Does Nattokinase lower blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a sign that your heart is under too much pressure when it tries to pump enough blood to the major organs in your body. So, what is high blood pressure exactly, and as an alternative to blood pressure medication does Nattokinase lower blood pressure? the evidence would confirm that Nattokinase is indeed a viable natural alternative to lower high blood pressure.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is normal for everyone, it means how much work that our hearts must do to keep an adequate supply of blood going to the major organs like your heart, lungs, and brain.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure also known as hypertension happens when your heart finds itself having to work harder than normal to do its job of pushing enough blood supply to meet your body’s daily needs, usually, it has no symptoms.
If high blood pressure isn’t kept under control or treated it is known to be a top risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can be detected early by a blood pressure monitor test at your local doctor’s surgery, in a pharmacy, or using a home blood pressure monitor.
Blood pressure measurement
A blood pressure monitor will take two measurements, the first measures, and records when your blood pressure is at its highest that is when your heart pushes out the blood this is known as SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
The second measurement is taken when your heart relaxes allowing the blood to flow back into your heart, this is known as DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE.
Normal blood pressure?
According to the World Health Organization guidelines and which include hypertension and high “normal” blood pressure the range for normal blood pressure is between 130/85 mm – 140/90 mm. (The figures acknowledge the dangers of high normal blood pressure.)
In western countries normal blood pressure is usually 120 SYSTOLIC over 80 DIASTOLIC, if you have a blood pressure reading of 140 SYSTOLIC OVER 90 DIASTOLIC OR IF YOU HAVE DIABETES YOU SHOULD SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
Why blood pressure is important
Blood pressure is essential in keeping us healthy, high blood pressure puts us at a greater risk of a heart attack or stroke, heart & kidney failure, and poor blood circulation, the issues can be avoided when your blood pressure is under control.
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 34% of the population or 86 million people have hypertension which is defined as 140 SYSTOLIC over 90 DIASTOLIC.
In the western world, over 50% of adults aged 45 plus have elevated blood pressure, which equates to four in every five men and 2 in every three women, the problem is these people don’t even know the facts, so they aren’t being treated.
Blood pressure diagnosis
If you have had a blood pressure diagnosis consistently showing that your blood pressure is above high normal then you need to take some action to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Blood pressure medications
There are several blood pressure medications on the market to control high blood pressure, depending on your age and ethnicity you may be prescribed a combination of these
- Under 55 normally be prescribed an angiotensin-2 receptor blocker and ACE inhibitor
- Aged 55 plus normally be prescribed a calcium channel blocker
After you start high blood pressure medication you will be on them for the rest of your life unless it stays under control for several years then your doctor may decide to reduce the treatment. it is very important to take your blood pressure medications as directed or they won’t be as effective.
How do ACE inhibitors work?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure
Common types are lisinopril, Ramipril, enalapril, and perindopril
A persistent dry cough is the most common side effect, some other possible side effects are a rash, dizziness, and headaches.
Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)
If the ACE inhibitors don’t work an Angiotensin-2-receptor blocker may be used, some examples are irbesartan, losartan, candesartan, and Olmesartan. Reported side effects include headaches, dizziness, cold & flu symptoms.
Calcium channel blockers
These work to reduce blood pressure by making the blood vessels wider, best known are nifedipine, felodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and amlodipine. Side effects may be swollen ankles, headaches and constipation.
Diuretics or water pills
These work by removing excess water and salt from the body through the urine. Diuretics are used when calcium or channel blockers are causing unwanted side effects.
Common diuretics are Bendroflumethiazide and indapamide, side effects include increased thirst, a rash, dizziness, wanting to go to the toilet more often
Beta-blockers
A beta-blocker will make your heart slow down so that it doesn’t have to work as hard at pushing the blood around the arterial system, they aren’t as popular as they were and are only used after other treatments haven’t worked.
Well-known beta-blockers are bisoprolol and atenolol. Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, a feeling of tiredness bad circulation in your hands and feet.
Natural Recommended treatment for high blood pressure alternative-NATTOKINASE
In this study of 86 patients Nattokinase has been tested to determine if it influenced high blood pressure. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 80 all of them had untreated high blood pressure of between 130 mmHG – 159 mmHG, they received a 2,000 FU Nattokinase capsule or a placebo for 8 weeks in total.
73 of the subjects completed the controlled trial the results showed a significant reduction in blood pressure readings both SYSTOLIC and DIASTOLIC.
Nattokinase Testimonials
Nattokinase has been used in Japan for more than 1,000 years to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, Nattokinase is derived from Natto a staple Japanese food for many years.
Nattokinase is indeed a safe natural alternative to blood pressure medications. Many people have found better health and a reduction in their blood pressure from taking Nattokinase, if you would like to read their Nattokinase testimonials CLICK HERE.
What are the signs or causes of high blood pressure?
If your blood pressure is very high you may have these signs or symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Vision problems
- Severe headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood in the urine
- A pounding feeling in your chest, neck or ear
Often there is no one cause rather several causes that raise your blood pressure, for example:
- High blood pressure runs in families
- As we age our blood pressure can increase
- Being overweight doesn’t help
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating too much salt
- Not eating enough vegetables and fruit
- Thyroid, kidney and adrenal gland tumours.
Stress isn’t a major cause of high blood pressure, I know you find that hard to believe!
Getting your blood pressure checked, what to expect
Blood pressure will vary with age and physical condition, if you feel nervous before the test the measurement may be higher than normal, in that case ask your doctor or nurse to do the test a second time.
Sometimes it can take up to three readings to get a more accurate reading, technically your blood pressure is high when it reads 140 DIASTOLIC or higher or when your diastolic is 90 mmHG or higher after the three readings.
When blood pressure is 140 DIASTOLIC OVER 90 DIASTOLIC after several measurements then it should be monitored over a 24-hour period usually with a wrist blood pressure monitor. After the readings your doctor may decide to start you on blood pressure treatment.
Check your own blood pressure
If you want to check your blood pressure on a more regular basis you have the option to purchase a Home Blood Pressure Monitor, that way you can look after it better, if you are over 30 it’s best to have it checked once a year unless it is borderline (140 SYSTOLIC over 90 DIASTOLIC) then you need to get a doctor or nurse to measure it for you.
How to lower your blood pressure
By making some small changes to your lifestyle it may help to bring your blood pressure down to a more normal level, however most people will need to take pills to lower blood pressure.
Healthy weight
Try to keep the weight at the correct level for your build and height, being overweight can have adverse effect on the pressure your heart is under to do its job.
Food
Watch the amounts of salt that goes into your food because sodium is linked to high blood pressure, this rule applies to all types of salt. Try to eat less foods that are processed, these are high in salt and not good for your blood pressure, try to eat more fruit and vegetables along with wholegrain cereals.
Alcohol
It is a well-known fact that excessive amounts of alcohol may increase your blood pressure and cause unwanted damage to your liver and your heart. We all like a drink but try to limit your intake to weekends and stick to the recommended limits in your country.
Be active
I can’t stress enough how important exercise is to your overall good health, try to be physically active for at least thirty minutes per day, it’s ok to have a rest at the weekends.
Try activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or even dancing!
Not only is exercise good for your body but it is excellent for a healthy mind also
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure also known as postural hypotension makes you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up, if this happens to you speak to your doctor who may need to take a blood pressure measurement when you are standing rather than sitting
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