Can Vitamin B Help You Manage Your High Blood Pressure?
Paul J Johnson
Garlic contains different vitamins such as vitamins B and C
that are required by the body to remain healthy and strong.
Clinical studies have found that Vitamin B12 is considered to
be one vitamin which is beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
Unfortunately, B 12 isn't one of the B vitamins within garlic.
However, some believe foods which contain a particular
substance known as inluins - such as garlic - help to stimulate
the growth of specific bacteria known as lactobacillus in the
colon. These bacteria produce B12 and may supply the body with
some of the vitamin.
Nevertheless, in order for vitamin B12 to be used as a serious
treatment for controlling hypertension, it must be taken in the
form of a supplement or come from food sources that are rich in
B12.
How does Vitamin B12 help reduce blood pressure? Vitamin B12,
also known as folate or folic acid, plays an essential role in
the formation of red blood cells. It is believed to help lower
blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax, improve
circulation, and by lowering homocysteine levels.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that exists in the blood. It is
a toxic waste product that is created during cellular
metabolism. If the levels of homocysteine become too high
(which could be related to a poor diet or genetics),
researchers believe it can damage the inner lining of arteries
and encourage blood clots. Elevated homocysteine is also
connected to a higher risk of stroke, peripheral vascular
disease, and coronary heart disease.
Various studies have been conducted to determine the blood
pressure-lowering effects of folic acid taken in the form of a
supplement. In one small study involving 24 cigarette smokers,
folic acid supplements were found to significantly lower the
blood pressure in these individuals.
Another study conducted on young women, found that those who
receive a minimum of 1,000 micrograms of B12 daily, either from
their diet or by taking supplements, are less likely to develop
hypertension; lowering their risk by more than 45%.
Although researchers have already concluded that a diet rich in
folic acid can lower high blood pressure, this was the first
study to reveal that higher intake of folic acid can lower the
risk of developing hypertension.
How can you take vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is naturally found
in leafy green vegetables, lentils and citrus fruits. It can
also be found in other food sources including dairy products,
eggs, fish, beef, pork and organ meats (especially kidney and
liver). Some foods may also be fortified with folic acid
including certain bread and cereal products.
Usually, people who have a daily diet rich in folic acid do not
require supplements. However, approximately 10-30% of elderly
people (65 years and older) may not be able to properly absorb
Vitamin B12 from food and will require supplements.
For those who are interested in taking supplements, vitamin B12
can be found as part of a multivitamin, or as an individual
supplement. Supplements are usually in the form of a tablet or
capsule and are taken daily. Before taking supplements you
should read all of the product instructions and talk to your
doctor about the recommended dose for treating your high blood
pressure.
Is vitamin B12 safe? Vitamin B12 is usually safe and non-toxic
when the recommended amount is ingested. That being said, folic
acid may cause side effects in some people and interact with
certain medications (I.E. certain antibiotics, chemotherapy
medications, anti-ulcer medications, etc.) In addition, you
should never take any single B complex vitamin by itself for a
prolonged period of time, as this can cause an imbalance among
other essential B vitamins your body requires.
Thus, when taking B 12 supplements for managing blood pressure,
you should be supervised by your health care provider.
About The Author: By Paul Johnson. Sign up for a free
newsletter & discover proven natural methods to help you lower
blood pressure naturally at
http://www.natural-blood-pressure-reduction.com
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