has been linked to elevated blood pressure and some of the complications associated with this condition.
Ephedra: Ephedra was once a popular weight lose supplement but it is now banned in the USA. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking ephedra may result in high blood pressure, heart problems and other similar complications.
Yohimbe Bark: Yohimbe Bark is marketed under several different names that essentially mean the same thing. It gained popularity as a sexual stimulant in males with erectile dysfunction and for the treatment of people with a low blood condition known as orthostatic hypotension. Based on its uses alone one can deduce that it is effective in increasing blood pressure; consequently, persons with hypertensive conditions should stay far away from this supplement.
These are some of the better known supplements that appear to be closely related to elevate blood pressure, but as it is with most natural supplements more research is needed to better pinpoint the relationship between specific supplements and blood pressure. The best advice one can give at this time is to check with your doctor before you begin taking any supplement particularly if you are already on prescribed medication. High blood pressure is a serious health risk that can create many other complications if it is exacerbated by lifestyle, diet, inactivity or natural supplements.
While I support the use of natural remedies wherever possible, individuals must always bear in mind that everything that says natural does not mean safe. Always do your own research and consult with your physician before deciding to start a natural supplement regimen.
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