Raise Low Blood Pressure Naturally Through Diet
Low blood pressure, often known as hypotension, is defined as a blood pressure measurement less than 90/60 mm Hg. This medical condition affects a large number of individuals, especially as they get older. Low blood pressure can be triggered by a number of causes, including adverse reactions to medications and medical conditions such as diabetes. If there are no symptoms, low blood pressure is not worrisome. Most medical professionals will only identify low blood pressure as a cause for concern if a patient exhibits its symptoms, such as blurred vision, dizziness, and fainting. Low blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke, both of which might be fatal or result in long-term harm to the brain and heart.
Risks of low blood pressure
Many people don’t notice low blood pressure, but it can lead to some extremely serious issues if it goes untreated. A blood pressure reading that is too low can result in:
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
Continuous drops in blood pressure indicate a medical emergency. When your blood pressure is extremely low, your important organs are deprived of oxygen, potentially leading to shock.
What we eat may significantly influence our blood pressure, similar to its impact on numerous other medical conditions. Here are a few dietary recommendations that could help raise blood pressure back up to a healthy level.
Here are foods to eat to raise low blood pressure
Drink a Lot of Water
When it comes to raising and maintaining a normal blood pressure, staying hydrated can be highly beneficial. Our bodies lose water when we’re dehydrated, decreasing blood volume and blood pressure. Most medical professionals recommend consuming at least two litres of water daily. It’s advisable to increase water intake during hot weather or when working out.
Consume Salty Food
Our blood pressure could rise if you consume a lot of salty foods. The sodium in salt causes our bodies to retain more water to ‘wash’ it out of the system when we consume large amounts of it. Cottage cheese, olives, and canned soup are all excellent sources of salt. Depending on personal preference, one may season the food with either table salt or sea salt. When added to a balanced diet, a little additional salt may be helpful for those with low blood pressure. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that consistently excessive salt intake can seriously affect health.
Caffeine-Containing Foods
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and caffeinated tea, can lead to an increase in heart rate and a sudden rise in blood pressure, especially in individuals who are not accustomed to consuming them. This effect is usually temporary, as caffeine’s impact on blood pressure varies from person to person. Caffeine is present in a variety of foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and others.
Consume Plenty of Folate
Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is abundant in foods like broccoli, spinach, oranges, eggs, lentils, and chickpeas. Our body requires folate to support cell division, leading to the production of more red blood cells, thus preventing severe anaemia. A deficiency in folate can result in anaemia, which in turn can lead to decreased blood pressure. Furthermore, the symptoms of folate deficiency overlap with those of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Increase B12 Intake
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and the prevention of megaloblastic anaemia, a blood disorder that leads to fatigue and weakness. Insufficient levels of this crucial vitamin can result in anaemia, which not only reduces blood pressure but also leads to excessive bleeding while potentially damaging organs and nerves. Anaemia further contributes to decreased blood pressure. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include eggs, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products.
Tulsi leaves
Tulsi leaves serve as a valuable source of vitamin C and are abundant in antioxidants. Chewing 4-5 holy basil leaves in the morning can help lower blood pressure. This is due to Tulsi’s high content of potassium and magnesium, both of which promote healthy blood flow.
Precautions for Low Blood Pressure
Alcohol Consumption
Although drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure, it can also cause the body to become dehydrated, which reduces blood pressure by lowering the volume of your blood. Alcohol should never be used as a means of treating low blood pressure, and one should refrain from consuming large amounts of it. To prevent dehydration, make an effort to drink a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage. Along with many other negative impacts on your physical and emotional health, it can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) in individuals with low blood pressure.
Meal Size Should Be Reduced
It takes a lot more energy for our bodies to digest a heavy meal, which might cause our blood pressure to drop. Since skipping meals usually results in overeating later to make up for it, this is a problem that affects intermittent fasters and those who skip breakfast, in particular. Having more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day is better for blood flow and digestion, even if one is not reducing overall calorie intake.
Reduce Carbs Intake
Foods heavy in carbohydrates, especially processed ones, tend to digest much more quickly than other foods, potentially leading to a sudden decrease in blood pressure. Several trials have shown that a low-carb diet can help counteract hypotension, especially in older individuals. To manage this, it’s advised to limit carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice.
In addition to dietary modifications, blood pressure can be raised through lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Take regular breaks while exercising outdoors in the heat, and make an extra effort to stay hydrated.
- Gradually change your body’s posture, such as by standing up periodically.
- Avoid prolonged periods of bed rest.
- Wear compression stockings that promote blood flow from the feet and legs upward.
If anyone experiences concerns about low blood pressure symptoms, they should consult their doctor. Likewise, medical professionals can assess the adverse effects of medications and make changes as necessary.
At Omni Hospitals, we provide the most effective treatment for hypotension. Our team includes specialists who are highly experienced in developing optimal management strategies for this condition. Beyond our exceptional medical professionals, we boast state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated support personnel, ensuring that you receive treatment that is both effective and safe.