5 Supplements to Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

Key Points:

• High blood pressure affects half of U.S. adults and often goes undetected early, increasing risks of heart attack and stroke; while lifestyle changes and medications are standard treatments, some supplements can dangerously raise blood pressure.
• Supplements to avoid for hypertension include bitter orange (raises blood pressure and heart risks due to synephrine), licorice root (contains glycyrrhizic acid causing sodium retention and potassium loss), caffeine-containing products, yohimbine (increases norepinephrine leading to vessel constriction), and ephedra (linked to severe cardiovascular events and banned by the FDA).
• Many supplements contain multiple ingredients, making label reading essential to avoid harmful substances, and supplements are not regulated as strictly as foods, so ingredient amounts may vary.
• Maintaining healthy blood pressure also involves lifestyle strategies such as following the DASH diet, exercising regularly, prioritizing restful sleep, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Individuals with high blood pressure should consult healthcare providers before taking any supplements to ensure safety and avoid adverse interactions with medications.