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Using salt substitutes may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, a new study finds.
Researchers found that those using salt substitutes were 40% less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to those consuming regular salt.
A cardiologist explains the findings.
It may be time to remove the salt shaker from your table. New research shows that using salt substitutes may effectively reduce your risk of high blood pressure and boost heart health.
The study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looked at how replacing regular table salt with a potassium-enriched salt substitute (similar to this one) might impact blood pressure. It included over 600 Chinese adults who did not previously have high blood pressure. Researchers randomly assigned half of the participants to consume regular salt, and the other half to use a salt substitute.
Typical table salt is almost entirely sodium chloride. The salt substitute used in the study contained around one-third less sodium chloride than table salt. The salt substitute also contained 25% potassium chloride, which doesn’t raise blood pressure, the study noted.
After two years, researchers found that those using the salt substitute were 40% less likely to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, compared to those using regular salt. People in the salt substitute group did not have an increased risk of low blood pressure episodes, or hypotension. These findings suggest that incorporating salt substitutes into your diet could potentially reduce the risk of developing hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases without introducing additional health risks like low blood pressure.
The goal of a salt substitute is to replace the concerning component of salt (sodium) with another mineral (potassium) so that it still looks and tastes like salt but can offer a way to reduce risk and cut back on a person’s salt intake, explains Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., professor of cardiovascular epidemiology at Northwestern Medicine’s Feinberg School of Medicine and American Heart Association Go Red for Women volunteer. “This is very important because we know that salt is an important driver of poor heart health and risk for high blood pressure,” she notes.
Prior studies have demonstrated that eating less sodium lowers blood pressure. However, it is really hard to cut out sodium from a person’s diet, says Dr. Khan. And cutting it out completely could also be detrimental by causing low blood pressure. So, this has raised the question of whether we can replace sodium with an alternative salt or salt substitute.
Although there are clear benefits of using salt substitutes for many with high blood pressure, more research needs to be done about its effects on those with normal or healthy blood pressure as a prevention method for high blood pressure, says Dr. Khan. “There are also risks to using salt substitutes for people with conditions that impair potassium excretion, such as chronic kidney disease or heart failure, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death,” she notes.
It’s also important to note how different countries and different populations consume most of their sodium intake, adds Dr. Khan. “For example, in China, most of the sodium intake comes from adding salt in the process of cooking. In the U.S., nearly 70% of our sodium intake comes from consuming commercially processed food products or restaurant foods,” Dr. Khan notes. So this study is not necessarily indicative of the general population.
There may be other health benefits from a salt substitute that includes potassium, but the important thing in a healthy diet is balance, says Dr. Khan. “We need to ensure that all major macronutrients are being achieved in a good balance,” she advises. A heart-healthy balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is important for overall heart health and one swap can’t eliminate the importance of the other parts of the diet as well as the overall caloric intake for a healthy diet, she explains.
A large team of medical researchers affiliated with several institutions in China reports that volunteers engaging regularly in tai chi for one year saw greater reductions in their systolic blood pressure than did volunteers engaging for one year in aerobic exercises. Their study is published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
Prehypertension is a condition leading to hypertension, another name for chronic high blood pressure. Prior research has suggested that aerobic exercises (those that increase breathing and heart rate) can head off the development of hypertension in those with prehypertension. There have also been reports of tai chi having much the same effect.
For this new study, the researchers wanted to learn more about the impact of both activities over an entire year. To that end, they recruited 349 adult volunteers with prehypertension. The group was split approximately in half, with one subgroup committing to doing tai chi for one hour four times a week for a year, and the other subgroup doing aerobic exercises with the same frequency. The researchers took blood pressure measurements at the beginning of the study, at six months and then at 12 months.
The researchers found that tai chi had a more significant impact on reducing blood pressure than aerobic exercise. More specifically, they found that those volunteers in the tai chi group saw changes of -7.01 mmHg compared to -4.61 mmHg for those in the aerobic exercise group when tested in an office setting and walking on a treadmill.
They also found greater reductions in the tai chi group when testing the volunteer’s blood pressure as they slept. In continuing to monitor the volunteers after the conclusion of the study, they found that fewer of those people who had been in the tai chi group progressed to hypertension than did those in the aerobic exercise group.
As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, experts warn that weight loss shouldn’t be the only goal.
Zepbound is the newest addition to the weight loss drug arena. In November 2023, it joined the list of obesity-fighting drugs – administered as an injection – to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The key to Zepbound’s weight loss potential is its active ingredient, tirzepatide. This is the same active ingredient found in the drug Mounjaro, which is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.
The relationship between Zepbound and Mounjaro is similar to two other popular drugs making headlines, Wegovy and Ozempic. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide, with Ozempic approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy approved for the treatment of obesity.
Tirzepatide and semaglutide both mimic the digestive hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestines when we eat to stimulate insulin production and help regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 also suppresses appetite while promoting a sensation of fullness.
Weight loss medications are intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet. But too often, people view them as a silver bullet for weight loss. And the high price tag and variable insurance coverage for these popular weight loss drugs create a barrier for many people.
Obesity is not just an American issue, nor is it going away. The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2030, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will be living with obesity worldwide.
However, long-term weight management depends on a number of complex factors. Meal timing and types of foods eaten can affect energy levels, satisfaction and hunger levels. A person’s typical schedule, culture and preferences, activity level and health history must be taken into consideration as well. No single “best strategy” for weight management has been identified, and research indicates that strategies for weight loss and maintenance need to be individualized.
In addition, it is critical to note that research on the long-term effects of these newer weight loss drugs is limited. The available research has focused specifically on weight loss, heart health and metabolism and has found that ongoing use of these new medications is necessary to maintain improvements in weight and related health benefits.
Common side effects and the emotional toll experienced by those who regain weight once they stop taking the drugs are trade-offs that need to be considered. More research is needed to better understand the long-term impact of both direct and indirect health consequences of taking drugs for weight loss.
It’s not just what you see on the scale
Throughout my years working as a registered dietitian, I have counseled numerous people about their weight loss goals. I often see a hyperfocus on weight loss, with much less attention being placed on the right nutrients to eat.
