If you suffer from hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, you may be wondering how you can control the condition without resorting to a cocktail of drugs or injections.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can tackle these health conditions naturally and safely. Natural supplements are an excellent alternative to synthetic drugs, and a smart way to prevent cardiovascular complications. When combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, natural supplements can relieve your symptoms and help you to feel healthier and happier.
* Hypertension
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure and it is often caused by a lack of healthy food and exercise, obesity, excessive salt, alcohol, and caffeine intake, and stress. For many people there are no symptoms until it is too late. Hypertension can harden the arteries and enlarge the heart muscle, causing heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure. The following are some natural supplements that are effective in battling hypertension:
* Fish Oil
Fish oil comes in capsule form, or it can be ingested by eating baked or broiled fish. Natural fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower triglycerides, prevent strokes and heart disease, and reduce pain and inflammation. It also helps the blood circulation to prevent blood clots from forming.
* Cocoa
Cocoa, which can be found in dark chocolate, contains flavonoids and antioxidants. These can effectively boost the immune system. Studies show that a moderate intake of dark chocolate can lower blood pressure significantly. Researchers suggest 10 grams of dark chocolate a day for hypertension.
* High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance similar to fat that courses throughout our bodies. We need some cholesterol to survive, as our bodies use it to function. However, there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is good, while low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is bad. People with too much LDL cholesterol are susceptible to heart attacks, stroke, chest pains, and leg pains. These natural supplements can be good alternative treatments for high cholesterol because they help reduce cholesterol levels:
* Garlic
This pungent bulb is good for the heart and blood, and can be added to many dishes. It contains allicin and hydrogen sulfide, which can lower cholesterol deposits in the body, and reduce blood pressure. Garlic can be eaten raw, cooked in food, or taken in capsule form.
* Soybeans
Soybeans come in many forms, including raw or baked beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, or soy milk. Research shows that soy can reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, it is known to help fight certain types of cancer and slow the progression of kidney disease.
* Diabetes
People who have diabetes are not able to process glucose levels in the body. This could be because they do not produce enough or any insulin, which breaks down glucose, or their cells do not react to the insulin. This results in hyperglycemia, which could cause cardiovascular disease. Some natural supplements known to aid diabetes are as follows:
* Ginseng
Studies at the University of Toronto revealed that ginseng capsules can lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes by up to 15-20%. Ginseng helps the cells in the body absorb glucose, and it helps the body to produce more insulin.
* Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have been used for centuries to lower blood sugar levels and increase the release of insulin. These high fiber seeds also lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and are a natural pain killer. Experts recommend taking 5 grams a day to see optimum results.
If you are battling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, there are a variety of natural supplements and alternative treatments that you can try that have excellent health benefits and few side effects. Listed here are just a few of the many options available to naturally supplement and improve your health. However, before you take any supplement, it is important to consult with a licensed health practitioner to determine the best option for you.
Explore related blog posts for more information on alternative treatments for high cholesterol:
Cholesterol 101: A Guide to High Cholesterol
Go Green for Life: Following a Plant Based Diet
How the Ketogenic Diet Can Help You Lose Weight and Improve Heart Health
References:
www.webmd.com
www.raysahelian.com
www.livestrong.com
www.webmd.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.livestrong.com
