What happens to blood pressure when you eat garlic?

Garlic is a familiar food in daily life, not only providing a unique flavor but also health benefits, especially the ability to help lower blood pressure.

Garlic may help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, thanks to its active ingredient allicin, according to Verywell Health.

Mr. Sohaib Imtiaz, a medical expert in the US, points out the benefits of garlic for blood pressure.

How does garlic affect blood pressure?

Allicin is a biological compound found in garlic, which can affect angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) - a factor that constricts blood vessels and causes high blood pressure.

Garlic may help reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Photo: AI

By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, garlic helps blood vessels dilate and circulate better, thereby reducing blood pressure on the vessel walls.

In addition, allicin also produces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to protect blood vessels from damage such as sclerosis or vasculitis, while supporting blood pressure regulation function.

Consuming garlic also helps the body increase nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels naturally. This helps reduce blood flow resistance, creating conditions for more stable blood pressure.

Notably, garlic causes fewer side effects than drugs, so many people choose it as a measure to support blood pressure reduction.

However, experts advise against considering garlic as an alternative treatment, especially for people with chronic illnesses.

Note when using garlic

In addition, some people may still experience side effects when using garlic such as abdominal pain, belching, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or bad breath. When experiencing these symptoms, you should temporarily stop using garlic and consult your doctor for appropriate advice.

In addition, people with digestive disorders such as gastric reflux, stomach ulcers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people allergic to garlic should be careful when using garlic.

Using garlic at the same time as blood pressure lowering drugs can also increase the effect, causing blood pressure to drop too much.

In addition, garlic can also reduce the effectiveness of some other drugs such as birth control pills, hypoglycemic drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure, in addition to using garlic, should apply measures to control blood pressure through lifestyle changes.

Quitting smoking will help reduce your risk of cardiovascular complications.

Reducing the amount of salt in your diet while increasing whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy will help control blood pressure more effectively.

For people who are overweight or obese, weight loss is necessary to improve blood pressure readings.

In addition, maintaining a physical activity routine of at least 150 minutes per week and controlling mental stress also play an important role in stabilizing blood pressure.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dieu-gi-xay-ra-voi-huyet-ap-khi-ban-an-toi-185250715222853657.htm