5 Low Blood Pressure Remedies

We often hear about the dangers of high blood pressure and how this condition can significantly shorten life unless lifestyle changes are implemented and, often, medication is taken. However, risks associated with low blood pressure (less than 90 over 60) are more common than many think. This is mostly because it is not as rampant as high blood pressure (aka hypertension) but for some people, particularly seniors, low blood pressure can be a dangerous problem. 

Some symptoms of low blood pressure (aka hypotension), include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fainting

These 5 low blood pressure remedies are natural choices, meant as a quick fix or preventative application. However, if you present continued symptoms associated with low blood pressure, see your doctor.

B-12 Boost

It has been recommended that those who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet need to supplement with B-12 as this vitamin is mostly derived from eating meat and other animal products. Now it is recommended that meat eaters also take this supplement due to radical irradiation practices that kill bacteria in most meats but also compromise some nutrients, like B-12.

B-12 is essential for many systemic functions and one is avoiding a specific anemia condition called megaloblastic anemia. This anemia has been linked to lowering blood pressure.

B12 foods include:

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Fortified cereals
• Nutritional yeast
• Plant-based meat
• Fortified nut and seed milks

Get Salty

Salt has a bad reputation because it is in literally in everything we eat. It has been linked to health compromises like hypertension (high blood pressure). This is a good thing for someone with low blood pressure.

Some people process and lose salt more rapidly than others. Low salt may cause low blood pressure so if you present symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a salt pill or advise eating a little more salt in your diet. Moderately increasing your salt intake is a common low blood pressure remedy.

Healthy sources of sodium-rich foods include:

• Beets
• Spinach
• Seaweed
• Canned beans
• Nuts, seeds, and nut or seed butters
• Canned seafood 
• Fermented foods like olives, sauerkraut, or pickles

Folic Acid: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

It has also been found that folic acid aka folate has blood pressure lowering properties. Therefore, if you have low blood pressure you’ll want to be careful of too high a folate supplement.

A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine concluded that,

“Based upon the studies used in this meta-analysis, supplementation with at least 5000 μg/d of folic acid, for a minimum of 6 weeks, can lower systolic blood pressure,….”

However, too little folate could also lead to anemia which can lower blood pressure. Folic acid is often included in a B12 supplement as well as an in folate-rich foods that include asparagus, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, and liver.

Keep the Fuel Coming

If you eat small meals throughout the day your blood sugar level will remain steady. This, of course, only if you choose well balanced, low sugar, low or no processed foods.

A drop in blood pressure is often associated with consuming large meals three times per day but frequent, smaller meals could keep your blood pressure steady. 

Hydrate

Dehydration is a major source of low blood pressure which is why it often happens to the elderly who struggle to stay hydrated. Blood pressure relies on the volume of blood you produce so if hydration is low the body cannot reach all the necessary tissues to maintain homeostasis (proper health balance). A reduction of hydration could cause less oxygen to reach essential organs causing your body to go into shock and cause alarm. 

Make sure you maintain hydration throughout the day especially if you are in a hot temperature or exerting yourself, causing perspiration. Water is always a good choice to hydrate however, sugar-free and additive-free beverages that contain electrolytes can also be advantageous.

Don’t let low blood pressure take you by surprise by following these 5 low blood pressure remedies. It is an easy way to maintain good health and keep you running on all cylinders for optimal health, 

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319506

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355470

https://www.healthline.com/health/low-blood-pressure-diet?c=937992270574#what-to-eat

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/anemia-of-b12-deficiency.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697578/