Many supplements have antihypertensive effects, which means they can lower your blood pressure, but instead they do the opposite
High blood pressure levels can be extremely dangerous for your heart and overall health. From causing heart attacks to stroke, hypertension is a serious condition that needs to be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. However, experts say certain dietary supplements can interfere with blood pressure control, potentially worsening it.
While dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals, and herbs are supposed to add to the nutrients in your diet, unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, they do not have to be approved by the FDA to ensure they are effective and safe or undergo clinical research to back up their claims. And so, many have antihypertensive effects—which means they can lower your blood pressure—but instead they do the opposite.
A few supplements you must avoid if you have high blood pressure include:
Bitter orange extract
Bitter orange extract is made from the fruit or peel of bitter orange and is mostly used in weight-loss supplements and sports performance products. According to doctors, many cases have been reported of heart attacks, angina pain, and even stroke after consuming it.
It happens because it is packed with synephrine - a compound similar to ephedrine that acts as a stimulant. Bitter orange extracts can raise blood pressure and trigger dangerous heart rhythms.
Licorice root
It is among the most common supplements used by those suffering from digestive issues like heartburn, coughs and colds, and bacterial infections. It has serious side effects, including increasing blood pressure in those who already have high blood pressure or take anti-hypertensive medications - especially when it is consumed in large amounts or over long periods.
Doctors also say licorice decreases potassium, which plays a role in blood pressure.
Yohimbe
Touted as one of the best treatments for erectile dysfunction, Yohimbe is extracted from the bark of African evergreen trees. It is associated with an increase in blood pressure levels by raising the secretion of hormones and messengers known as norepinephrine, which begins to narrow your blood vessels, impairs blood flow, and leads to higher blood pressure.
Apart from high blood pressure, it also causes rapid heartbeat and heart attacks.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. Studies say vitamin E treatment significantly increases blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Guarana
Guarana is loaded with caffeine and is an herb commonly used in energy drinks. Many energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, and adding guarana increases caffeine amounts. Excessive caffeine leads to an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Supplements that help lower blood pressure
A few vitamins and minerals that have positive effects on lowering blood pressure include:
B Vitamins
A few B vitamins lower blood pressure in certain people - Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, treats or prevents high blood pressure in those with certain genetic mutations. Folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9, has been found to help lower blood pressure.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements are known to have positive effects on blood pressure in certain groups, including those with cardiovascular disease and older people.
Calcium
Calcium provides significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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