Many types of lifestyle diseases are running amok all over the globe. The fact that these conditions are not transmissible displays how many people are leading unhealthy lives, which can create unnecessary health risks. Unhealthy habits are a major cause of high blood pressure, which was a primary or contributing cause of death in 500,000 people in the United States last year.
Fortunately, it is sometimes possible to reduce the impact of hypertension through lifestyle changes. Sometimes, certain types of nutraceutical products can aid in this endeavor. Vitamin C, in particular, is very promising, as Vitamin C can lower your blood pressure according to some studies.
Hypertension and How Vitamin C Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
If you have hypertension, the pressure inside your blood vessels is higher than average. This pushes the heart to exert more force to drive blood throughout the body. Hypertension can lead to many types of health issues if unchecked and untreated for too long.
High blood pressure is pretty severe as it is a leading cause of cardiac arrest, kidney failures, and brain damage. The condition affects one in 4 men and one-fifth of women worldwide, even though it can often be prevented through lifestyle changes.
An unhealthy lifestyle is a precursor to high blood pressure. Firstly, a diet with excessive salt, saturated fats, and minimal fruits and vegetables will increase the risk of hypertension. Other factors are a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco use, and stress. Furthermore, the artery walls will become loose as you grow older, and senior citizens face a higher risk of hypertension.
Why Vitamin C Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
Shifting your diet towards healthy and organic foods is the best way to alleviate hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends a diet with minimal sugars, sodium, trans fats, and saturated fats. Additionally, managing stress and reducing risk factors can help. Therefore, you are better off losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Also, ditch unhealthy habits like smoking and limit your alcohol intake.
There are medications prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will often administer diuretics, Calcium blockers, and various enzyme inhibitors for hypertension.
Vitamin C for Hypertension
Vitamin C is abundant in multiple fruits and vegetables. The nutrient doubles as an antioxidant to fight against free radicals. Additionally, you can reduce iron deficiency and have a solid immune response system with adequate levels of Ascorbic acid. Furthermore, Vitamin C plays a significant role in reducing the impact of hypertension on your body. Various research indicates that the supplemental form of Ascorbic acid works best to reduce high blood pressure. Although it certainly can’t be used as a standalone treatment for hypertension, Vitamin C can help lower your blood pressure in many cases.
How Vitamin C Works
Vitamin C is a diuretic substance that removes excess fluid in the blood. The artery walls usually have to withstand more pressure with a high blood volume.
Following Vitamin C intake, the reduced blood capacity eases blood pressure inside your vessels. Scientists used large amounts of the vitamin (500mg) to get these results. Usually, the recommended daily intake is 75-90mg daily for adults. Vitamin C is an antioxidant-rich component that protects your body against the adverse effects of free radicals. Similarly, the vitamin could have a relaxing effect on your artery walls by playing down oxidative stresses along the vessel lining.
Vitamin C Sources
The vitamin has multiple sources that mainly come from plants. Many fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, particularly citrus fruits. If you are looking to boost your Vitamin C intake, consider including red or green pepper, kiwi, tomato juice, red cabbage, broccoli, and cantaloupes.
Vitamin C can lower your blood pressure significantly if you take an adequate amount each day. However, supplements provide much more concentrated amounts of Vitamin C than regular foods. For instance, you will need at least 500mg of the vitamin to affect your blood pressure. Conversely, one orange has just over 50mg, and you’d need at least a dozen fruits.
Side Effects
The downsides of taking Vitamin C will manifest in extremely high doses, and the side effects will mostly come about if you use an oral supplement.
The impacts of excessive Vitamin C include headaches, fatigue, heartburn, nausea, and bloating. Generally, you should avoid prolonged intake that exceeds 2,000mg.
Furthermore, Vitamin C negatively interacts with Warfarin, statins, various antiviral drugs, and chemotherapy. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using the supplement.
Takeaway
Vitamin C is a regular nutrient that is abundant in numerous foods. If you have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you can reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Also, researchers have identified that Vitamin C can lower your blood pressure. However, more standardized studies are needed to quantify the long-term impact of Vitamin C on hypertension.
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