Is Distilled Vinegar Good For High Blood Pressure
This author has been verfied for credibility and expertise
Fact Checked
According to the Center for Disease Control, high blood pressure affects one in three Americans 1. A contributing factor to both heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure can have serious health consequences 1. Claims that vinegar, a common household item, can lower blood pressure have been investigated in animal studies 1. Although the preliminary results are encouraging, the effectiveness of vinegar as a therapeutic agent to treat high blood pressure is still unclear 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Drinking Red Wine Can Help Lower Blood Pressure Study Says
A higher intake of foods rich in flavonoids – including berries, apples, tea and red wine – has been linked to lower blood pressure in new research.
Tuesday 24 August 2021 10:18, UK
Three glasses of red wine a week can help lower blood pressure, a study has found.
A higher intake of foods rich in flavonoids – including berries, apples, tea and red wine – has been linked to lower blood pressure in analysis by Queen’s University in Belfast and Kiel University in Germany.
Moderation is key, with researchers finding that about three glasses of red wine per week was optimal, while for berries the suggested amount was 80g a day.
The study focused on how microbes in the gut break down flavonoids found in those foods and drinks, which then results in a drop in blood pressure.
“Our gut microbiome plays a key role in metabolising flavonoids to enhance their cardioprotective effects, and this study provides evidence to suggest these blood pressure-lowering effects are achievable with simple changes to the daily diet,” said lead investigator Professor Aedin Cassidy.
The analysis involved more than 900 participants in Germany.
Previous research has shown flavonoids can improve heart health, but researchers said this was the first time their connection to lower blood pressure has been explained.
The study’s results have been published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal.
One Thing Red Wine Cant Do
Study: It Doesnât Lower Blood Pressure, but Does It Still Help the Heart?
Red wine and heart health have long been linked, with studies suggesting a glass or two a day lowers heart disease risk.
The heart-healthy benefits are often credited to antioxidants called polyphenols. Experts have different opinions, however, about exactly how the polyphenols may benefit the heart.
Now, Dutch researchers have found that the polyphenols don’t seem to promote heart health by reducing blood pressure.
“Our findings do not support that potential cardiovascular benefits of red wine consumption result from blood pressure lowering by polyphenols,” says researcher Ilse Botden, MD, a PhD student at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The findings don’t suggest red wine isn’t still heart-healthy — just that it doesn’t seem to work by lowering blood pressure, Botden says.
The benefit of red wine and heart health, she says, ”apparently occurs in a blood pressure-independent manner.”
Botden is due to present the findings today at the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2011 Scientific Sessions in Orlando.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Cannonau Wine
Red Wine Contains Powerful Plant Compounds And Antioxidants Including Resveratrol
Grapes are rich in many antioxidants. These include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins .
These antioxidants, especially resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of red wine.
Proanthocyanidins may reduce oxidative damage in the body. They may also help prevent heart disease and cancer (
- 11.5 glasses a day for women.
- 12 glasses a day for men.
Some sources also recommend having 1-2 alcohol-free days each week.
Keep in mind that this refers to total alcohol intake. Drinking this amount of red wine in addition to other alcoholic beverages could easily put you in the range of excessive consumption.
If you have a history of substance abuse, then you should probably avoid wine and any other alcoholic beverage completely. Also be very careful if you have a family history of alcoholism.
Bottom Line:
Moderate intake of red wine is defined as 1-2 glasses per day. It is also recommended that you have at least 12 days a week without alcohol.
Stretching And Drooping Of The Heart Muscle
Long-term heavy drinking can cause the heart muscles to weaken. This is called alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
If your heart muscle is droopy and stretched it cant pump blood around your body very well. If the blood flow to other parts of your body is not enough, it can damage organs and tissues.
It can also cause symptoms like:
- breathing difficulties
Don’t Miss: How Many Carbs In Wine
Alcohol Consumption For Someone With Low Blood Pressure
Someone with low blood pressure should still try to limit their alcohol use and should never use alcohol as a way of treating low blood pressure. Some people may have blood pressure that is naturally lower than normal, but these individuals can still develop high blood pressure from alcohol use.
Ideally, people with low blood pressure who use alcohol should consult a doctor to learn what is best for their specific situation. Additionally, they should follow the recommendation of no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
Heart Disease And Blood Pressure
Regular light intake of red wine may help lower heart disease risk. Compared with men consuming no alcohol, life expectancy was extended 5 years in men consuming an amount of wine containing an average of 2 grams of alcohol per day, according to the Zutphen study published in the July 2009 issue of the “Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.” This amount of alcohol is equivalent to about 1 ounce, or a shot glass, of wine daily. Research indicates that a small amount of wine may lower blood pressure during a few hours after intake, but long-term high intake of any alcoholic beverage, including wine, raises blood pressure and is not recommended for people with hypertension.
