About one-third of the U.S. population suffers from a silent killer known as hypertension, an excessively high arterial pressure, according to the American Heart Association. This serious condition is one of the major risk factors linked to kidney failure, stroke and heart attacks. To lower their systolic and diastolic pressure, Americans are often prescribed medication. However, a number of patients choose alternative or complementary forms of healing to treat their hypertension. Two popular and highly effective home remedies for high blood pressure are apple cider vinegar and garlic.
Causes of Hypertension
High blood pressure has been attributed to a number of contributing factors. These include stress, hormonal disorders, family history, obesity, high sodium intake, tobacco use, age, alcohol consumption, potassium intake, absence of physical activity, excessive consumption of caffeine, use of certain medications such as birth control pills, adrenal gland disease, thyroid disease and kidney disease.
Apple Cider Vinegar As A Cure
Touted as a miracle cure for hypertension, apple cider vinegar boasts more than 40 minerals and vitamins including vitamin P, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and potassium--all of which work to stabilize and regulate blood pressure. The potassium in apple cider vinegar helps to make the blood thinner, which in turn lowers the blood pressure. Apple cider vinegar's detoxification properties cleanse the liver of toxins and eliminate excess salt from the body.
Selection & Dosage
Because the supermarket version is harsh on the stomach, people with hypertension should buy unpasteurized apple cider vinegar sold in health food stores. For optimal results, patients should take 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar per day. If it's too distasteful, they can dilute it with water. Results can be expected within a week.
The Garlic Cure
Another well-known and effective remedy for hypertension is garlic. In fact, many studies have shown that it's as efficacious a remedy as high blood pressure medications. By enlarging the arteries, garlic facilitates the flow of blood, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
Dosage & Recommendations
To attain a lower blood pressure, patients need consume one clove daily. The regular consumption of garlic has been found to lower blood pressure by nearly 10 percent. Patients can choose to eat it in powdered or clove form, the latter being the most beneficial. Before buying garlic supplements, consumers should consult their health provider to ensure that they don't interfere with other medication or supplements they are taking such as vitamin E, aspirin, blood thinners or ginkgo.
Advantages of Garlic and Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many good reasons to opt for these natural remedies for hypertension. First, they're easy and safe to consume. Second, they're inexpensive and help patients avoid costly prescription medication. Third, they're accessible and often yield better results than prescription drugs. There are no side effects associated with apple cider vinegar or garlic, and they act very quickly in the body. This enables patients to lower their blood pressure in as short a time frame as a week.
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