However, remember that these remedies can only help you manage the symptoms and get some temporary relief. It’s important to get professional advice for managing low blood pressure the right way. Continue reading to understand how to supplement medical treatment with additional care and caution at home.
What Is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. It is used to define a sudden drop in the flow of blood to the organs of the body that results in symptoms of shock. The causes of the sudden drop in your blood pressure are as follows.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure may result from:
Dehydration caused by prolonged nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or exercising Bleeding – moderate to severe Inflammation of organs (acute pancreatitis) Heart diseases due to weakened heart muscles, slowed heart rate, blood clots in the heart, etc. Medications used for treating high blood pressure, depression, as well as water pills and calcium channel blockers Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate Adrenal insufficiency Septicemia Vasovagal reactions Postural hypotension Alcohol Narcotics
Low blood pressure is characterized by the following symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure
Fainting Lightheadedness Dizziness Fatigue
If your blood pressure has dropped due to an underlying disease, it may result in the following signs and symptoms:
Orthostatic hypotension (standing or sitting may bring about symptoms of low blood pressure) Heart disease (chest pain or heart attack) Kidney disease (increase in urea and creatinine levels in the blood due to the decreased blood supply to the kidneys) Shock that causes organs like the kidneys, heart, lungs, or brain to fail
Has all this information made you a bit worried about your blood pressure? Then, why not get yourself checked and analyze the results? The following is a chart that can help you understand normal to abnormal ranges of blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Chart
Your blood pressure is actually the force that is exerted on the walls of your blood vessels by the circulating blood, and it constitutes your heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. The blood pressure of an individual is expressed as systolic/diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure (top number) is a representation of the pressure in the arteries when the muscles of your heart contract and pump blood. The diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is a representation of the pressure in your arteries as the heart muscles relax following a contraction. Your blood pressure will always be higher when your heart is contracting as opposed to when it is relaxing. The systolic blood pressure of a healthy individual ranges between 90 and 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Whereas, the diastolic blood pressure ranges between 60 and 80 mm Hg. Thus, your normal blood pressure should be lower than 120/80. Blood pressure over 130/80 is considered high. Low blood pressure is often characterized by symptoms rather than numbers. However, individuals with high blood pressure must be alert if their blood pressure drops to 100/60 or lower. It is important to keep your blood pressure within the normal range to avoid complications. If your blood pressure has been consistently low for a while now, it is time to restore it. You can easily bring it back to the normal range by following the natural remedies given below.
How To Cure Low Blood Pressure Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure
1. Vitamins
Vitamins B12 and E can help a great deal in increasing low blood pressure. In fact, vitamin E should not be used by those who have high blood pressure (1). Vitamin B12 is used to treat anemia, which, in turn, also helps in increasing your blood pressure (2). To get the required quantities of these vitamins, you can consume almonds, spinach, sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, cheese, and fish. You can also take additional supplements for these vitamins but only after consulting your doctor.
2. Coffee
1-2 teaspoons of coffee powder 1 cup water
You must drink two cups of coffee daily. Coffee is a rich source of caffeine, which can increase your blood pressure temporarily (3).
3. Green Tea
1 teaspoon of green tea 1 cup of hot water
You must drink green tea 2 to 3 times daily. Like coffee, green tea is also a rich source of caffeine. Although the exact mechanism of how caffeine lowers blood pressure is not understood, it is believed that it blocks a hormone responsible for keeping your arteries widened (4).
4. Rosemary Oil
6 drops of rosemary oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
You must do this once daily. Rosemary oil contains camphor, which stimulates your respiratory system as well as blood circulation. Thus, rosemary oil is quite beneficial for treating low blood pressure due to its antihypotensive nature (5).
5. Salt Water
½ teaspoon of salt 1 glass of water
Do this only if there is a sudden drop in your blood pressure. The presence of sodium in salt makes it a perfect remedy to raise your blood pressure. However, you must avoid overusing this remedy as too much salt can be dangerous to your health (6).
6. Ginseng
1 teaspoon of ginseng tea 1 cup of water Honey
You must drink this concoction 2 to 3 times daily. Ginseng, even in very low doses, raises the blood pressure in people suffering from hypotension (7). However, in high doses, it may increase your blood pressure, and hence must be consumed in moderation.
7. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
10-15 holy basil leaves 1 teaspoon of plant based (bee free) honey
You must do this once every morning. Holy basil or tulsi offers multiple benefits due to its therapeutic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. It is also a rich source of nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. The combined effects of these nutrients and the properties help treat low blood pressure (8).
8. Licorice
1 teaspoon of licorice tea 1 cup of water Honey
You must drink this tea 2 to 3 times daily. Licorice root helps raise the blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypotension (9). While the above remedies work their magic, you must also follow these prevention tips to avoid complications.
Prevention Tips
Follow a diet that is high in salt. Drink lots of fluids in the form of water and fruit juices. Keep yourself well hydrated when the weather is hot. Limit your alcohol intake. Exercise regularly to promote blood flow. Take precautions while sitting or standing by pumping your feet or ankles to avoid a sudden drop in your blood pressure. Elevate the head of your bed while sleeping. Do not lift heavy objects. Do not expose yourself to hot water for long periods. Have smaller and more frequent meals.
Your diet plays a very significant role in bringing your blood pressure back to the normal range. Here are a few diet tips that tell you what foods should be consumed and what should be avoided to raise your blood pressure.
Diet Chart
Best Foods That Increase Blood Pressure
Foods high in vitamin B12 like nori and nutritional yeast. Foods high in folates like asparagus, liver, and garbanzo beans. Salty foods like canned soup, cottage cheese, and olives. Caffeine can also help in raising your blood pressure temporarily.
Potatoes Pasta White rice White bread Alcohol Sugar Cakes and candies
Check out the infographic below to learn what tests the doctor might use to check for low blood pressure and what you can do at home. What to do if your blood pressure drops suddenly? If your blood pressure drops suddenly, you can consume more of salty foods or drinks to increase it quickly. You can also opt for an intravenous (IV) line to get electrolytes in your body quickly. Why does low blood pressure make you tired? Usually, low blood pressure does not make you tired. However, if the drop in your blood pressure is a result of an underlying medical condition, like an infection, heart problem, or dehydration, it can make you tired, fatigued, and lightheaded. Can you have a heart attack due to low blood pressure? If the drop in your blood pressure is due to an underlying heart disease, it may be characterized by chest pain or even heart attack. Does hot water increase blood pressure? No, hot water does not increase blood pressure. Does lemon cause low blood pressure? Yes, regular intake of lemon may help lower blood pressure. A study found that lemon intake, along with walking, may have a positive effect on blood pressure (9). Is banana good for low blood pressure? Bananas are good for managing hypertension by lowering blood pressure (10). Therefore, it may not be a good idea to consume bananas if you have low blood pressure.
