Do you feel dizzy and weak after roaming around in sunny and hot weather? There are chances that you may be suffering from low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be raised by making some changes in one’s lifestyle and diet.
The normal blood pressure reading should be 120/80 mm of Hg. However, when the blood pressure level drops below this level (90/60), it is said that the person has low BP. Hypotension or low blood pressure is not considered to be a deleterious condition, however, if people begin to experience symptoms like dizziness, fainting spells, fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety, cold hands, blurred vision, etc. medical intervention is necessary.
Low blood pressure can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, mild or severe bleeding, inflammation in the organs of the body like acute pancreatitis, weakness in the muscles of the heart, slow heart rate, etc. can also lead to a low-level of blood pressure. Even intake of certain medications can give rise to this condition.
Treating Low Blood Pressure
Any cure usually depends on the reason for occurrence of a problem. Low pressure is no exception and its treatment depends on the causative factor. In general, low blood pressure can be raised by making certain changes in one’s lifestyle and diet.
Drinking lots of fluids…
If one is experiencing dizziness due to dehydration, it is very important to rehydrate oneself by drinking lots of water. The increased fluid level will increase blood volume, which will raise blood pressure. Drinking sports drinks are also advised because they provide the body with sodium and potassium, which will help raise the blood pressure level. At the same time, alcohol consumption should be limited. Intravenous fluids will be required for severe cases of dehydration.
Increasing salt intake…
Health-conscious people who restrict the intake of salt due to the fear of developing high blood pressure, may be stricken by low blood pressure. In such cases, the intake of salt in the diet must be increased. However, this should be done under the supervision of a medical practitioner, because too much salt can be harmful.
Eating small meals…
Low blood pressure after meals or postprandial hypotension can be prevented by eater smaller, low-carb, frequent meals. This is because after a meal, more blood is sent to the gastrointestinal tract for digestion, which may result in low blood pressure. Limiting the amount of starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, baked items, etc. is also advised. Lying down or sitting after having food will also help prevent the dip in blood pressure. This is mainly seen in the older folks.
Compression stockings…
These elastic stockings help raise one’s blood pressure by preventing the pooling of blood in the lower legs, and also improves blood circulation in the body.
Elevating the head…
Using pillows to keep one’s head at an elevated position while sleeping, helps defy gravity and prevents too much blood from leaving the head. This will help reduce the lightheaded feeling on waking up in the morning.
Getting up slowly…
If you feel dizzy while getting up from a resting position, the best thing you can do is return to that position and remain in the same way till the feeling passes. People suffering from orthostatic hypotension should always get up slowly from their resting position, especially while getting out of bed in the mornings. Moreover, standing for long in one position or changing positions suddenly is to be avoided.
Raw Beetroot juice…
The juice of fresh, raw beetroot can be taken on a daily basis to raise one’s blood pressure. Drink this twice a day for about a week. Drinking freshly prepared carrot or pomegranate juice is also seen to help.
Eat raisins and almonds…
Soak a handful of raisins overnight and have them as soon as you wake up. Make sure you chew the raisins well. Drink the water in which they have been soaked as well. Almond paste mixed with warm milk is also a good home remedy for raising blood pressure. Just soak the almonds overnight, peel the skin off and grind it in the blender. Mix with warm milk and drink.
Licorice
If the dip in blood pressure has been caused by weakening of the adrenal glands, licorice root extract can be consumed. However, this should be done strictly under medical supervision.
Medication
Diuretics, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc. can result in low blood pressure. In case of fainting spells, the doctor will reduce the dosage or change the medicine and prescribe another drug to prevent such dips in blood pressure. A person who is diagnosed with low blood pressure will be given drugs like fludrocortisone, which will help raise the blood pressure levels. Doctors may also recommend certain drugs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pyridostigmine, erythropoietin, caffeine, etc. However, medicines are rarely prescribed for raising blood pressure.
Mild form of exercise is also recommended, however, strenuous exercises must be avoided. People who suffer from low blood pressure due to blood loss, should be rushed to the hospital immediately. Before trying out any remedy, it is important to consult your health care professional, because remedies vary according to the underlying cause.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.
