Low blood pressure, which is called hypotension, is an instance when the flow of blood against your artery walls is inadequate. Although it seemingly appears harmless, chronic hypotension might result in such symptoms as fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, and even fainting. It is common to start treatment of this condition with diet. The food that you consume is very crucial in stabilizing or increasing blood pressure levels.
This guide describes the two sides what to die and what to avoid in order to take control of low blood pressure that can be managed nutritionally.
Low Blood Pressure Foods To Eat
Intelligent nutrition will help to ensure better blood supply and avoid radical deviations in blood pressure. There are various groups of food that are especially useful to persons with hypotension, some are given below.
1. Savoury Snacks (In Limited Portions)
Sodium is also known to raise your blood pressure because it causes your body to hold some water which increases the blood volume. Although the excessive dose of salt may lead to various health issues, a moderate dose can be effective in case your blood pressure tends to be too low.
You can add some more salt to your food in general. Or try salted nuts or pickled vegetables and cheeses which will be good additions to your menu. All you need to do is to ensure that you do not overdo it. Particularly when you are having other illnesses such as heart disease.
2. Drinks Containing Electrolytes
Low blood pressure is also caused by dehydration; being hydrated properly will make you feel more stable during the day. It is necessary to drink the right amount of water. It is also necessary to replace electrolytes, or minerals that maintain the volume and pressure of blood in new quantities.
Other than using plain water, think of using coconut water or oral rehydration drinks in your daily life. Soups and broths and watery fruits also help in hydration and may be very helpful in hot weather or post-exercise.
3. Iron-Rich Foods
Hypotension is directly attributed to low iron levels which in turn occur along with anemia. The reason is that iron helps in nutritious red blood cell production that transport oxygen to various body parts. A decline in levels of iron can result in blood pressure decreasing too.
Consumption of red meat, green leafy vegetables, lentils and beans helps in iron content to ensure excellent oxygen delivery. Plant-based food is less easily absorbed but can be mixed with foods such as tomatoes or citrus that are high in vitamin C to increase absorption.
4. Vitamin B12 Foods
Vitamin B 12 is an important existence of red blood cells and the nervous system. The lack of this vitamin may cause energy and blood pressure loss. Cereal fortified by B12, eggs, dairy, fish and poultry are good B12 sources.
Anyone who eats a vegetarian or vegan diet can also require supplementation. Since animal based foods are the main source of B12, consuming this is essential. By making sure that this vitamin is consumed in proper amounts, one will be able to maintain the level of blood pressure and avoid such effects as fatigue and lightheadedness.
5. Small Frequent Meals
Meaningful meals should be avoided since they allow the blood to gather on the digestive system. Consequently, this leads to fluctuation of blood pressure after meals. It is recommended that small meals should be taken at regular times of the day.
If you are able to distribute your meals, you can control the level of energy throughout the day. Not just this, distributing meals also abrupt changes in bloodflow. Eating snacks in between main meals and taking a balanced breakfast can take you a long way in controlling the symptoms of hypotension.
Low Blood Foods To Avoid : Not Ideal For Low Blood Pressure
There are foods that can be used to increase blood pressure in addition to alleviating the symptoms and there are foods that can do exactly the opposite. It is vital to know what not to eat as much as it is important to understand what to eat in your diet.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol makes blood vessels widen and may cause the blood pressure to be very low particularly when taken in bulk. Drinking has the potential of causing dehydration, a condition that worsens the effects of hypotension further.
In case you tend to feel low blood pressure, avoidance of alcohol will make you feel much steadier and awake. It is especially needed in social situations or hot conditions, during which the symptoms may be more severe.
2. Manmade Carbohydrates And Sugary Foods
Refined carbohydrates or sugary foods have the potential to increase a persons blood sugar very fast and at the same rate, reduce it to a low level. This is the crash that may cause the blood pressure suddenly decrease, and you will feel exhausted and light-headed.
The most obvious culprits are white bread, pastries and sweet beverages. Rather than these fast-energy foods, use complex carbohydrates which are slowly digested. This supplies a more sustained energy and control blood pressure.
