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About half of those with essential hypertension are resistant to insulin. For such people a blood sugar lowering diet would be very helpful.

The late Dr Atkins stated that he was able to consistently bring high blood pressure right back down to normal by reducing the carbohydrates in the diet and adding vitanutrients.

60% of people will respond to a reduction of salt in their diets providing they are taking in too much to begin with. Increasing water intake is also helpful.

Fatty Acids

A number of studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils can lower high blood pressure. They have many benefits on the blood vessels including better flexibility and pliability and helping them to relax.

Garlic

Consuming garlic on a reguar basis lowers the risk of heart disease. A number of studies show that it can lower blood pressure.

CoQ10

This nutrient is very beneficial to the cardiovascular system. A number of studies show that it can lower high blood pressure. In one of these 26 patients saw their systolic readings fall on average by 18 points and their diastolic readings by 12 points.

Vitamin C

Since essential hypertension is associated with an abnormal antioxidant status and reduced levels of nitric oxide, in both of which vitamin C has important roles, one would expect this vitamin to be able to reduce high blood pressure and it does.

In one study taking 500mg a day caused a significant drop in elevated blood pressure for both men and women.

Other Important Nutrients

L-arginine, a non essential amino acid converts to nitric oxide which in turn has profound effects on the endothelium, to allow arteries to relax and lower high blood pressure. Positive effects are seen from 2g to 9g a day.

Important minerals include calcium, magnesium and potassium. The amino acid taurine encourages the excretion of excess fluid and relaxes blood vessels.

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