What to eat for Low Blood Pressure

What to eat for Low Blood Pressure – Like high blood pressure, low blood pressure is also a fatal and dangerous condition. In this situation, the person’s blood pressure usually decreases up to 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) from ordinary. At the same time, this figure can be even lower in critical conditions. A balanced and essential diet is the best and easiest way to overcome this condition. It is imperative to understand what to eat for low blood pressure.

This is why this article on diet2nourish will mainly talk about food for low blood pressure. At the same time, a diet chart for low blood pressure will also be given here, which can be used regularly to relieve this problem. To know what to eat for low blood pressure diet, read the article until the end.

What is low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure is also called hypotension. Regular blood pressure readings are 90/60 and 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Low blood pressure is generally defined as a measurement of less than 90 mm Hg for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic).

The readings of blood pressure depend on the following characteristics of your body –

• Medical history
• Age
• Health status

Various forms of low blood pressure include:

Orthostatic tachycardia (postural hypotension):

This is a sharp reduction in blood pressure upon getting up from a seated or lying down position. Dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, certain medical conditions, and some drugs are some of the causes. Older people frequently have this kind of low blood pressure.

After-meal hypotension:

After eating, this decline in blood pressure happens one to two hours later. Older persons are most likely affected, particularly those with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Small, low-carb meals, increased water consumption, and abstinence from alcohol may all assist in lessening symptoms.

Hypotension with neural mediation:

A dip in blood pressure occurs after prolonged standing. Young adults and children are most commonly impacted by low blood pressure. It could be caused by a breakdown in the brain-heart connection.

Orthostatic hypotension and multiple system atrophy:

This uncommon condition, also known as Shy-Drager syndrome, affects the neurological system that regulates involuntary processes like blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and digestion. When you’re lying down, it’s linked to having really high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

Follow our food for low blood pressure diet in case of the below given symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Dizzy
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling weak

However, in case of the following symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Cold or moist skin

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure can be either short-lived or persistent. It can also be a sign of a more severe illness.

The following are some of the potential underlying reasons for low blood pressure, per the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteTrusted Source:

• Aging extended bed rests adverse effects of high blood pressure drugs Specific medications
• Diabetes
• pregnancy
• Heart issues
• Endocrine issues
• Serious infection
• Significant allergic response (anaphylaxis)

Blood volume reductions brought on by bleeding or dehydration neurally-mediated hypotension nutritional deficiencies, such as those in folic acid and vitamin B12. In this, following our what to eat for low blood pressure diet plan can be extremely beneficial.

What to eat for low blood pressure diet

People suffering from low blood pressure want to know what they should eat in this condition. This is why we will talk about some such foods which can be helpful in this problem. Moving ahead in the article, we try to know what to eat for low blood pressure.

1 .Coffee

In the case of low blood pressure, it can be advised to drink coffee. Research by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) related to blood pressure clarifies the reason for this. The study mentioned that special caffeine is found in coffee, increasing blood pressure. On this basis, the benefits of coffee can be beneficial for what to eat in low bp.

2 . Vitamin B-12

Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure) is a problem caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency, mainly affecting the elderly. In this problem, blood pressure becomes familiar in a sudden standing or sitting position. Based on this fact, consuming a diet rich in vitamin B-12 can help relieve this problem. B-12-rich foods mainly include cereals, meat, milk, yogurt, eggs, and other dairy products, which can be included in a low BP diet.

3 . Salt

Everyone is familiar with the fact that the consumption of salt works to increase blood pressure. This is why experts recommend excessive use of salt in the problem of low blood pressure. However, there are many health-related disadvantages of consuming salt in excess, so you must consult your dietician regarding the quantity before using salt.

4 . Lemon juice

One of the main reasons for low blood pressure is considered to be dehydration, i.e., lack of water. In such a situation, using lemon can be regarded as helpful. According to experts, drinking lemon mixed with water improves the taste of water. Not only this, many minerals like calcium and phosphorus are also found in lemon, which helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

5 . Tulsi

Basil leaves can also be considered helpful in the problem of low blood pressure. It is believed in research that potassium, magnesium, and pantothenic acid are found in basil leaves. In such a situation, it would be correct to say that Tulsi can be helpful in what to eat for low blood pressure.

6 . Mulethi

Consuming licorice can also help in controlling the problem of low blood pressure. This is mentioned in research related to licorice. In the study, it is believed that licorice has the effect of increasing blood pressure. 

7 .Tea

Along with coffee, tea is also considered helpful in the problem of low blood pressure. A special element called caffeine is found in tea, which can increase blood pressure. On this basis, the benefits of tea can be helpful for what to eat in low BP diet.

8 . Green-Leafy Vegetables

Potassium present in green vegetables helps in extracting maximum sodium through the kidney. With the help of this process, the blood pressure starts decreasing.

Potassium content is high in the following green leafy vegetables –

• Cauliflower
• turnip greens
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Arugula

Sodium is added to vegetables that come in a can. But even in these, the amount of nutrients is the same as that of fresh vegetables.

9 . Berry

Berries, especially blueberries, are naturally rich in nutrients called flavonoids. A study has found that consuming compounds present in the berry helps prevent hypertension and lower blood pressure. You can easily include blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries in your what to food for low blood pressure diet.

10 . Skimmed Milk and Curd

Skimmed milk is an excellent source of calcium and is also low in fat, so you must include this in your what to eat for low blood pressure diet. Both help maintain less blood flow and are essential for the diet. If you do not like milk, you can also use curd.

11. Watermelon

Due to its naturally sweet taste, lack of added sugars, and plenty of the nutrients L-citrulline, lycopene, and potassium, watermelon is one of the most incredible foods to support healthy blood pressure. An abundant amino acid in watermelon may help maintain healthy blood pressure.

After understanding what to eat for low blood pressure, we will know about foods to avoid in Low BP. 

Foods to Avoid in Low BP

However, there is no clear scientific evidence as to which foods should be avoided in a low-blood pressure diet. Despite this, some things are advised not to take in low blood pressure. Some of the foods not to be taken for low blood pressure are as follows:

1. Avoid processed and frozen foods.
2. Spicy things should not be consumed.
3. Avoid consuming junk foods.

The conclusion

Blood pressure can be impacted by various medical issues, aging, and drugs. Make sure your blood pressure is at a healthy level for you by working with your healthcare practitioner. Always keep what to eat for low blood pressure in mind, so connect with a dietician. Connecting a dietician or nutritionist is helpful for you. They can provide a personalized diet plan and keep a regular check on your diet, as well as health conditions too. 

Blood pressure levels may also be impacted by specific meals. It’s crucial to speak with a nutritionist or dietitian if you’re trying to increase your blood pressure through food to ensure you get the nourishment you need.

There are several reasons why blood pressure is low, and most hypertensives do not exhibit any symptoms. Any signs of low blood pressure need to be addressed by doctors, who should also look for underlying causes. Once the cause of low blood pressure has been determined, consuming extra liquids or salty foods may be advised. Take help from our what to eat for low blood pressure diet plan.

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