Hypertension is referred to the condition when the force by which blood flows through your blood vessels is very high.
It is a long-term condition which eventually causes many health problems, the most common of which is heart diseases.
In America, about 80 million people that is every 2 out of 3 people are suffering from hypertension.
Symptoms of hypertension sometimes cannot be noticed for many years. However, your doctor will diagnose the problem after measuring your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is above 120/80 mm Hg for more than a few instances you are diagnosed with hypertension.
Some symptoms seen in high blood pressure patients are dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nosebleed, restlessness, anxiety etc.
If the blood pressure is too high, the artery may be damaged and cause chest pain, thereby leading to the risk of cardiac events.
Hypertension may be:
- Primary- It generally caused due to genetic defects.
- Secondary- It could be as a result of other disease or abnormality.
The causes of primary hypertension may involve inherited abnormality or a high amount of sodium in the body.
Whereas secondary hypertension may occur due to kidney disorders, hormonal disorders, certain drugs such as cocaine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sedentary lifestyle and even alcohol consumption.
The risk of hypertension increases with age. Some known risk factors of hypertension are obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, high sodium intake in diet etc.
Hypertension can be treated by various medications available such as vasodilators, beta blockers, renin inhibitors etc.
Some lifestyle changes like healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking, no alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight can also help in hypertension.
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How Turmeric Benefits in Hypertension
Turmeric holds multiple benefits in hypertension:
- Turmeric has anti-hypertensive properties.
- Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.
- Turmeric is beneficial for heart and vascular health.
- Turmeric benefits in metabolic health and obesity.
- Turmeric protects kidney from diseases.
Read:
5 Benefits of turmeric in Hypertension
Turmeric benefits for High Cholesterol
Best Ways to Take Turmeric in Hypertension
Disclaimer – There is no particular prescribed dose of turmeric defined for hypertension. Based on the studies and reader’s reports we have summarized various ways of taking turmeric which could benefit in this disorder.
The dosage depends on the formulation of the turmeric supplement and severity of the health condition. Here is the recommended dose:
Fresh Turmeric roots
Turmeric roots are a great addition to diet but it is difficult to expect a therapeutic effect from the limited amounts of roots we consume.
Recommended intake: 1-3g or ½ inch long piece of root sliced or chopped. You can also juice it and take it with a pinch of black pepper. This can be a part of your fresh juices or taken individually. You can also make Golden Paste from fresh roots.
Further Read – Is fresh turmeric better then powder?
Turmeric powder
If you are including turmeric powder in cooking then 1 tsp daily is sufficient. Always opt for good quality organic turmeric powder. (How to identify organic turmeric, Recommended Turmeric brands)
However if you take turmeric powder straight with black pepper then it would be 1-2 g of turmeric powder with a pinch of black pepper.
In terms of teaspoon that would be 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper powder twice a day
Start with small dose and increase gradually. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach. You can also prepare DIY Turmeric Capsules.
Maximum dose: 1 tsp of turmeric powder with ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper thrice a day
Golden Paste
Golden Paste combines heat, black pepper and healthy fats to increase the absorption of turmeric. It is highly recommended to take this paste after meals and to avoid taking it close to other medications. (Read Does Turmeric cause acid reflux? Black pepper in GP: Does it cause drug interaction?) Here is the recipe.
Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose by ¼ teaspoon every week. Continue till reach a dose of 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day (precisely 1 tsp 3 times a day).
This is the ideal dose of Golden Paste where you should experience relief. However the ideal dose differs with every individual; some may need less some may need more.
Thinking of other ways to take Golden Paste read 10 ways to take Golden Paste
Maximum dosage: 1 table spoon 2-3 times a day only advised if you are comfortable taking it and not experiencing gastric side effects.
Turmeric tincture
Turmeric tinctures are considered to be very beneficial as they pack tremendous potency in a small dose; but we have not come across any evidence regarding its efficacy in hypertension. You may consult an herbalist about this.
Take 10-30 drops 2-3 times a day depending on the condition. It can be added to teas, juices or smoothies.
Maximum dosage: 20-30 drops 3 times a day
Turmeric tea
This is a good option for tea lovers and who want to skip the taste of turmeric paste. Here is the recipe for Turmeric Tea.
Recommended intake: 1-2 cups a day
Turmeric Milk
This is just perfect when it comes to combating pain naturally. You can find the recipe for Turmeric Milk here.
Recommended intake: 1-2 cups a day
Turmeric supplements
The recommended dosage for supplements is 300-400mg 2-3 times a day for standardized 95% curcumin extract.
However the dose would differ based on the formulation, hence it is best to consult a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.
Avoid taking supplements on an empty stomach and close to the time of taking medicines. Consult a health practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.
Precautions
Turmeric in diet is absolutely safe. Turmeric supplements should be taken with care. (Read Side effects of Turmeric)
If you are taking blood thinners, turmeric supplements should be avoided. Turmeric can be included in diet in small doses. If suffering from a bleeding disorder consult a doctor and herbalist or naturopath before taking turmeric.
Turmeric supplements should be avoided in case of pregnancy and lactation. Discontinue use of turmeric supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Turmeric supplements should be avoided in case of gall bladder obstructions. (Should you take turmeric if you have gallstones?)
Turmeric may interact with certain medications like stomach acid reducing drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners. Avoid taking turmeric supplements at the same time as medicines.
If suffering from gout or kidney stones, limit intake of turmeric as a spice. (Read Does turmeric cause kidney stones? Is turmeric safe in gout?)
Consult a health practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.
If harrowed by turmeric stains here is how you can take care of them.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a very common problem and it may lead to heart diseases if not controlled at early stages. Turmeric can prove to be very beneficial in hypertension.
Turmeric is beneficial for heart and vascular health. Turmeric can mitigate causes of hypertension.
When taken in right dosage turmeric can be used as an anti-hypertensive agent. If you have a dose of turmeric that has worked out for you in managing hypertension please leave your comment below for benefit of others.