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There are a number of vitamins and minerals that can be helpful in lowering blood pressure. Zinc is an essential nutrient for humans that can help lower blood pressure.
Deficiency
According to "What Your Doctor May not Tell You About Hypertension" by Dr. Mark Houston, low zinc levels are associated with hypertension and coronary artery disease.
How It Works
Zinc inhibits your body's blood pressure elevating system and slows any increases in blood pressure that your nervous system may bring on due to stress or other outside factors.
Supplements
25 mg of zinc is recommended daily in supplement form.
Foods
Foods rich in zinc include oysters, wheat germ, sardines and eggs. Yogurt is an excellent source; having yogurt with active cultures twice a day can help you lower your blood pressure significantly.
Too Much Zinc
Too much zinc can interfere with copper metabolism and reduce your HDL, or "good" cholesterol, as well as causing nausea, diarrhea and lowered immunity.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
If you're taking any potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Aldactone or Midamor, be aware that they increase the amount of zinc you excrete from your body, so you will need to take an additional supplement to compensate for this. Consult your doctor before starting or ending any zinc supplements.
Source:
"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension;" Mark Houston, M.D.; 2003
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