High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by increased blood pressure levels in the arteries, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. While medications are often used to treat hypertension, there is growing interest in natural approaches to lowering blood pressure, particularly nattokinase and taurine supplementation. In this article we look at the role of these two substances in the context of blood pressure regulation and discuss the scientific evidence on their effectiveness.
Nattokinase: An enzyme with potential
Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto, a traditional Japanese food produced by fermenting soybeans with the bacterium *Bacillus subtilis*. It has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits, particularly related to the cardiovascular system. Studies suggest that nattokinase has the potential to reduce blood clotting and improve blood circulation, which may indirectly help lower blood pressure.
A study published in the "Journal of Hypertension" showed that taking nattokinase daily for eight weeks resulted in a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with initially mild to moderate hypertension. Researchers suspect that nattokinase's blood pressure-lowering effects are due in part to its ability to prevent blood clots from forming and improve blood flow.
Taurine: A versatile amino acid
Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and is obtained through diet, has also gained attention for its potential benefits in treating hypertension. Taurine is found in high concentrations in muscle tissue, the brain, the heart, and blood cells. Research suggests that taurine may help regulate blood pressure through various mechanisms, including improving kidney function, modulating the sympathetic nervous system, and improving vascular function.
A meta-analysis published in the journal "Clinical and Experimental Hypertension" examined several studies on the effects of taurine on blood pressure and found that taurine supplementation resulted in significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients can. The authors concluded that taurine could be considered as an adjuvant therapy for hypertension, particularly due to its ability to reduce blood pressure without causing significant side effects.
Safety and recommendations
Although nattokinase and taurine supplementation have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure, it is important that these substances be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach to blood pressure control and not as a replacement for conventional medical treatments. People suffering from high blood pressure should always consult a doctor before changing their treatment strategy or adding nutritional supplements.
Additionally, it is important to consider the safety of nattokinase and taurine. While both substances are generally considered safe and well tolerated, they can cause side effects or interactions with other medications in some people. In particular, nattokinase, which can affect blood clotting, should be used with caution by people taking blood-thinning medications.
Conclusion
Nattokinase and taurine supplementation offers an interesting approach to treating high blood pressure naturally. Both substances have shown promising results in scientific studies and may be useful as part of a comprehensive hypertension treatment plan. Nevertheless, it is critical that further research be conducted to fully understand their effectiveness, safety, and best use in the context of blood pressure control. Ultimately, individuals who wish to lower their blood pressure naturally should do so in consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure their strategy is both safe and effective.