Societal standards and weight stigma in the health care setting can negatively affect patients’ health and can lead them to obsess about the number on a scale rather than on the health outcome.
Weight loss may be necessary to reduce risks and promote health. But weight loss alone should not be the end goal: Rather, the focus should be on overall health. Tactics to reduce intake and suppress appetite require intention to ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs to support health.
Additionally, I remind people that long-term results require attention to diet and lifestyle. When a person stops taking a medication, the condition it’s meant to treat can often return. If you stop taking your high blood pressure pills without altering your diet and lifestyle, your blood pressure goes back up. The same effects can happen with medications used to treat cholesterol and obesity.
Nourish your body with nutrients
Despite the prevalence of obesity and the emergence of newer drugs to treat it, 95% of the world’s population doesn’t get enough of at least one nutrient. According to one study, nearly one-third of Americans have been found to be at risk of at least one nutrient deficiency. Additional research indicates that those actively trying to lose weight are more prone to nutrient deficiencies and inadequate intake.
For instance, a decline in iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue as well as an increased risk of many conditions. Adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D reduce the risk of bone fractures, yet many people get less than the recommended amounts of these nutrients.
It is true that a healthy body weight is associated with reduced health risks and conditions. But if a person loses weight in a manner that does not provide their body with adequate nourishment, then they may develop new health concerns. For example, when a person follows a diet that severely restricts carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, intake of many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals – or biologically active compounds found in plants – and fiber are reduced. This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut that are important for nutrient absorption and immune function.
Nutrition recommendations set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide guidance and resources to help meet nutrient needs to promote health and prevent disease, regardless of the strategy used to lose weight.
Optimizing health
There is no doubt that striving for a healthy body weight can reduce certain health risks and prevent chronic disease. Whether a person strives to maintain a healthy body weight through diet alone or with medications to treat obesity, the following tips can help optimize health while attempting to lose weight.
Adopt an individualized approach to healthy behaviors that promote weight loss while considering personal preferences, environmental challenges, health conditions and nutrient needs.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods to ensure the body is getting required nutrients for disease prevention and optimal function. If medications reduce your appetite, it is crucial to maximize the amount of nutrients in the foods you do consume.
Seek professional help. If you are uncertain about how to adopt an individualized approach while ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, talk to a registered dietitian. They can learn about your individual needs based on preferences, health conditions and goals to make dietary recommendations that support health.
In addition to making changes to your diet and lifestyle, research shows that several drinks could help lower blood pressure levels and support heart health.Marti Sans/Stocksy United
When blood pressure goes unchecked, it can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke.
One of your first lines of defense against high blood pressure (hypertension) is your diet. Adopting a blood pressure-friendly diet may helpTrusted Source keep your blood pressure within a healthy range without the side effects caused by medications.
In addition to certain foods that may help lower your blood pressure, some types of drinks may also be helpful.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into six different types of drinks that may help lower your blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a condition that occursTrusted Source when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high.
This can cause your heart and blood vessels to work harder, which can damage your heart muscle over time. Additionally, it can cause small tears in the walls of your arteries to form, leading to the buildup of fatty plaque.
High blood pressure usually develops over time and can be causedTrusted Source by poor diet, lack of physical activity, and certain health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.
It’s important to treat high blood pressure, as it can increaseTrusted Source the risk of many other conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Treatment for high blood pressure generally involves a combination of medications, which are used to relax or widen your blood vessels, along with diet and lifestyle changes.
Not only do these colorful, low-calorie vegetables contain a host of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, but they may also help lower your blood pressure.
Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, a compound known to have blood pressure-lowering effects. In a 2017 reviewTrusted Source, researchers found that these benefits were greater than the effects of nitrates alone.
In other words, other heart-friendly compounds are likely at play as well.
Growing evidence suggests that drinking one glass of tomato juice per day may promote heart health.
In a 2019 studyTrusted Source, Japanese researchers evaluated the effects of drinking an average of one cup of tomato juice per day among participants with risk factors for heart disease.
Not only are pomegranates rich in nutrients such as folate and vitamin C, they also boast potent anti-inflammatory effects. It may come as no surprise then that pomegranate juice can contribute to a heart-healthy diet.
A 2017 literature review of eight randomized, controlled trials found that consuming pomegranate juice may help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The effects on systolic blood pressure were independent of how long participants consumed pomegranate juice for and how much.
If you decide to add pomegranate juice to your diet, make sure it’s 100 percent juice with no added sugar.
Like pomegranates, berries — especially blueberries — are known for their antioxidant properties.
A 2020 review reported that drinking cranberry or cherry juice may improve your blood pressure.
Another review published in NatureTrusted Sourcein 2016 found that consuming berries lowered both systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
In both reviews, the researchers concluded that berries likely have cardiovascular benefits, but more research needs to be done to clarify their role in preventing and controlling heart disease.
If you opt for store-bought berry juice, make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugar.
Low-fat dairy products such as skim milk and yogurt are a key component of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, a science-based set of recommendations for preventing and treating high blood pressure.
According to one 2018 studyTrusted Source in 2,694 adults, increased consumption of low-fat milk was also associated with lower levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
But the researchers noted that they couldn’t separate which component of dairy may be responsible for the association, surmising that phosphorus and calcium may be playing a role.
Typically, health professionals recommend you try to get two to three servings of low-fat milk products per day. You can drink a glass with your meals or add it to cereal or a smoothie. Steamed skim milk also makes a great addition to coffee.
But if everyone were to consume two dairy servings a day, it would negatively contribute to climate change, place more pressure on natural resources, and may increase the methane (a type of greenhouse gas) output of dairy-producing farm animals.
For this reason, if you’re looking to eat a sustainable diet, you can aim for about 250 grams (g) of dairy a day and no more than 500 g. About one 8-ounce cup of milk or yogurt or about an ounce of hard cheese equals 250 g of dairy.
When it comes to blood pressure, not all teas are created equal. A 2020 literature reviewTrusted Source of randomized controlled trials compared the effects of black and green tea consumption on blood pressure.
