High blood pressure: Healthy supplements that might be raising your blood pressure reading

Chris Evans reveals his wife gave him a blood pressure monitor

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Ginseng – known for its antioxidant anti-inflammatory effects – has been cited by the Mayo Clinic as a herbal extract that can affect your blood pressure reading. “Herbal supplements aren’t necessarily safe just because they’re natural,” the health site pointed out. “You may need to avoid supplements that raise your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medications.”

WebMD concurred that ginseng is one herbal supplement to stay away from if you’re trying to lower your blood pressure.

Another supplement you might want to be cautious of is St John’s wart.

The Cleveland Clinic stated that St John’s wort has been shown to be effective in treating:

• Mild depression
• Menopausal symptoms.

However, you are advised to “watch out for an increase in blood pressure” if you take this supplement.

St John’s wort can also interact with common medication, such as birth control pills, blood thinners, and cancer treatment.

Medical News Today pointed out adverse side effects of using St John’s wort, which can include:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Light sensitivity
• Restlessness
• Sedation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Skin reactions
• Stomach upset
• Tiredness or fatigue.

WedMD added that guarana, ephedra, and bitter orange supplements may also raise blood pressure.

Blood pressure health risks

Notably a “silent killer”, high blood pressure hardly has any symptoms.

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This is why it’s imperative one takes their blood pressure reading at least once a year.

Blood pressure readings can be done in pharmacies, at the doctor’s clinic, or at home.

People can purchase blood pressure monitors from Boots, for example.

Elevated blood pressure can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The NHS pointed out that an ideal blood pressure reading is between 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg.

Any reading above 120/80mmHg is considered elevated blood pressure, and a high blood pressure reading is 140/90mmHg.

If you fall into the elevated blood pressure category, it means you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure.

To reduce this risk, you must not smoke, cut down on caffeine, exercise regularly, and to lose weight if needs be.

Furthermore, it’s important to reduce the amount of salt that you eat.

It’s also critical to eat a well-balanced, healthy and varied diet.

If you’re prescribed medication to control your blood pressure, you must follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take them.

If you are tempted to take supplements, it’s always recommended to speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.

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