Can Vitamin D Lower Blood Pressure?

Feeling weak? Get some sunshine! We're advised that doing this could improve our health, but how so? It all comes down to vitamin D. This vitamin is responsible for many aspects of health, including hair production, strengthening bones, and injury recovery.

Unfortunately, Healthline reports, "41.6% of adults in the United States are deficient." The symptoms of deficiency are subtle but comprehensive and include fatigue, getting sick frequently, back pain, hair loss, and depression, among others. You may be more prone to vitamin D deficiency if you are older or have darker skin.

Like vitamin D deficiency, high blood pressure is common in the United States. The CDC reported almost half of the population (47%) in the U.S. has hypertension. Could vitamin D and high blood pressure be connected? Or, perhaps, could vitamin D serve as a remedy? In short, no. Although Healthline explained that vitamin D may play a role in preventing heart disease, it has not been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, which stem from high blood pressure (via Mayo Clinic). 

Although getting enough vitamin D and managing your blood pressure may be two separate aspects of health, minor lifestyle changes can improve both. To effectively manage your blood pressure and up your vitamin D intake, a healthy diet is key.

Try increasing potassium intake (enjoy more bananas), opt for low-sodium foods, and lean away from added sugars (yes, that means reading the nutrition labels), advised Healthline. For optimum vitamin D levels, try adding fatty fish like salmon and tuna to your plate (via Healthline). Additionally, having fresh veggies, whole grains, and lean protein improves overall health.

Adequate physical activity and fresh, whole foods can assist in balancing blood pressure and vitamin D levels. However, that doesn't mean you should avoid medical intervention. If your blood pressure is high and/or you are deficient in vitamin D, be sure to see your doctor for specific recommendations.