The researchers reported that long-term intake of both types of tea lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. But the reduction in blood pressure was more significant for green tea.
Caffeine appears to create a temporary spike in blood pressure. But this effect may not be significant, according to research from 2017, which showed that people with high blood pressure may be able to safely drink coffee.
But the study recommends people exercise some caution when consuming the drink.
Some past research has suggested that long-term coffee consumption is associated with an increased risk of hypertension.
But according to a 2017 literature review of 34 studies, moderate coffee consumption is safe, and perhaps even beneficial for both healthy people and those with high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, ask a doctor or healthcare professional whether you should limit or stop drinking caffeinated beverages. With that said, it might not be the best time to start drinking coffee if you don’t already.
Alcohol
As with coffee, alcohol’s effect on blood pressure is complicated. Health professionals usually recommend drinking in moderation, though recent research indicatesTrusted Source even moderate drinking may be risky.
Moderate alcohol consumption — that’s up to one drink per day for people assigned female at birth and up to two per day for people assigned male at birth — was once thought to lower blood pressure. But recent research suggests that even moderate drinking may pose risks to heart health.
In addition, drinking alcohol has been associated with resistance to blood pressure treatments. Some people who drink alcohol might not always take their medications as prescribed. In addition, alcohol itself may interfere with the effectiveness of the medications. According to research, the impact of alcohol on blood pressure likely dependsTrusted Source on the amount you consume and how much time has passed since consumption.
When it comes to alcohol consumption, the recommendation likely isn’t the same for everyone. If you have high blood pressure, talk with a doctor to find out what’s considered a safe level of alcohol consumption for you.
Just as some drinks can help lower blood pressure, several others may actually increase blood pressure levels.
Here are some drinks that you may need to limit or avoid if you have high blood pressure:
Soda. Most soft drinks are loaded with added sugar, which could significantly increaseTrusted Source your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Sweetened beverages. Like soda, other sweetened drinks such as iced tea, for example, are packed with sugar, and iced tea is one of the most commonly consumed sugar-sweetened beverages in the United States. Ideally, opt for unsweetened tea whenever possible to limit your sugar intake to avoid a negative effect on your blood pressure.
Energy drinks. In addition to providing a concentrated amount of caffeine and added sugar in each serving, research showsTrusted Source that certain types of energy drinks could significantly increase your levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Alcohol. As mentioned above, some research suggestsTrusted Source that even moderate amounts of alcohol may be linked to high blood pressure levels. If you drink alcohol, be sure to talk with a doctor to determine whether it’s necessary to lower your intake.
Limit sodium intake. Consuming high amounts of sodium from processed foods, salty snacks, or any other sources can increase blood pressure levels. The American Heart Association recommends ideally not consuming more than 1,500 milligramsTrusted Source of sodium per day.
Follow a nutritious, well-rounded diet. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help increase your fiber intake and ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to supportTrusted Source healthy blood pressure levels.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help strengthen your heart and make it easier to reach or keep up a moderate weight, which could lower your blood pressure. Aim to get at least 150 minutesTrusted Source of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which includes activities such as jogging or cycling.
If you smoke, consider quitting. While the relationship between smoking and high blood pressure is still being investigated, we do know that every time you smoke, it does causeTrusted Source at least a temporary increase in your blood pressure. Smoking can also causeTrusted Source your arteries to narrow and increase the risk of a heart attack and stroke, especially if you already have high blood pressure.
Adults who used thiazide diuretics for hypertension were more likely than were those who used nonthiazide agents to develop hyponatremia within 2 years of starting treatment, a new study of more than 180,000 people has found.
Although thiazide diuretics generally are well-tolerated in the routine treatment of uncomplicated hypertension, severe adverse effects are possible, and their frequency has not been examined, according to Niklas Worm Andersson, MD, of Statens Serum Institut, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and his colleagues.
“Thiazide diuretics are commonly used drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension, and hyponatremia is a known potential side effect to thiazide treatment, but the frequency of this adverse event is inconsistently reported across drug labels,” Andersson told Medscape Medical News.
Product labels for thiazide diuretics list hyponatremia as a potential adverse event that can occur rarely (defined as a range from less than 1 in 10,000 to less than 1 in 100 individuals), but the extent of the burden is unclear given the wide range of symptoms of the condition, the researchers write.
In a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, Andersson and his colleagues reviewed data from population-based registries in Denmark of adults aged 40 years or older with uncomplicated hypertension, no recent prescriptions for antihypertensives, and no previous history of hyponatremia. They emulated two target trials. One trial compared the incidence of hyponatremia in new users of bendroflumethiazide (BFZ) vs a calcium-channel blocker (CCB). The other emulation compared the incidence of hyponatremia in new users of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) plus a renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor vs a RAS inhibitor without HCTZ.
The primary outcome was hyponatremia, defined as blood sodium < 130 mmol/L, within 2 years of starting treatment.
The 2-year incidence of hyponatremia for the two thiazide diuretics was 3.83% for BFZ and 3.51% for HCTZ-RAS inhibitor. The risk difference in the incidence of hyponatremia was 1.35% for BFZ vs CCB and 1.38% for HCTZ-RAS inhibitor vs RAS inhibitor, the researchers reported.
The study population included 37,786 new users of BFZ who were compared with 44,963 new users of CCBs as well as 11,943 new users of HCTZ-RAS inhibitors who were compared with 85,784 new users of RAS inhibitors only.
Overall, older age and a greater number of comorbidities increased the cumulative hyponatremia in new users of thiazide-based hypertensives. The risk differences among individuals aged 80 years or older were 4.80% in the BFZ vs CCB study and 5.52% in the HCTZ-RAS inhibitor vs RAS inhibitor study. Among participants with three or more comorbidities, the risk differences in the two studies were 5.24% and 2.91%, respectively, Andersson’s group found.
The findings were limited by several factors, mainly the potential for confounding on the basis of the assumption that filled prescriptions equaled drug use, the researchers noted. Other limitations included the focus on new users and a Danish population only, which might limit generalizability, and a lack of data on blood pressure measures.
