Approximately 50% of subjects with essential hypertension are insulin resistant therefore a diet that balances blood sugar would be essential for such responders.

Dr Atkins was able to bring down hypertension in his patients by cutting back on carbohydrates and adding nutritional supplements.

Since most people drink too little water and ingest too much salt, getting these two in balance is often all that is required. About 60% of hypertensives are thought to be responsive to reduced salt intake.

Fatty Acids

The omega 3 fatty acids taken as fish oils can lower blood pressure. They improve pliability and flexibility of blood vessels, lower inflammation and relax blood vessels.

Garlic

Consuming garlic on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart disease. A number of studies show that it can lower blood pressure.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 enhances the immune system and protects against free radicals. It is particularly valuable in treating heart conditions. In one study 26 patients with essential arterial hypertension were treated with oral CoQ10, 50mg twice daily for 10 weeks. At the end of the treatment, systolic blood pressure decreased from 164.5 to 146.7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 98.1 to 86.1 mmHg on average.

Vitamin C

Since essential hypertension is associated with an abnormal antioxidant status and reduced levels of nitric oxide, in both of which vitamin C has important roles, one would expect this vitamin to be able to reduce high blood pressure and it does.

In one study taking 500mg a day caused a significant drop in elevated blood pressure for both men and women.

Other Important Nutrients

The non essential amino acid l-arginine relaxes the blood vessels once it is converted to nitric oxide. Its blood pressure lowering effect is seen taking between two and nine grams per day.

Some minerals are particularly important in the cardiovascular system. These include calcium, magnesium and potassium. Taurine has a diuretic effect and can relax blood vessels.