Recommended Reading: Total Wine Dog Friendly
Many Factors Drive Blood Pressure
But he pointed out that this is an observational study, so it cant show for certain the health benefits or harms of moderate drinking.
For that, youd need a randomized controlled trial, in which groups of people are assigned to drink a certain amount of alcohol each day for months or years.
For example, people who drink lightly or abstain may also tend to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep all of which can lower their blood pressure.
Grayver said the type of alcohol that people drink could also make a difference. Red wine, for instance, is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which may also impact heart health.
And what you eat with your glass of beer or wine or shot of whiskey can affect your blood pressure, too.
All of the pretzels, peanuts, and other snacks that go along with alcohol consumption have a significant amount of salt in them, said Grayver. That in itself could be driving the hypertension.
Even news stories that talk about the heart benefits of alcohol may play a part.
It is possible that once someone receives a diagnosis of hypertension, they may then be incentivized to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, said Marcus.
In a 2015 study, Marcus and his colleagues found that people who believed that alcohol is heart healthy were more likely to drink more, compared to those who thought otherwise.
Drinking Red Wine Helps Lower Blood Pressure Scientists Say
Good news for the wine lovers out there a new study reveals that a couple of glasses of vino each week could have vital health benefits.
Research suggests that drinking a glass of red every now and then could help prevent high blood pressure.
But how could a tipple of vino keep your blood pressure in check? According to Metro.co.uk who reported the story, something called flavonoids are the answer.
Found in foods like berries, apples, and grains as well as tea and, of course, red wine scientists have been interested in whether flavonoid compounds could lower the risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease for some time now.
Professor Aedin Cassidy, chair and professor in nutrition and preventive medicine at the Institute for Global Food Security at Queens University Belfast, led the study.
Scientists assessed the impact of a flavonoid-rich diet on blood pressure by monitoring more than 900 adults in Germany.
The team behind the study said the data was the first concrete evidence explaining the link between flavonoid compounds and the low risk of hypertension.
But careful not to start guzzling just yet results show that moderation is key. Quoted in Metro.co.uk, Professor Cassidy said: The study found some three glasses of red wine per week was the required dose for achieving the desired result on blood pressure, while 80 grams of berries a day was also found to be beneficial.
Read Also: Is Malibu Wine Safari Open
Drinks That Lower Your Blood Pressure
If you struggle with hypertension, odds are youve looked high and low for a quick and easy way to reduce your blood pressure.
The truth is that theres no single solution, but making simple changes can yield powerful results. Something as easy as expanding and evolving your beverage intake can help to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
While lower blood pressure may not be just a sip away, simple changes to what you sip every day can lead to some big heart health benefits.
Here are a few options to get you started.
Myth: I Was Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure But I Have Been Maintaining Lower Readings So I Can Stop Taking My Medication
High blood pressure can be a lifelong disease. Follow your healthcare professionals recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life. By partnering with your healthcare team, you can successfully reach your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Last Reviewed: Oct 31, 2016
Recommended Reading: Best Keto Wine
How Does Red Wine Help Protect The Heart
The benefits of red wine come from polyphenols naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties. Polyphenols like resveratrol and procyanidins have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular health.
How exactly do these compounds protect the heart?
Studies suggest that these polyphenols:
- Boost good cholesterol
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Reduce blood clotting
So, wines with high levels of resveratrol and procyanidins are considered the best for your heart.
Myth: Red Wine Reduces Your Risk For Heart Attack
Fact: Red wine and other types of alcohol can immediately increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. This risk, however, decreases over time. As long as youre consuming a moderate amount of alcohol , red wine will likely not harm your heart in the long run.
On the other hand, consuming heavy amounts of alcohol, including red wine, can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Consider reducing the amount of alcohol you drink to give your body a break.
Don’t Miss: Shipping Wine From Oregon
Myth: Red Wine Is Good For Everyone
Fact: Women and men experience alcohol differently, so they should consume it differently. One glass of wine per day is plenty for women, while men shouldnt drink more than two glasses a day.
We still dont really know if red wine is good for heart health. Until theres more information available, its best to drink moderately and talk to your doctor. For information about other heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Can Drinking Red Wine Stop High Blood Pressure
Photo credit: bigstock
Its fairly well-known that drinking a moderate amount of red wine can offer numerous health benefits. One study showed that the compounds in red wine protect your body from oxidation, which prevents certain types of cancer and offers protect from depression. Even earlier studies showed that this very popular beverage, which is made from grapes of darker colors, can even protect us from heart disease and improve our overall cardiovascular health.
If that isnt enough reason to enjoy some wine with dinner, a new study has given us yet another reason to drink red wine. This study, recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition, found that the red grapes, from which wine gets its start, can lower blood pressure. This suggests that red wine is a great way to treat one of Western worlds biggest killers hypertension, or high blood pressure. Find out 8 things to eat to naturally lower blood pressure.
In this study, 40 male rats were fed either a high fructose diet or a high fructose diet that was supplemented with different doses of red grape berry cells. The amounts were 200, 400, and 800mg/kg of body weight per day, over a 5 week period. The rats blood pressure, plasma triglycerides, adiponectin, and insulin levels were measured at the beginning of the trial then again after 3 weeks and then again after 5 weeks. The red grape cells effects on vasodilation were also monitored.
Continue to Page 2
Photo credit: bigstock
Also Check: Custom Bridesmaid Wine Labels
Wine And Blood Pressure
While red wine has been touted to have many heart health benefits, lowering blood pressure is not one of them. Treat red and white wine equaling when it comes to blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, consume wine in moderation.
If your blood pressure is not in control, I recommend you eliminate alcohol completely until your blood pressure is well-managed.
Researchers in Spain did find high blood pressure benefits were connected to drinking non-alcoholic red wine. Extra emphasis on the NON-ALCOHOLIC part.
Wine And Blood Pressure Medications
Consuming wine, or any alcoholic beverage, while you are taking any medication is not recommended. Red wine impairs your digestive tract’s ability to properly absorb your medication. Drinking wine with medications will increase their effects and elevate their concentrations in your body, which increases the risk of adverse reactions and toxicity. Moreover, drinking wine with blood pressure medications elevates the risk of dose dumping, Drugs.com says. Dose dumping is when your body metabolizes medications prematurely, greatly increasing the risk of adverse reactions and even toxicity.
Don’t Miss: Custom Wine Bottle Labels For Bridesmaids
What If I Dont Like Red Wine Any Alcohol Will Do
If red wine really isnt your cup of tea, you can get resveratrol in plenty of other foods and drinks too. Red grapes and grape juice are the obvious ones. However, any of the red, blue and purple coloured fruits tend to contain resveratrol and other powerful antioxidants. You can even mix your red wine with a little red grape juice and/or throw in some berries to make it all a bit more fruity. Frozen berries and juice mixed with red wine make a lovely cooling sangria in the summer.
Theres also some evidence that just the alcohol in alcoholic drinks is beneficial for the heart and blood pressure in moderate amounts of course See also our post on alcohol and blood pressure for the details: alcohol and high blood pressure
For more foods and drinks which arent as bad for your blood pressure as you might have thought, click here to download our free report: Eat, Drink and Be Merry .
Stress Relief To Lower Blood Pressure
Chronic stress can also lead to high blood pressure. It could be argued that a glass of wine may be used to help you relax and relieve stress. However, if you dont currently drink wine, this is not a reason to start.
If you have a question for our HealthCentral experts, please submit here.
You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional.
You May Like: How To Get Wine Stains Out Of A White Shirt
A Note For Red Wine Lovers
Research has not proven that wine is linked to lowering blood pressure, says James Beckerman, MD, a cardiologist at the Providence St. Vincent Heart Clinic in Portland, OR.
A Dutch study showed that heart-healthy nutrients called polyphenols in red wine help prevent heart disease, but not because of a drop in blood pressure. Research shows that the polyphenols improve the cells lining the blood vessels, and do improve blood flow and heart health. The jury is still out, though, on whether this could potentially improve high blood pressure in severe cases.
Klatsky agrees. âOne glass of red wine isnât going to improve your blood pressure,â he says. âUltimately, itâs lifestyle changes: low salt, optimal weight and exercise, and medication if necessary.â
Do you shudder at the thought of giving up your vino altogether? If youâve been advised against drinking for very high blood pressure, there may be salvation in one kind of wine: nonalcoholic.
One study found that three glasses of nonalcoholic red wine a day over a month led to a significant drop in blood pressure in men with heart disease risk factors. But men who drank red wine with alcohol, or 3 ounces of gin, had no change in their blood pressure. Researchers think that the alcohol in the wine weakens any antioxidant benefit to blood pressure.
Can Stress And Bad Temper Cause High Blood Pressure
Stress raises your heart rate, and therefore your blood pressure, in the short term. But its not been proven that stress alone has a long-lasting effect on your blood pressure.
However, the things people tend to do to combat stress, such as eating junk food and drinking to excess, can cause long-term blood pressure problems. If you experience stress, try alternative ways of coping with it, such as exercise or talking to a friend about whats worrying you.
Drinking alcohol is not an effective way to alleviate mental health difficulties.
- Have several drink-free days a week
- Find out what’s in your drinks
Recommended Reading: Lowest Calorie Pinot Noir
