Fish oil also has the added benefit of driving down triglycerides , a type of fat in the body that can be dangerous at high levels.

Numerous studies show that diet is the most effective way of getting the benefits of omega-3 sources like fish oil. Due to the high cost of wild fish and concerns over mercury levels of cheaper, farm-raised fish, dietary supplements from reputable sources are recommended as well.

Garlic The compounds found in garlic help regulate the immune response involved in the inflammatory process and have been shown to lower lipid levels. Supplements made from kyolic aged garlic extract — which comes from organically grown garlic bulbs aged over 20 months at room temperature — may be particularly beneficial.

Magnesium There is a fair amount of evidence showing diets high in magnesium may lower hypertension risk. Arterial smooth muscle requires calcium for contraction, but people with high blood pressure tend to accumulate calcium in these muscles — hence, the widespread use of calcium channel blocker medication.

Magnesium is thought to be a natural calcium channel blocker : It opposes the effects of calcium by relaxing the arterial muscle.

Some healthcare professionals haven't seen much success with magnesium as a hypertension treatment specifically. A recent research review suggests the effectiveness of magnesium may depend on who is taking it.

Coenzyme Q10 The supplement coenzyme Q10 Co-Q10 is also involved in the contraction of smooth muscle, specifically the efficiency of contraction. Scientists are still working to pinpoint exactly which people might benefit most from taking this supplement as a way to help manage the underlying causes of high blood pressure.

One recent meta-analysis of data from 17 clinical trials found Co-Q10 helped lower systolic blood pressure in people with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, for example. Folic Acid Folic acid is sometimes given as an alternative treatment for hypertension because of its effects on the arterial walls.

There is some evidence that accumulation of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood can damage these walls. To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated beverage.

If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine. Talk to your doctor about the effects of caffeine on your blood pressure. Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. More research is needed to determine the effects of chronic stress on blood pressure.

Occasional stress also can contribute to high blood pressure if you react to stress by eating unhealthy food, drinking alcohol or smoking. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness.

Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress. If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way.

Try to:. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure, make certain your lifestyle changes are working, and alert you and your doctor to potential health complications. Blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before you get started.

Regular visits with your doctor are also key to controlling your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is well-controlled, check with your doctor about how often you need to check it.

Your doctor may suggest checking it daily or less often. If you're making any changes in your medications or other treatments, your doctor may recommend you check your blood pressure starting two weeks after treatment changes and a week before your next appointment.

Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor's office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low. If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group.

This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic. You may be familiar with high-density, or good cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins LDL , or bad cholesterol; and their connections to heart health.

But what about triglycerides? Rosmarinic acid is one such compound. Results from am animal study have shown that taking rosmarinic acid helped significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE.

ACE is a molecule that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Inhibiting it may lower blood pressure. Scientists need to do more research to investigate these effects in humans. Thyme contains powerful compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, that appear to help relax blood vessels in animal studies.

However, researchers need to do more studies in humans. Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine. People have used it for centuries to improve many aspects of heart health, including circulation , cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

Human studies have shown that taking ginger supplements may reduce blood pressure. One study in more than 4, people found that those who consumed the most ginger — 2—4 grams per day — had the lowest risk of developing high blood pressure. Ginger is flavorful and easy to incorporate into your diet with meals.

Alternatively, you can purchase ginger supplements online. These are more concentrated. Cardamom is an aromatic spice with a slightly sweet, intense flavor. A week study in 20 adults that were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure found that taking 3 grams of cardamom powder daily significantly reduced blood pressure, lowering it close to the normal range.

This study was from More research is needed to better understand the impact of cardamom on blood pressure. Cardamom is simple to incorporate into your cooking or baking.

Alternatively, you could take a cardamom supplement or extract under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Despite its similar name and appearance, this plant has a different origin and different chemical properties. These compounds may stimulate blood vessels to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical compound that helps blood vessels relax and dilate.

However, human studies are still limited in this area. More human studies are needed. Bacopa monnieri is an herb that grows in marshy areas in South Asia. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine use it to treat various ailments, including anxiety , memory issues, and high blood pressure.