However, the results suggest a greater risk for hyponatremia with thiazide diuretics than what the drug labels indicate, especially early in treatment, the researchers concluded.
Data Reinforce Need for Vigilance in the Clinic
“Our findings highlight the continued need for clinical awareness and monitoring of this adverse drug reaction; particularly during the first months of treatment, in persons who are older or who have comorbidities,” Andersson told Medscape Medical News. “Further mapping of potential subpopulations at risk in terms of specific comorbidities is important to improve the prevention of this adverse event.”
“The thiazide diuretics have been recommended as first-line therapy for hypertension, and it was important to evaluate the potential development of hyponatremia, especially in the older patients given the potentially serious health effects caused by hyponatremia,” said Noel Deep, MD, a general internist in private practice in Antigo, Wisc onsin. Deep, who was not involved in the study, also serves as chief medical officer and a staff physician at Aspirus Langlade Hospital in Antigo.
The current study findings were not surprising, Deep added. “I have seen this occur in my patients, especially in the older female patients,” he said. “The results reinforce my practice of monitoring the electrolytes and renal function in 1-2 weeks after starting a thiazide diuretic, and then at regular intervals.”
In practice, clinicians should be aware of the potential development of hyponatremia and monitor and address the electrolyte abnormalities, Deep said. “While thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are an important component of our treatment options for patients with hypertension and other conditions, we should also ensure that we are cognizant of and address the potential side effects or electrolyte imbalances caused by the medications.”
Uncontrolled high blood pressure may cause damage to the brain. TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images
High blood pressure is a known risk factor for developing dementia.
Researchers recently identified the specific areas of the brain that may be damaged by high blood pressure and are linked to the development of dementia.
Further studies may help researchers identify patients at high risk of cognitive impairment.
While scientists are still not sure what causes dementia, they know certain conditions may impact whether a person develops dementia or not. One of these is high blood pressure.
Now, researchers from the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. and Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland, have discovered the specific areas of the brain that may be damaged by high blood pressure and are linked to the development of dementia.
A person’s blood pressure is the amount of force the heart uses to pump blood through the arteries.
When the doctor takes your blood pressure, they get two different numbers. The top number measures the systolic pressure when the heart pumps blood out of the heart and into the arteries. The bottom number measures the diastolic pressure when the heart rests between heartbeats. Both are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
For example, normal blood pressure is less than 120mmHg systolic pressure and less than 80mmHg diastolic pressure (but more than 90mmHg systolic and 60mmHg diastolic).
When the systolic pressure creeps into the 130s and diastolic pressure into the 80s, that is considered the start of high blood pressure. Anything over 140mmHg systolic pressure and 90mmHg or higher diastolic pressure is stage 2 high blood pressure.
According to Prof. Tomasz Guzik, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. and Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland, and the lead author of this study, having high blood pressure can harm the structure and function of the brain in different ways.
“For instance, hypertension can severely impact the blood vessels in your brain, leading to their reshaping, hardening, and the development of clogged arteries. When blood pressure is elevated, the increased pressure is transmitted from larger blood vessels to smaller ones in the brain, leading to their dysfunction and a condition known as small vessel diseaseTrusted Source,” he told Medical News Today.
“[When blood pressure is elevated] this not only affects the blood supply to the brain but also enhances pathological processes such as inflammatory activation andneurodegenerationTrusted Source. These factors contribute to dementia, memory loss, and impairment of various cognitive functions.” — Prof. Tomasz Guzik
Additionally, Prof. Guzik said, high blood pressure can also damage the white matterTrusted Source in the brain.
“The white matter is composed of nerve fibers that transmit information between different brain regions, and damage to this area can lead to impaired cognitive function and increase the risk of stroke,” he explained.
“This highlights the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure levels to prevent damage to the white matter and associated cognitive impairments,” he said.
The anterior thalamic radiation is involved in planning and executing both simple and complex behaviors, while the anterior corona radiata helps support decision-making and management of emotions. And the anterior limb of the internal capsule assists with cognitive processing, motivation, and decision-making.
Prof. Guzik said the next step in this research will be to design clinical trials and studies focused on imaging the brain areas his research team identified to see if their assessment can help in identifying patients at high risk of cognitive impairment.
“This can provide clinicians with novel tools for future-oriented precision medicine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Looking closer at these brain areas can also tell us much more about how (the) brain functions in the condition of hypertension and identify new ways of improving this function,” he said.
After reviewing this research, Dr. Raphael Wald, a neuropsychologist at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, told Medical News Today it would be helpful for clinicians if similar studies could lead to a formal set of guidelines and protocols for identifying individuals at risk for stroke.
“This can become another tool that doctors have to assess a person’s risk for stroke. We can also use this information as a means of detecting specific types of strokes depending on how patients present. It will also allow us to look further into ways to protect these areas of the brain when they are at risk,” he said.
Medical News Today also spoke with Dr. Sandra Narayanan, a vascular neurologist and neuro-interventional surgeon at Pacific Stroke & Neurovascular Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California, about this study.
She pointed out that high blood pressure is a modifiable finding and said research suggests that the dysregulation of blood pressure, white matter disease phenomena, and cognitive dysfunction go hand-in-hand, and are not coincidental.
“Knowing that it’s a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease can help primary care providers, cardiologists, neurologists, and other health care providers adequately advise patients and families to get this risk factor very aggressively under control,” Dr. Narayanan explained.
“We know that high blood pressure, like a lot of other medical conditions, is not optimally controlled either from the beginning or during the course of that patient’s lifespan, much less during the course of the day. So in many patients, it requires not just [one] medicationTrusted Source, it requires sometimes multiple medications to control [the] patient’s blood pressure,” she added.
And, Dr. Narayanan said, lowering high blood pressure may also require control of a person’s other medical conditions.
“An example is someone who has a comorbid vascular conditionTrusted Source, diabetes, (or) obesity. Controlling those other medical conditions — losing weight for example — can cause better blood pressure control. And co-managing those other medical conditions with honest conversation and frequent check-ins can really benefit the long-term cognitive performance and lifespan quality of life of these patients,” she detailed.
