Raise Low Blood Pressure Naturally Through Diet
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, means different things for different people.
A normal blood pressure reading is typically 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), but numbers outside this range can still be healthy. A healthy blood pressure reading for your body is based on your medical history, age, and overall condition.
Your doctor may diagnose you with low blood pressure if your reading is under 90/60 mm Hg and you have other symptoms, including:
Seek immediate medical care if you have a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and cold or clammy skin. These symptoms may indicate shock, which is a medical emergency.
Low blood pressure has a range of causes, including:
What to eat
Eating certain types of food can help you raise your blood pressure. Monitor your symptoms and regularly measure your blood pressure to see what works. Try to consume:
Tips for avoiding low blood pressure:
Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about the foods you should scratch off your shopping list and those you should eat in moderation. There are ways you can modify daily behaviors that may help as well.
Here are a few other changes you can make to your diet to raise your blood pressure:
In addition to altering your diet, you may also be able to raise your blood pressure by making these lifestyle changes:
Low blood pressure and pregnancy:
A drop in blood pressure is common during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. The circulatory system starts to expand, and hormonal changes cause your blood vessels to dilate.
If you experience low blood pressure symptoms, let your OB-GYN know. You may need to pay more attention to your hydration during this time.
Pregnancy-related low blood pressure usually goes away later on in the pregnancy or shortly after delivery. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked and monitored during pregnancy to eliminate any underlying causes for it, such as anemia or an ectopic pregnancy.
Don’t eliminate healthy foods from your diet, even if they’re known to lower blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor about your overall activity level and dietary habits to determine what changes, if any, you should make. Do not try to raise your blood pressure yourself while pregnant.
The bottom line:
Eating certain foods and limiting others may help to lower blood pressure. Just make sure you don’t completely eliminate healthy foods.
If you’re trying to raise your blood pressure through diet, it’s important to work with your doctor to make sure your blood pressure level is healthy for you.