Overview
Low blood pressure is a medical condition in which a sudden drop in blood pressure is identified. This condition is also called hypotension. Healthy blood pressure ranges somewhere around 120/80 mm Hg. But this number varies according to the age, medical history, and overall health of a person. You might be diagnosed with low blood pressure if you have some or all of the below-mentioned low BP symptoms.
- Frequent instances of blurry vision
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Instances of getting confused in understanding instructions
- Lightheadedness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Weakness
Make sure you seek emergency medical care if you experience instances of rapid pulse, clammy or cold skin, and shallow breathing. These symptoms are called shock and demand immediate medical attention.
What are the Causes of Low Blood Pressure?
Here are some of the major causes of blood pressure:
- Anemia
- Dehydration
- Autonomic nervous system disorders
- A sudden change in position
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Eating habits
- Endocrine disorders
- Heart disease or heart attack
- Medications
- Low blood sugar
- Anaphylaxis or extreme allergic reaction
- Severe infection
- Thyroid conditions
- Stress
- Vigorous exercises
Can a Change in Diet Help?
Can incorporating changes in diet and eating habits improve blood pressure? Keep reading on to know more about it:
- Fluids – Dehydration is the major cause of low blood pressure. You can minimize your chances of having low blood pressure by staying hydrated throughout the day. Make sure you include fresh juice and soups in your diet as well. Ensure that you drink lots of fluid after exercising or any sports activity.
- High Folate – People who are suffering from folate deficiency are more prone to experience low blood pressure. If you are one of them, make sure you consume high folate food like garbanzo beans, asparagus, and liver.
- Vitamin B12 – Do you know that vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and ultimately low blood pressure? Include lots of vitamin B12 rich food items like fortified cereals, eggs, and beef in your daily diet.
- Salt – Salt is known to increase the blood pressure levels in an individual. This is a very effective remedy for low blood pressure levels. Opt for smoked fish, canned soups, olives, and cottage cheese to improve your blood pressure.
- Licorice Tea – Licorice helps in reducing the aldosterone level in the body. This is the hormone that’s responsible to impact the salt present in the body. Drinking this tea can significantly help you in increasing blood pressure reading in the body. Consult your doctor to know more about it.
- Caffeine – Most of the low blood pressure patients are advised to increase their caffeine intake. Caffeine spikes the blood pressure by activating the cardiovascular system and increasing the heart rate.
- Smaller meals – Make sure you keep yourself full by consuming smaller meals at equal intervals. Eating large meals can drop your blood pressure levels as your body needs to work harder to digest it.
- Smoking and Alcohol – Cigarettes and alcohol lead to dehydration in the body and eventually low blood pressure.
Make sure you avoid overexercising or excessive physical activity. You should also prevent spending more time in hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Extended bed rest is also not advisable in low blood pressure. You can also wear high-quality compression stockings, which will regulate smooth blood flow throughout the body.