Low blood pressure or hypotension is a medical condition that occurs when your blood is circulating at a lower force than normal. A reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower is generally defined as low blood pressure. This is not that much serious as hypertension and doctors treat hypotension only if it is severe enough to cause symptoms.
There are different types of hypotension –
- Orthostatic hypotension
People with postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension usually feel lightheaded or have a tendency to faint when they stand up or move.
- Postprandial hypotension
People with this condition experience dizziness or become lightheaded after having a meal because of the sudden drop of blood pressure.
- Neurally mediated hypotension
This condition makes people dizzy and nauseous after standing for a long time or heavy exercise.
- Severe hypotension
Severe hypotension is very much linked to shock, and it is the most extreme type of hypotension. When an individual experiences shock, his/her bp tend to drop severely and the brain and other organs fail to get enough blood to function.
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Causes of Low Blood Pressure
- Intense emotions (fear or pain)
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Blood loss
- Changes in body temperature
- Heart problems
- Nervous system disorders
- Hypoglycemia
- Medications
Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
- Fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Blurry skin
- Lightheadedness
Even though low blood pressure is most common among older people who are bedridden, it can affect people of all ages at any time. You can relieve these symptoms of lower blood pressure by eating healthy food and by making certain changes in your lifestyle.
Home Remedies for Low Blood Pressure
If you are someone having minor symptoms of low blood pressure, there is no need to rush to a hospital. There are certain home remedies for low blood pressure that you can employ in case of an emergency. These include the addition of various herbs, fruits, juices and other ingredients into your regular diet plan.
Here is a list of ten effective home remedies for low blood pressure.
- Regular salt intake
Eating foods that are high in salt content elevates blood pressure. Good sources of salt include cheese, canned meat, burritos, fish, etc. Individuals with low blood pressure should consume at least 6 grams of salt daily. Make sure you do not have too much salt than the required amount as it may lead to problems such as water retention and high blood pressure.
If you are having severe low bp problems along with other health conditions, it is always recommended to talk to a doctor about the amount of salt that should be consumed daily. You can also consult a doctor online.
- Take licorice root
Licorice root helps in significantly improving blood pressure. It also extends the life of cortisol in your bloodstream. Licorice can be taken in the form of tea as well as supplements. You can also eat one pure licorice candy to raise low blood pressure. However, make sure that you consume unsweetened and non-jelly licorice candies.
- Drink lemon juice
Lemon juice is one of the effective home remedies for low blood pressure. The presence of antioxidants and vitamin C in lemon improves blood circulation, thereby normalizing bp. When you are dehydrated, add salt and sugar to your lemon juice so as to replenish your electrolyte stores. This is also a healthy drink to manage high blood pressure.
- Drink almond milk
Almond milk has low cholesterol and sodium content. Due to this reason, almond milk helps to maintain low blood pressure. Soak 5 or 6 almonds overnight and in the morning make it in the form of a paste. Mix this with milk and consume it every morning to raise your blood pressure.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking enough fluid and staying hydrated is very important for people with low blood pressure. This is because, when you are dehydrated, your body volume decreases thereby lowering your blood pressure. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. You can also add coconut water into your low-pressure diet. Doing this gives you the necessary electrolytes to maintain the fluids in your body.
Avoid alcoholic beverages as it lowers blood pressure
- Eat small portions frequently
Eat healthy snacks between the major meals of the day so as to avoid long gaps. Doing this helps in preventing the sudden bp drop that one may experience after meals. Therefore, if you are eating three full meals a day, consider distributing them into five small meals a day. This remedy also works well for those having diabetic problems as it ensures proper insulin functions. Make sure not to eat junk foods as it may cause other health problems such as obesity.
- Soak munakka and have it in the morning
Munakka or the Indian raisin is an effective home remedy that helps to manage blood pressure. It improves blood circulation, thereby increasing blood pressure. Soak munakka overnight in water. In the morning, boil it with milk and drink.
- Tulsi leaves
Rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, tulsi leaves help to maintain your blood pressure levels. It also contains a high amount of an antioxidant called eugenol that lowers cholesterol levels. Chew 5-6 tulsi leaves every day.
Before trying any of these home remedies for low bp, consider talking to a qualified doctor.