A research team headed by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, and at Jagiellonian University Medical College, has for the first time identified specific regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure (BP) and may contribute to a decline in mental processes and the development of dementia.
The study evaluated combined data from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, genetic analyses and observational data from thousands of patients, to look at the effect of high blood pressure on cognitive function. Tomasz Guzik, MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, at the University of Edinburgh (UK) and Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow (Poland), who led the research, said: “By using this combination of imaging, genetic and observational approaches, we have identified specific parts of the brain that are affected by increases in blood pressure, including areas called the putamen and specific white matter regions … We hope that our findings may help us to develop new ways to treat cognitive impairment in people with high blood pressure.”
“Studying the genes and proteins in these brain structures could help us understand how high blood pressure affects the brain and causes cognitive problems. Moreover, by looking at these specific regions of the brain, we may be able to predict who will develop memory loss and dementia faster in the context of high blood pressure. This could help with precision medicine, so that we can target more intensive therapies to prevent the development of cognitive impairment in patients most at risk.”
High blood pressure occurs in 30% of people worldwide, with an additional 30% showing initial stages of the disease. Studies have shown that high blood pressure can affect how well the brain works and that it can cause long-term changes, the authors noted. “Observational and prospective studies, as well as randomized clinical trials of antihypertensive therapies, have demonstrated that hypertension may be causally associated with impaired cognitive performance.” However, it hasn’t been known exactly how high blood pressure damages the brain ,and which specific regions are affected. “Therefore, it is of primary clinical importance to identify specific brain areas mediating BP-dependent cognitive changes,” the investigators continued.
For their newly reported study, Guzik and an international team of researchers designed what they termed “a triangulation approach to identify brain structures potentially responsible for the effects of BP on cognitive function.” To do this they evaluated brain MRI imaging data from over 30,000 participants in the UK Biobank, together with genetic information from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from UK Biobank and two other international groups (COGENT and the International Consortium for Blood Pressure).They applied Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses to see if high blood pressure was actually the cause of changes to specific parts of the brain rather than just being associated with these changes. The authors further explained, “Firstly, we comprehensively mapped brain structures potentially influenced by BP in midlife using MR analysis. Secondly, we elucidated the effects of BP on cognitive function in well-powered datasets. Finally, using MR analysis, we identified structures in the brain that accompany the detrimental effects of elevated BP on cognitive function in humans.
Guzik commented, “Mendelian randomization is a way of using genetic information to understand how one thing affects another. In particular, it tests if something is potentially causing a certain effect, or if the effect is just a coincidence. It works by using a person’s genetic information to see if there is a relationship between genes predisposing to higher blood pressure and outcomes. If there is a relationship, then it is more likely that the high blood pressure is causing the outcome. This is because genes are randomly passed down from parents, so they are not influenced by other factors that could confuse the results. In our study, if a gene that causes high blood pressure is also linked to certain brain structures and their function, then it suggests that high blood pressure might really be causing brain dysfunction at that location, leading to problems with memory, thinking and dementia.”
Through their work the researchers found that changes to nine parts of the brain were related to higher blood pressure and worse cognitive function. These regions included the putamen, which is a round structure in the base of the front of the brain, responsible for regulating movement and influencing various types of learning. Other areas affected were the anterior thalamic radiation, anterior corona radiata and anterior limb of the internal capsule, which are regions of white matter that connect and enable signaling between different parts of the brain. The anterior thalamic radiation is involved in executive functions, such as the planning of simple and complex daily tasks, while the other two regions are involved in decision-making and the management of emotions.
The changes to these areas included decreases in brain volume and the amount of surface area on the brain cortex, changes to connections between different parts of the brain, and changes in measures of brain activity. The team then validated their findings in an independent cohort of patients. “The pattern of brain damage linked to BP by genetic causal inference methods was then validated in an independent, well-phenotyped, prospectively recruited cohort,” they stated.
Guzik added, “We thought these areas might be where high blood pressure affects cognitive function, such as memory loss, thinking skills and dementia. When we checked our findings by studying a group of patients in Italy who had high blood pressure, we found that the parts of the brain we had identified were indeed affected.”
Study first author Mateusz Siedlinski, PhD, at the Jagiellonian University Medical College, said, “Our study has, for the first time, identified specific places in the brain that are potentially causally associated with high blood pressure and cognitive impairment. This was uniquely possible thanks to the availability of data from UK Biobank, including MRI brain images, and thanks to previous research identifying genetic variants that affect the structure and function of over 3000 areas of the brain.”
In their discussion, the authors noted that the study supports the existence of a “modest, potentially causal, detrimental effect,” of higher systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure (PP), but not diastolic blood pressure, on cognitive performance in midlife, which they say “may serve as additional evidence regarding the role of hypertension in dementias.”
Co-author Joanna Wardlaw, PhD, head of Neuroimaging Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, further commented, “It has been known for a long time that high blood pressure is a risk factor for cognitive decline, but how high blood pressure damages the brain was not clear. This study shows that specific brain regions are at particularly high risk of blood pressure damage, which may help to identify people at risk of cognitive decline in the earliest stages, and potentially to target therapies more effectively in future.”
The authors acknowledged limitations of the study, pointing out that participants in the UK Biobank study are mainly white and middle-aged, so it might not be possible to extrapolate the findings more generally to other populations, including to older people. However, they concluded, “While clinical trials targeting specific brain structures may be challenging, focused imaging of these structures in future preclinical and clinical studies may, in due course, support a more personalized approach to hypertensive patients in relation to cognitive impairment. It may be possible that identification of imaging-derived phenotypes associated with hypertension and cognitive impairment can guide the choice of imaging surrogate biomarkers in future clinical studies of antihypertensive therapies.”
An accompanying editorial Ernesto Schiffrin, MD, PhD, from Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, (Canada), and James Engert, PhD, from the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, note that “Further mechanistic studies of the effects of BP [blood pressure] on cognitive function are required to determine precise causal pathways and relevant brain regions.”
