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 alternatives to 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, 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.

These natural options are not a substitute for prescription medications. It is best for someone to discuss their condition and any questions they may have with a doctor before making changes.

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Natural sources of beta-blockers include widely available fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and supplements.

Fruits

According to an older study from 2014, hawthorn berries can act as a:

Vegetables

Celery may help lower blood pressure similarly to beta-blockers by reducing levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. It can also reduce the force necessary 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.

Pulses

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.

Garlic

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%.

Hibiscus

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

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 heart rate in guinea pigs.

Vitamins

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.

Minerals

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.

Amino acids

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 blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure. However, there were some limitations of this study. Wider-scale research is necessary to confirm these effects in larger populations.

Fatty acids

The American Heart Association (AHA) 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 omega-3 supplement daily.

Fish that are high in omega-3 include:

  • salmon
  • herring
  • trout

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 if 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 2, 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:

  • oral pills
  • injections
  • eye drops or ointments

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:

  • acebutolol (Sectral)
  • atenolol (Tenormin)
  • betaxolol (Kerlone)
  • bisoprolol or hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac)
  • bisoprolol (Zebeta)
  • metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
  • nadolol (Corgard)
  • propranolol (Inderal)
  • sotalol (Betapace)

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 with 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 Association 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.