Low Blood Pressure: Food Tips For Patients

August 20, 2017 Yusra Kashif

Low blood pressure is also called hypotension in which the blood flow is inadequate to the organs of the body because of low blood pressure. In low blood pressure the body is deprived of enough oxygen to carry out its normal functioning, which can lead to the damage of the brain and heart. Here are some food tips for low blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure

Symptoms

Fainting
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Nausea
Blurred vision
Lack of concentration
Fatigue

Low Blood Pressure Can Lead To

Shock with rapid shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, pale skin.
Stroke
Heart attack
Kidney failure

Causes

Heart problems
Reduced volume of blood
Medications like diuretics, drugs for Parkinson’s disease, antidepressants etc
Pregnancy
Endocrine problems like diabetes, Addison’s disease, hypoglycaemia
Dehydration
Septicaemia (severe infection)
Lack of proper diet

Ideal blood pressure is 120/80 mm/Hg

Low blood pressure is a reading less than 90/60 mmHg

Food Tips For Low Blood Pressure Patients

For most of the patients, low blood pressure can be treated with diet and changes in life style.
Take a diet higher in salt. Excess salt is injurious to health but moderate quantities are required by the body. According to WHO the diet must comprise of 1 tsp of added salt.
Consume lots of fluids like water and coconut water to combat dehydration and increase blood volume.
Limit alcohol consumption as its dehydrating.
Take smaller and more frequent meals to prevent sharp drop in blood pressure after meals.
Concentrate on taking a variety of foods that include lean chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and semi skimmed or skimmed milk products.
Caffeine in tea or coffee can help improve blood pressure temporarily .
If you don’t like more salt in food, try soy sauce.
Increase the consumption of vitamin B12 and folate as they help regulate healthy blood pressure. B12 rich foods are fish, dairy products, lamb, fortified cereals and eggs etc. Folate rich foods are citrus fruits, avocado, okra and dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli etc.

Other Tips

Get regular exercise.
Avoid lifting heavy items.
Carefully rise from lying or sitting position.
Avoid hot showers and spas as prolong exposure to hot water can cause blood vessels to expand which can lead to lower blood pressure.
Check your blood pressure regularly with this FDA approved Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff Monitor.

For details and food tips for high-blood pressure patients

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Yusra Kashif

Yusra Kashif has done masters in Food and Nutrition. She has also worked as a Dietitian in an international hospital and as a teacher in a private school. Currently she is taking a further degree in “Food and Nutrition Advisor” from U.K. She loves crafts, baking, cooking and exploring. Yusra is currently a stay at home mum and a part time writer.