Highlighting one of the study’s findings about systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Shiffrin and Engert wrote, “Perhaps one of the more interesting results in this study is the possible distinct causal effects of SBP vs. DBP. The authors observed some overlapping results for SBP and DBP on cognitive function when analysed in isolation. However, when each parameter is analysed after adjusting for the other, or in multivariable models, intriguing findings begin to emerge. DBP alone does not predict a decline in cognitive function, but in fact, is protective when adjusted for SBP. This result was true both observationally and when using Mendelian randomisation.”
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood flowing in and through your blood vessels is too. 120/80 or lower is said to be a normal pressure. However, if it reaches 130/80 or exceeds it, it is considered high blood pressure. If your blood pressure reads 180/110 or higher, then it is important that you seek immediate medical assistance.
02/6Why high blood pressure is a ‘silent’ killer?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, does not showcase any symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), many people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it. The signs and symptoms are often misunderstood with something else, which results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. This in turn raises one’s risk of heart problems including heart attack and stroke.
03/6Your feet may reveal some signs
There are times when high blood pressure can show itself in the body. When you experience symptoms, it is usually because the blood vessels around your body have been damaged. Many of the complications are said to occur in the lower body, which includes the leg and feet.A high blood pressure can damage arteries and blood vessels in the lower part of the body. Often this can cause poor circulation in the legs. The condition associated with it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD).According to the Mayo Clinic, PAD is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. It occurs because the legs and arms don’t receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This may cause leg pain when walking (claudication) and other symptoms, explains the health body. One of the symptoms of this condition is cold feet. This could arise along with cold hands, says the US Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. The health body added: “Red or blue toes, tingling in the feet, and unexpected hair loss on the legs may all point to circulation issues.”READMORE
04/6Other common symptoms of hypertension
The British Heart Foundation lists down some of the symptoms that can occur due to the silent disease. – Blurred vision- Nosebleeds- Shortness of breath- Chest pain- Dizziness- Headaches
05/6How to regulate high blood pressure?
There are many ways to control and regulate high blood pressure. While your doctor may prescribe you some medications, you can always seek natural means to heal yourself. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing salt in your diet and also refraining from unhealthy habits that include limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.
06/6Foods to avoid
The UK National Health Services (NHS) explains, “The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure is. It recommends eating less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful. A low-fat diet that includes lots of fiber, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables can also help lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure or hypertension is often discussed at doctor’s visits and frequently triggers a prescription. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute warns that half of all Americans have high blood pressure, some without even knowing it.
Our blood pressure changes throughout the day. The problem is, if it stays high for too long, it can damage other parts of the body, thus prompting concerns from our physicians.
When we measure our blood pressure, there are two numbers you will hear. The first number is the systolic pressure. This is when the heart is pushing blood through our vessels. We want to keep systolic blood pressure at around 120. The second number is for the diastolic pressure, the pause between heartbeats when the heart is filling with blood. We want diastolic pressure at or below 80.
Those numbers are, as the Mayo Clinic explained, in units of millimeters of mercury or mm Hg. Our blood pressure readings usually look something like 120/80 mm Hg. Don’t worry about the units, the numbers are what matters.
We can check our blood pressure at the pharmacy if they have a digital blood pressure measurement machine or at the doctor’s office with a blood pressure cuff. We can check our blood pressure ourselves with a home blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure changes throughout the day. When we monitor our blood pressure, it’s important to be consistent.
Take blood pressure at around the same time, in the same position, and in the same state. Drinking, eating, smoking, or exercising can change the blood pressure reading, so it is a good idea to wait about 30 minutes after these activities before taking a blood pressure reading.
Even watching the news or thinking stressful thoughts may affect your blood pressure. In fact, so many people experience stress or discomfort when they go to the doctor’s office that it has led to a phenomenon called “white coat hypertension.” This refers to blood pressure readings that are higher at the doctor’s office than in other settings.
Not surprisingly, staying active, eating a healthy diet, not drinking or smoking, and managing stress can all help lower blood pressure, just as the opposite can cause high blood pressure. Vessels that are under too much pressure for long periods lose their elasticity and don’t work as well. Keeping blood pressure low can help with some of the risks associated with high blood pressure. To prevent problems like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke, it helps to keep our heart and vessels working well under normal pressures.
Before a diagnosis of hypertension or high blood pressure, there are lifestyle changes we can make to help maintain normal blood pressure. These include changes to diet, activity, and stress levels. While these are important to help protect against damage caused by high blood pressure, there are also some helpful herbs we can add to our diet. Some herbs have similar medicinal actions to high blood pressure medications.
Using safe, small amounts of these herbs may help lower blood pressure. These herbs may also reduce the risk of the consequent damage of long-term high blood pressure. Along with other measures we undertake to control our blood pressure, using herbs may even reduce the potential of a high blood pressure diagnosis.
Medications may not be compatible with some herbs, so if you are taking medicines, follow the directions and advice of healthcare providers.
Blood Pressure Medications
There are several categories of medications that are prescribed to help manage high blood pressure. Some herbs mimic the actions of these medications. Or, it could be said that the discovery of such medications came from actions found in ancient, folk, and traditional medicines. The medicinal actions were often found in natural substances such as plants.
Diuretics, for example, help the body eliminate excess water and sodium by increasing urination. These are often called water pills and are prescribed to help patients with problems including hypertension. Many foods and herbs act as natural diuretics, such as dandelion, parsley, lemons, celery, cucumber, watermelon, and pineapple, as well as garlic, ginger, and onions.
When exploring natural compounds, they stated, “Many natural compounds in food, as well as certain nutraceutical supplements, vitamins, antioxidants, or minerals, can mimic drugs, functioning similarly to a specific class of antihypertensive medications (Table 1). However, they may be less potent and take longer to work than the antihypertensive drug. When used in combination with other nutrients and nutraceutical supplements, though, the antihypertensive effect can be magnified.”
Plant-Based Medicines to Treat High Blood Pressure
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme (Thomas Francois/iStock)
A common herb that is fragrant and flavorful, culinary thyme is delicious in soups, baked goods, marinades, and stuffing. It is lovely added to grilled and roasted meats and fresh, cooked, and roasted vegetables. Thyme is found at the store as dried leaves, fresh herbs, or in a variety of herb blends.
