10 natural beta-blockers – Medical News Today

Beta-blockers are a type of drug that can reduce stress on the heart. Fish, garlic, berries, and certain vitamins and amino acids are all natural sources of beta-blockers.
Doctors usually prescribe beta-blockers to treat cardiovascular conditions such as angina and hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure. However, they can also help prevent or manage other conditions, such as migraine and anxiety.
Beta-blockers work by blocking certain hormones in the nervous system that manage the body’s stress responses. This can cause a person’s heart rate to slow down, easing stress on the heart and reducing blood pressure.
Read on to learn more about natural sources of beta-blockers, their benefits, and who should take them.
Natural sources of beta-blockers include widely available fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and supplements.
According to an older study from 2014, hawthorn berries can act as a:
Celery may help lower blood pressure in a similar way to a beta-blocker by reducing levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. It can also reduce the force needed to pump blood through the body, which eases stress on the heart.
According to a 2014 study, compounds in celery, such as apigenin and n-butylphthalide, may be responsible for its anti-hypertension properties.
A 2014 review found that the fiber, potassium, and plant protein in beans, lentils, and chickpeas may lower blood pressure.
This review found that eating pulses reduced blood pressure in people with and without hypertension.
According to the British Heart Foundation, garlic contains heart-healthy nutrients such as selenium, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
Experts believe garlic can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels because it contains an antioxidant called allicin.
In a 2020 review, garlic supplementation lowered blood pressure enough to reduce the risk of experiencing cardiovascular problems by around 16–40%.
People commonly use hibiscus in folk medicine to treat hypertension.
A 2015 study into anti-hypertensive herbs states that animal and human studies have established the plant’s hypertensive effects.
According to this study, compounds in hibiscus reduce blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production, opening potassium channels, blocking calcium channels, and acting as a diuretic.
Saffron is a spice from the Crocus sativus flower. A 2015 study found that saffron may relax and dilate blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
The research also found that this spice contains compounds that reduce the heart rate in guinea pig hearts.
Fish, poultry, starchy vegetables, and most types of fruit can contain vitamin B6.
A 2014 study states that vitamin B6 may mimic the effects of hypertension medications such as diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and central alpha agonists.
Vitamin B6 may also block angiotensin receptors and widen blood vessels.
Another natural source of beta-blockers is potassium, according to the above study. Low fat dairy products, potatoes, coconut water, and bananas are all sources of potassium.
Potassium may lower blood pressure by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, blocking hormones that raise blood pressure, and widening blood vessels.
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, an important chemical in relaxing muscle cells and reducing blood pressure.
Many types of nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, and leafy green vegetables contain high amounts of L-arginine.
In a 2016 review, L-arginine supplements significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure. However, there were some limitations of this study. Wider-scale research is needed to confirm these effects in larger populations.
The American Heart Association says that omega-3 fatty acids may lower a person’s risk of heart disease.
The organization recommends eating fish rich in omega-3 at least twice a week or taking a 1 gram daily omega-3 supplement.
Fish that are high in omega-3 include:
There are very few risks from eating most fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, or meat unless a person is allergic to them.
Most herbs and spices also carry minimal risk of negative side effects if people consume them in moderation.
However, some fruits, vegetables, and nuts can be high in calories, fat, or sugar.
Other herbs and supplements may also interact with prescription medications or other supplements.
A person should contact a doctor to check it is safe for them to take herbs or supplements.
Beta-blockers work by blocking the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
This slows the heart rate and reduces the force with which blood pumps through the body.
Beta-blockers may also reduce blood pressure by reducing the production of the hormone angiotensin II, which can increase blood pressure.
There are two primary types of beta-blockers: nonselective and selective.
Nonselective beta-blockers block adrenaline and noradrenaline in the heart and other parts of the body. This may cause undesirable side effects, such as increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
Selective beta-blockers are more common because they specifically target the heart tissues, which reduces the risk of side effects.
According to a 2021 study, beta-blockers are common in managing and treating cardiovascular conditions.
This can include:
Beta-blockers can also sometimes help manage, prevent, or treat:
Beta-blockers come in three forms:
The type of beta-blocker that people use depends on their condition, how severe the health issue is, and whether they have a chronic illness.
There are many different brands of beta-blocker, including:
Beta-blockers can cause a range of side effects, including:
If a person has concerns about any side effects, they should contact a doctor.
If the side effects worsen or do not improve with over-the-counter or home remedies, an individual should also contact a healthcare professional.
Beta-blockers may not be safe for everyone.
People with a history of the following conditions should talk to a doctor before using natural beta-blockers:
Many foods, herbs, spices, and supplements contain ingredients that mimic the effects of beta-blockers. These natural sources of beta-blockers are widely available and are safe to consume in moderation.
Although the American Heart Foundation does not currently recommend using vitamin supplements to lower a person’s blood pressure, they suggest receiving the same beneficial vitamins from food sources, such as fruit, vegetables, and fish.
People should contact a doctor before changing their diet, starting a new supplement, or trying beta-blockers for the first time.
Last medically reviewed on April 27, 2021
12 sourcescollapsed
Beta-blockers are a type of medication that can treat heart conditions. Some doctors also prescribe them to ease the symptoms of anxiety. Learn more…
Consuming alcohol while taking beta-blockers can potentially make them less effective, and it may increase the risk of side effects. Learn more here.
Blood pressure medications help prevent many serious complications, such as stroke and heart disease. Learn about the types and possible side effects…
Learn about propranolol, a beta-blocker. This article looks at how the drug affects the body and the conditions that it can be used to help treat.
OUR BRANDS

source