In animal studies , Bacopa monnieri helped lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by stimulating blood vessels to release nitric oxide. A week human study in 54 healthy adults looked at the effects of Bacopa monnieri on memory, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.

While the herb improved most mental aspects, it did not affect blood pressure You can buy Bacopa monnieri from health food stores and online. Animal research suggests the herb Bacopa monnieri may help blood vessels dilate and relax, lowering blood pressure. However, human research is conflicting and limited.

A number of herbs have been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. This includes basil, cardamom, and celery seeds While herbal remedies can help lower high blood pressure, medications are more likely to have a faster effect.

This includes diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and others. Making lifestyle changes can also help An evaluation with your doctor can help point you to the right course of treatment for you. Learn more about treatment for high blood pressure. Beverages that may help lower your blood pressure include beet juice, tomato juice, tea, and skim milk.

High blood pressure is the most common, preventable risk factor for heart disease. It affects nearly half of all American adults. The best way to manage high blood pressure is through a combination of the right medications, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors.

That said, there are several promising herbs and spices you can incorporate into your diet that may help lower your blood pressure. Keep in mind that many herbs and spices may interact with common blood thinner medications, and many extracts and supplements discussed above lack sufficient safety research.

Another type of low blood pressure can occur when someone stands for a long period of time. This is called neurally mediated hypotension. Blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain declines with age, often as a result of plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of people over age 65 have postural hypotension. Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure dangerous only if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as:. With two thirds of the population clinically having hypertension or prehypertension, this is a health issue that needs attention and fast.

Fortunately, you can start improving your blood pressure symptoms easily and naturally today with the recommendations below. One of the best natural remedies is an improved diet for high blood pressure. The mineral magnesium is great because it helps relax your blood vessels and can have an immediate impact on naturally lowering blood pressure and many people have a magnesium deficiency , which plays in to high blood pressure.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that a diet high in magnesium foods could reduce the risk of a stroke by 8 percent.

This is profound considering that hypertension causes 50 percent of ischemic strokes in the world. Therefore, a magnesium supplement may help address your blood pressure issues. One of the main causes of high blood pressure is inflammation in the arteries over time.

Studies have shown consuming fish oil, which is high in EPA and DHA forms of omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation of the body, which is why fish oil benefits heart health. A study indicated that omega-3 reduced BP significantly in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis CAPD patients.

In a review of 17 randomized controlled trials that considered the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on blood pressure among patients with metabolic diseases, results demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased systolic blood pressure.

Available in powder form, consumption of cocoa increases your intake of flavonols, which help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Cocoa is also a natural vasodilator, which means it increases nitric oxide in the blood and widen blood vessels.

A study showed that aged garlic reduces peripheral and central blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. It also has the potential to improve arterial stiffness, inflammation and other cardiovascular markers in patients with elevated levels. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure.

Children and adolescents should get one hour of physical activity every day. Yet another reason to reduce stress is its ability to raise blood pressure. These activities only increase the problem. These natural stress relievers help you relax and reduce your blood pressure.

Essential oils can lower blood pressure by dilating arteries, acting as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and by decreasing emotional stress. The best choices when it comes to lowering high blood pressure include neroli, lavender, ylang ylang, sweet marjoram, clary sage and frankincense.

You can use these oils in a diffuser. You can also include a few drops in a neutral carrier oil or lotion and massage the mixture on your body.

If your blood pressure is normal, great — you can work on keeping it that way as you get older. Keep in mind that high blood pressure is a chronic disease and ultimately needs lifelong treatment, so support is helpful to make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle plan.

If you already have high blood pressure, some evidence shows that measuring levels at home can help you manage symptoms better. This will give you an early warning sign if you start to see numbers creep up slowly. You can buy several different types of home blood pressure monitors without a prescription from pharmacies or online.

If you feel more comfortable visiting your healthcare professional regularly to control your blood pressure, the same benefits apply. Research suggests people who have some kind of ongoing support from their doctor or health clinic improve blood pressure better than without support.

Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises the risk for various heart problems. It will also worsen complications and make it harder to reverse the problem. Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse.

More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr. Axe on Twitter 70 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr. Axe on Youtube Dr. Axe on Pintrest Share on Email Print Article 6. Symptoms and even chronic diseases related to heavy metal toxicity also called Axe on Twitter 21 Dr.

Axe on Pintrest 46 Share on Email Print Article 2. Several studies show that exercising kindness boosts happiness levels, but new evidence Axe on Facebook 1 Dr.

Axe on Twitter 1 Dr. Axe on Pintrest 3 Share on Email Print Article 5. For those who have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring blood pressure down to safer levels. Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing.

Another possibility is high-intensity interval training. This type of training involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with periods of lighter activity. Strength training also can help reduce blood pressure.

Aim to include strength training exercises at least two days a week. Talk to a health care provider about developing an exercise program. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat and cholesterol can lower high blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg.

Examples of eating plans that can help control blood pressure are the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. Potassium in the diet can lessen the effects of salt sodium on blood pressure. The best sources of potassium are foods, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements.

Aim for 3, to 5, mg a day, which might lower blood pressure 4 to 5 mm Hg. Ask your care provider how much potassium you should have. Even a small reduction of sodium in the diet can improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg.

The effect of sodium intake on blood pressure varies among groups of people. In general, limit sodium to 2, milligrams mg a day or less. However, a lower sodium intake — 1, mg a day or less — is ideal for most adults. Limiting alcohol to less than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men can help lower blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg.

One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1. But drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure by several points.

It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Smoking increases blood pressure. Stopping smoking helps lower blood pressure. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health, possibly leading to a longer life.

Poor sleep quality — getting fewer than six hours of sleep every night for several weeks — can contribute to hypertension. A number of issues can disrupt sleep, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and general sleeplessness insomnia.

Let your health care provider know if you often have trouble sleeping. Finding and treating the cause can help improve sleep. However, if you don't have sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, follow these simple tips for getting more restful sleep.

Long-term chronic emotional stress may contribute to high blood pressure. More research is needed on the effects of stress reduction techniques to find out whether they can reduce blood pressure. However, it can't hurt to determine what causes stress, such as work, family, finances or illness, and find ways to reduce stress.

Try the following:. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure. It can make certain your medications and lifestyle changes are working. Home blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. Talk to a health care provider about home monitoring before you get started.

Regular visits with a provider are also key to controlling blood pressure. If your blood pressure is well controlled, ask your provider how often you need to check it.

You might be able to check it only once a day or less often. Supportive family and friends are important to good health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the care provider's office or start an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low.

If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information.

If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Request Appointment. Products and services. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry.

Show references Feehally J, et al. Nonpharmacologic prevention and treatment of hypertension. In: Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Elsevier; Accessed April 20, Hypertension adult. Mayo Clinic; Hall ME, et al. Weight-loss strategies for prevention and treatment of hypertension: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Shimbo D, et al. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring at home: A joint policy statement from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.

Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Accessed April 23, Libby P, et al. Systemic hypertension: Mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment.

In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. Sleep deprivation and deficiency: Healthy sleep habits. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Managing stress to control high blood pressure. American Heart Association. Products and Services A Book: Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure Blood Pressure Monitors at Mayo Clinic Store The Mayo Clinic Diet Online.

See also Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure? Alpha blockers Amputation and diabetes Angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors Angiotensin II receptor blockers Anxiety: A cause of high blood pressure?

AskMayoMom Pediatric Urology Beta blockers Beta blockers: Do they cause weight gain? Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise? Birth control pill FAQ Blood glucose meters Blood glucose monitors Blood pressure: Can it be higher in one arm? Blood pressure chart Blood pressure cuff: Does size matter?

Blood pressure: Does it have a daily pattern? Blood pressure: Is it affected by cold weather? Blood pressure medication: Still necessary if I lose weight?