Does apple cider vinegar help with high blood pressure? | The State
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for alleviating various health problems. In addition to its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, it may offer to help lower blood sugar levels. We’ll see if apple cider vinegar works for high blood pressure too.
Blood pressure is the pressure that pushes blood into the walls of the arteries in which blood is transported from the heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day.
High blood pressure or hypertension is when the force of the blood flowing through the blood vessels is constantly too high, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Over time, the force and friction of high blood pressure damages the delicate tissues within the arteries.
Apple cider vinegar and high blood pressure
Apple cider vinegar may help keep blood pressure low, but it has no proven role – the evidence is still scant. Researchers have begun to investigate how vinegar can help lower blood pressure, but most of their studies have been done on animals.
Animal and laboratory studies suggest that vinegar induces alterations in renin activity, and renin is an enzyme that increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction or narrowing of the arteries.
“Reducing renin activity in the body will lower blood pressure and is the basis for many hypertensive medications,” Carol Johnston professor of nutrition at Arizona State University in Phoenix tells The Healthy.
The effects of apple cider vinegar on glucose may also help lower blood pressure.
While more research is needed, apple cider vinegar may be helpful. It is in no way a substitute for medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
“People who want to incorporate vinegar into their diets should add a tablespoon of vinegar to a full glass of water and eat it with meals,” says Johnston.
High blood pressure is a “silent killer”
The AHA notes that high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is dangerous, but it can be controlled.
What to do if I have high blood pressure?
- Do not smoke or be a passive smoker
- keep a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and trans fat, but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Eat little salt.
- Eat foods rich in potassium.
- Limit alcohol consumption. No more than one glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men.
- Be physically active.
- Take the medications indicated by the doctor.
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