Micronutrients and blood pressure
High blood pressure is dangerous as it increases the risk of organ damage and aneurisms. This is why many people are prescribed antihypertensive medication. However, these antihypertensives have side effects such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, swelling (angioedema), restlessness, sleep disorders, water retention (edema) and impaired kidney function. I recently received a report of voice disorders (persistent hoarseness) caused by antihypertensives.
I would therefore like to point out other natural remedies that can be used to counteract high blood pressure:
1. potassium. Potassium and sodium (salt) must be in balance. At least a few percent potassium is necessary. While ordinary table salt tends to be eaten a little too much, the sources of potassium are scarce. Recommended sources include all types of cabbage, potatoes, bananas, spinach, pulses, tomatoes, fennel, cashew nuts, peanuts and almonds. You can also simply eat potassium as salt, as we do with sodium.
We have a table salt with 50% potassium and 50% sodium: Naresa. You can use it like normal salt for cooking, at least for seasoning. If you use 5 g of Naresa instead of normal salt, it provides approx. 53% of the recommended potassium intake. And thus has an effect against high blood pressure (recognized health claim).
Potassium is also important for nerve and heart function.
2. vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 can lower blood pressure by increasing the width of arteries and improving vascular elasticity. Vitamin K2 is mainly found in fermented or animal foods. For example, hard cheese (76), egg yolk (32) or sauerkraut (3 ug/100g). According to a large study in Holland, it also has a very positive effect on arteriosclerosis and heart attacks (50% less). However, the quantities taken are not easy to obtain from food. Vitamin K2 is of course also important for maintaining bones. It is needed for the storage of calcium.
We offer vitamin K2 as drops or together with vitamin D3.
Vitamin K2 can be produced in many organs in the body from vitamin K1 (the plant form). This requires GG (geranylgeraniol) as a building block. However, the body's own production of this GG decreases with age and as a result of medication (statins and bisphosphonates). Recently, there are food supplements that contain this GG directly: GG+T3. This produces more vitamin K2 - and some other important substances.
4. promote vasodilation. This can be achieved through relaxation techniques (yoga, autogenic training, Wimm Hoff breathing techniques) and a diet rich in vitamin E, vitamin C and magnesium.
5. other factors to counter high blood pressure are exercise, reducing excess weight and reducing stress.
Note: The above natural ways can help to normalize blood pressure. If you still suffer from high blood pressure, please always consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
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