Thyme originates from the Mediterranean and has over fifty varieties, usually hardy, evergreen, woody perennials. It is drought tolerant, slow growing, and loves well-draining average soils. It doesn’t like to have wet roots and grows better in warm sunny weather.
Thyme is loved by bees and the low-growing herbs have flower spikes in mid-summer. To harvest thyme, prune new growth from stems, about 4 to 6 inches. The best time to harvest thyme is before flowering in late spring, usually, in the late morning after the morning dew has dried. Use thyme fresh within a few days of harvest. Thyme also freezes and dries well for future use.
Thyme Constituents and Healing Activity
Thyme has a bounty of medicinal actions including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. It has many phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins as well as flavonoids and essential oils including thymol and carvacrol. There are eight phenolic acids in thyme including gallic acid, syringic acid, and rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is one of the main constituents of thyme and is known for many medicinal actions including treating high blood pressure. This study from 2017, showed rosmarinic acid reduced blood pressure in animal studies by acting as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Other studies have shown that extracts of thyme contain rosmarinic acid. The extracts significantly decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure in animal studies.
How to Use Thyme
Thyme for tea? Thyme’s antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are not only great for colds and respiratory health, but they may help maintain normal blood pressure as well. Fresh sprigs or dried or frozen thyme leaves are simply steeped in boiling water and strained for a pungent, fragrant cup of slightly medicinally flavored tea.
Add thyme more often to dishes and look for recipes that inspire more thyme in the diet. Roasted potatoes or other roasted vegetables sprinkled with fresh, dried, or frozen thyme are extraordinary. Explore thyme in baked goods such as an onion thyme tart or lemon garlic thyme focaccia for delicious ways to use thyme.
Thyme supplements are available. Follow supplement directions. If you are already taking medications including ones to lower blood pressure, be sure to check with health care providers and supplement instructions for potential negative interactions.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
(Tetiana Shumbasova/Shutterstock)
Relegated to garnish status, the vibrant green, pretty, curled leaves of parsley do more than add contrast to a dinner plate. For those who do eat the garnish, you’ll know parsley helps to cleanse the palate and freshen the breath. But parsley has so much more to offer! This biennial plant packs nutrition and flavor in its abundant curled or flat leaves. The clean refreshing flavor, while undoubtedly pretty, has health benefits galore when added to salads, soups, sauces, marinades, as well as egg, and meat dishes.
Yet another Mediterranean herb, parsley likes a rich soil with lots of organic matter and a full sun location. Parsley grows easily from seed, sprouting in 10 to 14 days. It is a biennial, meaning it puts on a lot of delicious green growth in its first year. In the second year, parsley leaves are tougher and less flavorful because the plant is putting its energy into making seeds. Tall central stalks are topped with yellow flower clusters that develop into striped seeds in mid to late summer.
Seeds can be dispersed throughout the garden where there is adequate soil and moisture. Do this a couple of years in a row, and fresh first-year parsley plants will emerge for harvest fairly reliably.
Parsley leaves can be curled or flat, depending on the variety. The robust leaves will last in the fridge for several days. They dry nicely for future use. They also freeze well. Harvest leaves from first-year plants early in the day from late spring through to late fall. Plunge leaves in cold salted water to remove any little visitors such as aphids. Use fresh or hang to dry in a dark location or a paper bag. Large clean bunches of fresh parsley can be pulverized in a food processor and packed loosely in containers or jars in the freezer. The frozen pulverized leaves can be scooped into soups, sauces, salads, and marinades at any time throughout the year.
Parsley is available fresh and dried from grocery stores. When parsley is in season, you can acquire a large amount and store it as described above. Parsley is also available as a supplement to use as a natural diuretic, for heart health, to aid digestion, and for its high nutrient and antioxidant qualities.
Parsley Constituents and Healing Activity
A large study of available research, from 1966 to 2013, that related to the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of parsley, found this medicinal plant had a wide range of proven medicinal activity. Some of these actions were parsley’s antioxidant, brain-protective, anti-diabetic, analgesic, gastroprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. In addition, parsley showed diuretic and hypotensive actions which had evidence of helping high blood pressure as well as cardiac disease.
A study from 2019 aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of the aqueous extract of the parsley plant. While the study was an animal study, it did show the extract decreased systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure. It concluded that “The study illustrates the beneficial action of P. crispum as an antihypertensive agent.”
How to Use Parsley
Add parsley to almost any meal. Whether sprinkled on top, incorporated into soups and sauces, or used as a complimentary garnish, parsley’s refreshing flavor has many health benefits and may help to maintain normal blood pressure. Try chimichurri, a marinade loaded with fresh parsley, or tabbouleh salad, which is packed with the bright flavors of parsley and lemon.
Corn Silk (Stigma maydis)
(Azami Adiputera/Shutterstock)
The delightful shucking of fresh corn comes with the finicky task of removing the long silky threads that grow just underneath the husks. Interestingly, there is one thread-like strand for each kernel of corn, and each strand, known as a stigma, pollinates each kernel.
Corn silk is often just headed for the compost bin. But, Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Native American medicine and others use corn silk as an herbal remedy. Traditional uses aided mental health, urinary tract infections, and heart disease.
The long threads are easy to collect when shucking corn cobs. It is best to use organic or homegrown corn. You can dry corn silk in a paper bag or on a tray, at room temperature, away from light. Collect strands, roll them into 1-to-2-inch nests like miniature pasta nests, and place them on a tray. Allow drying for 48 to 72 hours. Each corn silk nest is perfect for one cup of corn silk tea.
With corn season at its end in many places, corn silk is also available in dried form or as a supplement.
Corn Silk Constituents and Healing Activity
Corn silk has bioactive constituents such as flavonoids and terpenoids which have diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive activity. A chemical made by the body called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure. Sometimes it works too well and can raise blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. Inhibiting ACE is a common treatment for high blood pressure. Sometimes people with hypertension are prescribed ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Corn silk tea has shown effects on ACE activity. A water extract of corn silk, in this animal study, significantly reduced systolic blood pressure levels and inhibited ACE activity.