3. Processed Foods That Are High In Fat
Fast-foods and processed food are rich in bad fats and low in vitamins. Such food may slow down the process of digestion and disrupt the circulation making you feel lethargic and aggravating hypotension.
Foods such as fried chicken, fast foods, packaged snacks and processed meat should be reduced. A healthier diet that is more whole and less processed food régime is beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
4. Over-consumption Of Nitrate Rich Foods
Although vegetables such as beets and those that are leafy are generally good, they contain a lot of natural nitrates that dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. This is good to those whose BP is low or normal but for low BP, it may cause problems. Carrot roots, beets, celery and Arugula are fine but watch what happens to your body after you consume a meal rich in nitrates. Especially in a juice or raw form, nothing beats the magic potion like quality it carries.
5. Teas Which Reduce Blood Pressure
There are some herbals and natural remedies that are lauded to soothe you or be conducive to the heart, however they can reduce the blood pressure that is way too much to a person who is already known to be struggling with hypotension.
Teas such as hawthorn, valerian root or even high doses of chamomile could be mildly sedative, and this reduces circulation. In case you are attempting to increase or normalize your blood pressure, it will be prudent to talk to a medical care specialist before interjecting any herbal products in your regimen.
Healthy Blood Pressure Promoting Lifestyle And Eating Habits
In addition to the foods consumed, the manner and timing of food consumption contribute to the body’s blood pressure. The importance of making minor adjustments in the eating habits of people with low blood pressure is that most people in this category feel the difference when there are slight changes in the way they eat everyday.
1. Have Your Breakfast Daily
Breakfast is connected with reviving low energy levels and the decrease of blood pressure. This occurs after some hours of fasting during the night. To start the day, a healthy breakfast contains good nutrients that start the circulation and the energy level.
The addition of foods such as whole grains, eggs, nuts, and fruits can establish a consistent mood towards the day. Individuals who often experience dizziness or laziness in the morning ought to consider it as a non-negotiable aspect of their mornings.
2. Avoid Lengthy Gaps In Between Meals
When you have a large time between feeding, the sugar level in your body will move down and consequently keep the blood pressure down. This is particularly in case of individuals whose blood pressure levels are already low.
Having a fixed 3-meal system may not serve well as it is always advisable to eat at intervals of 3-4 hours to stabilize your energy levels and blood pressure. Storing snacks such as a mixed nut, yogurt or banana, will help in avoiding dips on busy or travel oriented days.
When To Consult A Doctor On Low Blood Pressure
Alternative remedies (dietary and lifestyle changes) are effective in dealing with the majority of individuals who experience mild hypotension, nonetheless, low levels of blood pressure can be indicative of a graver condition. It is good which particular point it is necessary to change home remedies to going to a doctor:
1. Symptoms That Disrupt The Daily Life
When you sense a feeling of dizziness, faint, or you cannot concentrate because of low blood pressure, it is necessary to consult with a medical specialist.
The latter might indicate some medical condition like adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, or the heart issues that need to be attended by a professional. It does not only presuppose the management of discomfort but also the discovery of potential causes.
2. When Even Lifestyle Changes Do Not Help
In case you have already altered your diet, enhanced your intake of fluids and changed the time when you eat and yet you are still going through low energy levels and irregular pressure points, checking with a doctor is of essence. You might also be required to have blood tests to determine anemia, deficiency of vitamins, or imbalances of the hormones. There are situations when additional treatment is required (medication or individual treatment program) to maintain a healthy level of blood pressure.
Conclusion: Eating Smart for Blood Pressure Control
Diet as a treatment of low blood pressure does not mean just ending up more with salt or drinking plenty of water, but it means creating a deliberate, regular eating habit, which will benefit your body.
The level of hydration, nutrients, such as iron and B12, the time and quantity of meals are also contributive to the improved stability of the blood pressure. Simultaneously, an avocation of alcohol, over processed meals, and other blood pressure reducing components will be able to diminish undesired conditions such as dizziness and fatigue
There is always a way to deal with hypotension and be more in charge of your health on a daily basis with the help of the correct food choices. We are now hopeful that you are aware about low blood pressure foods to eat and low blood foods to avoid.
