According to the CDC, blood pressure issues in the US are nothing to ignore.  In fact,

• “About 70 million American adults (29%) have high blood pressure—that’s 1 of every 3 adults.
• Only about half (52%) of people with high blood pressure have their condition under control.
• Nearly 1 of 3 American adults has prehypertension—blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.
• High blood pressure costs the nation $46 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work.”*

The following studies provide information on nutrients that may help reduce the chances of stroke and improve your chances of promoting healthy circulation.

Folic acid and hypertension

Earlier folic acid studies focused on preventing heart disease, but this is the first to examine its effect on stroke. Doctors wanted to test folic acid in those with high blood pressure; a factor that raises chances for stroke. In the study, 10,348 hypertensives who had not had a stroke or heart attack took 10 mg of enalapril; a standard blood-pressure medication, with or without 800 mcg of folic acid per day.

After 4.5 years of follow-up, those taking medication plus folic acid were 21 percent less likely to have had any kind of stroke compared to those who took blood pressure medicine alone. The folic acid group was also less likely to have had an ischemic stroke; where blood supply is cut off, and less likely to have had a heart attack or to have died from cardiovascular disease than those taking standard medication alone.

Reference: Journal of the American Medical Association; 2015, Vol. 313, No. 13

Magnesium reduces stroke in women

Prior studies found low magnesium levels raise chances for hypertension and stroke. In this study, doctors compared magnesium levels in 459 women who had had a stroke with 459 similar women who had not. Compared to women with the highest levels, those with the lowest magnesium levels were 34 percent more likely to have had a stroke. Doctors discovered what they believe is a direct link: as levels of magnesium declined, chances for stroke increased.

Discussing the findings, doctors said the results suggest that low levels of magnesium may raise chances for ischemic stroke, and that it may be an easy and affordable way to improve public health and lower chances of stroke in the general population by correcting deficiencies in magnesium.

Reference: Stroke; October, 2014, Vol. 45, No. 10, 2881-6

Betsy’s Note: Magnesium also thins blood.  Do not exceed bottle directions for folic acid, as you can get too much.  Also, magnesium may cause loose stool, so begin low and build up to tolerance.  This article is for education purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.  Consult your healthcare provider.

Article copyright 2015 by Natural Insights for Well Being. All rights reserved.  Used with permission.

*http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm