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What is the Connection Between Vitamin D and Blood Pressure?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Vitamin D has long been considered essential for the healthy function of the human body. Whether in the form of vitamin D2 that is synthesized by plants that are consumed by humans, or vitamin D3 that is obtained from exposure to sunlight, this important nutrient is considered essential for healthy bones and good mental health. More recently a connection between vitamin D and blood pressure has been noted, providing health professionals with even more reasons to encourage patients to enjoy natural sunlight from time to time.

In recent years, studies conducted under controlled conditions have demonstrated a link between vitamin D and blood pressure regulation. Essentially, taking in an equitable amount of the vitamin each day can help to decrease high blood pressure and may even have the effect of normalizing low blood pressure. While study into the effect of this nutrient on hypertension is ongoing, both alternative healthcare and traditional Western medical practitioners often support the use of a vitamin D supplement as part of the process of controlling blood pressure.

Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D is involved in blood pressure regulation.
Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D is involved in blood pressure regulation.

This link between vitamin D and blood pressure regulation is important, since high blood pressure increases the possibility of experiencing a stroke or a heart attack. By finding ways to regulate blood pressure, the chances for sustaining some type of long-term damage to the heart or the nervous system is reduced significantly. As a result, the individual can enjoy a higher quality of life for more years, without the increased risks of possibly losing mobility or in some other manner becoming unable to manage activities that were common prior to the health crisis.

Vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D supplements.

Fortunately, making the most of the connection between vitamin D and blood pressure regulations is very simple to manage. Along with exposure to sunlight for a limited amount of time each day, it is possible to make use of nutritional supplements and even to consume sufficient amounts of the nutrient through the diet. Foods like fish, eggs, and milk are good sources, as are plants like spinach and potatoes. Some varieties of mushrooms also provide tasty ways to add vitamin D to the diet and enjoy the benefits of lowering blood pressure.

Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin D, which may help prevent high blood pressure.
Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin D, which may help prevent high blood pressure.

It is important to note that while the connection between vitamin D and blood pressure is positive, other strategies to keep blood pressure within normal limits are also important if you want to live a long and healthy life. Consuming a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and learning how to manage stress to best effect will all have a positive impact on blood pressure levels and allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life than would be possible otherwise.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D is involved in blood pressure regulation.
      By: AVAVA
      Recent studies have indicated that vitamin D is involved in blood pressure regulation.
    • Vitamin D supplements.
      By: Mara Zemgaliete
      Vitamin D supplements.
    • Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin D, which may help prevent high blood pressure.
      By: Africa Studio
      Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin D, which may help prevent high blood pressure.