How to Use Corn Silk
Tea or supplement are the common ways to use corn silk. To make corn silk tea, use a teaspoon of dried corn silk to one cup of boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy with a little lemon and honey or the flavoring of your choice.
Corn silk is nontoxic and this Korean study shows very high doses did not cause mortality or abnormal findings in animal subjects. Daily doses of corn silk are likely safe for most people. Start with a low dose to observe how your body reacts and check for any negative effects such as allergic reactions.
Blood Pressure Maintenance Bedtime Tea
While never a recommendation to replace doctor-prescribed or recommended medications, this tea, in conjunction with lifestyle changes, may help maintain normal blood pressure.
A study published in 2019, noted blood pressure medication taken at bedtime was more effective. For this reason, this is a tea for bedtime, although it could be taken at any time throughout the day.
Ingredients:
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon dried parsley leaves or ½ teaspoon fresh parsley leaves
¼ teaspoon dried corn silk or ½ teaspoon fresh corn silk
1 to 2 cups of high-quality boiling water.
Place ingredients in a tea ball or loose in a large cup. Cover with boiling water. Allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the tea ball or strain the tea through a fine strainer. Flavor with lemon, honey, or flavoring of your choice, and enjoy.
For those who don’t like getting up to use the bathroom at night, take this tea two hours before bedtime.
Caution
Traditional plant-based medicines have been used for centuries and may be generally regarded as safe. However, it is true our world is not what it was centuries ago. Where plants grow, and how they are cultivated, harvested, and processed may change the chemical composition of their medicinal properties. Just like prescription and over-the-counter medicines, plant-based medicines may interact with other medicines, have unknown side effects, or relate to allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions.
With any new ingredient, you can do a small skin test. Place a small amount of herb on the skin and wait 24 hours. Any reaction such as discomfort, itchiness, or hives may be an indication of sensitivity. Be aware of potential contraindications with medications. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new herbal remedies. If, when taking a remedy, symptoms persist or worsen, discontinue the use of the plant-based remedy.
1 out of 3 Americans suffer from high blood pressure, a precursor to many forms of cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe cinnamon may be a novel and therapeutic approach to the management of high blood pressure
Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its fragrant and flavoring properties, in addition to medicinal benefits.[i] Cinnamon’s reported health benefits include cognition enhancement, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects and the prevention of diabetic complications.[ii]
There are four main types of cinnamon, including Ceylon cinnamon (also called true cinnamon), Indonesian cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon and cassia cinnamon, with various compounds available from each type and derived from the leaves, bark, fruit and flowers of each plant.[iii],[iv]
Cinnamon’s ability to regulate glucose levels in the body has been one of the main sources of interest for many researchers, but many scientists are also interested in cinnamon’s ability to reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.[v],[vi]
Cinnamon Reduces Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
A study found a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure after the use of oral cinnamon supplementation.[vii]
It’s not the first study to find cinnamon useful in the control of blood pressure — several studies have produced similar findings in both rats with high blood pressure and subjects with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, and researchers have now determined that cinnamon supplements are a possible hypotensive supplement.[viii],[ix],[x],[xi]
Cinnamon’s capability to lower blood pressure seems to stem from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Metabolic syndrome, in particular, is often caused by free radicals and oxidative stress, and oxidative stress can also lead to insulin resistance, a precursor of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.[xii]
Cinnamon has strong free-radical-scavenging capabilities, as well as 65.3% antioxidant activity thanks to the phenolic compounds found in almost every part of the cinnamon plant.[xiii],[xiv] Additionally, both local inflammation and a rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines are common characteristics of high blood pressure.[xv]
Compounds in cinnamon called trans-cinnamaldehyde and p-cymene produce anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the production of inflammatory biomarkers, effectively stopping inflammation before it occurs and possibly playing a preventative role in the development of high blood pressure.[xvi],[xvii] Given these benefits, it’s no wonder that researchers believe cinnamon may be one natural solution to treating high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Management Costs US Citizens Billions Each Year
High blood pressure is a significant health problem and a contributing factor to the development of cardiovascular disease, affecting approximately 1 out of 3 adults in the U.S.[xviii],[xix]
Because reducing elevated blood pressure can reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke, researchers are eager to find novel and affordable approaches for controlling high blood pressure, and many scientists are looking to natural substances.[xx]
In 2009, the approximate cost of U.S. expenditure on high blood pressure drugs was $15 billion, roughly 10% of the total amount spent on drugs that year.[xxi] However, this drug expenditure doesn’t seem to be leading to any real progress in the reduction of adult blood pressure levels.
Additionally, many of the current drug therapies, while effective, come with adverse side effects and a second medication is often needed to control these side effects. Further, many patients may need two or more high blood pressure drugs to adequately control blood pressure levels.[xxii] It’s no surprise that many patients and physicians alike are eager to find a more affordable and natural solution.
Additional Health Benefits of Cinnamon Supplementation
Beyond its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cinnamon has been studied for its effects on a myriad of health problems. Benefits of cinnamon include the following:[xxiii],[xxiv]
Lowers cholesterol. In addition to lowering blood pressure and insulin levels, cinnamon shows significant cholesterol-lowering activity in adults with elevated blood glucose.[xxv]
Antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial properties of cinnamon oil are so strong that it has been deemed a safe alternative cleaning agent in hospital environments.[xxvi]
Additional studies have shown that cinnamon oil may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria and could be useful in reducing the minimum effective dosage of those drugs, reducing cost of care and adverse side effects of conventional drug therapies.[xxvii]
Antitumor properties. Cinnamon has profound antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects, as determined by cinnamon’s ability to induce tumor death by enhancing pro-apoptotic activity and by modifying multiple oncogenic targets.[xxviii],[xxix]
Neuroprotective properties. Cinnamon exhibits neuroprotective properties by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, may play a therapeutic role in the development of dementia, and may help to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s.[xxx],[xxxi]
Cinnamon’s therapeutic potential is vast. For more information about the research being done to study its health benefits, please visit the GreenMedInfo.com research pages on cinnamon and cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound in cinnamon that gives it its flavor and color and boasts numerous health properties.
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