Manage Low Blood Pressure with Your Culinary Expertise

• Written by Riya Lohia

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With a balanced and nutrition-rich diet, low blood pressure can be managed. This blog explains the food options recommended for the people with low BP, pregnant women with low BP, its causes and related tips!

Shalini just entered the office early to start her Monday with a hot cup of Joe. But when she was pouring herself coffee, she suddenly experienced dizziness and blurry vision. She tried to control herself but seemed difficult as she was unable to focus or stand steadily. Suddenly, it got tough to breathe and finally, she fainted. The hot coffee spilled on the floor. Thanks to Rama, who was there early surprisingly, caught her falling and managed to take her to a chair. Rama called for medical help and acted quickly to make her colleague comfortable. When the doctor arrived he quickly asked for some fresh coffee, water and salt. He explained that this was nothing but Hypotension or low blood pressure that Shalini was experiencing. Since there are no apparent low blood pressure symptoms it is difficult to predict and treat. While investigating further, the doctor got to know that Shalini’s diet was not hypotension resistant. 

It can happen to any one of us, where food remains as a culprit for snowballing a particular health condition. In case of hypotension, our diet plays a significant role. Agreed or not, by keeping a strict eye on what is being served in your plate, you can alter this health condition to a significant level. In the same context this article explains the causes of low blood sugar level and list of food that are recommended for hypotension or low blood pressure level that help you manage hypotension from the comfort of your home. Stay connected! 

What Causes Your Blood Pressure to Dive Down? 

Knowing the major causes of low blood pressure is essential to be on the ball. As per medical experts the normal range of blood pressure of an adult individual is 120/80 mm Hg. Hypotension occurs when pressure falls below 90/60 mm Hg. Although, the reasons may vary from person to person, the following are being constant throughout:

• Brain Snags: Proper functioning of the central nervous system along with the adrenaline system is essential to maintain blood pressure. When the Vagus nerve is overstimulated, it expands the veins and insufficient blood flow causes low pressure.
• Non-Nerdy Reasons: Incidents of diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of blood and pregnancy can also lower your blood pressure due to the loss of excess fluid from the body.
• Pharmaceutical Drugs: High blood pressure medications like beta blockers and diuretics can also cause low BP if not taken as per the physician's advice.
• Septicemia: A bacterial or fungal infection may lead to severe low blood pressure called septic shock. This may be life-threatening and may cause damage to major organs.
• Deadly Allergies: Some severe allergic reactions may cause anaphylactic shocks that can lower the BP to a perilous level. 

The above reasons may not be exhaustive, but they give you a fair idea as to how your blood pressure can go for a roller-coaster ride under certain conditions. Apart from doctor consultations, diet can also play an important part in maintaining a steady level of BP. 

Best Diet for Low Blood Pressure Patients

While certain foods or fluids can restore your BP level quickly and some need to be avoided if you have low BP. However, by altering lifestyle and food habit a bit, one can easily manage hypotension. Having said that some food options are given for your 

• Salty Foods: Food for low blood pressure patients should be rich in salts as high salt content elevates blood pressure. Olives, cottage cheese, canned soups and tuna fish are rich sources of salt. 
• Caffeine: Yes you got that right! A cup of strong coffee and tea can  trigger blood pressure instantly. It can increase your heart rate and cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. However, this does not affect every person equally. If you are a regular coffee or tea drinker you might have a tolerance for its effects on your circulatory system. 
• Vitamin B12: A healthy diet for hypotension must include vitamin B12 components. This Vitamin helps in the production of healthy red blood cells an essential component of blood. Lack of it can cause severe anaemia which can cause excess bleeding and nerve damage. You should incorporate egg, fish, chicken and low-fat dairy products in your diet to avoid such conditions.
• Vitamin B9 or Folate: A low-blood-pressure diet plan for vegetarians should include plenty of asparagus, broccoli, legumes, lentils and chickpeas. Folate deficiency can also cause severe anaemia lowering your blood pressure.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water or juices to keep your blood pressure steady. Dehydration causes blood volume to reduce resulting in low pressure. A minimum of 8 glasses of water or fluid intake should be done to avoid this, especially during summer and exercise.
• Cut down Meal Portions: Beware breakfast-skippers and intermittent fasters. Skipping meals and overcompensating later by overeating send your blood pressure plunging. So, rather skipping it, cut down your meal size and have it at regular intervals.
• Alcohol: Another food to avoid in low blood pressure is alcohol. Apart from causing damage to the liver and kidney, what it immediately does after intake, is dehydrating your body by extracting water from the blood. This can cause low BP by reducing blood volume. Remember to have glasses of water intermittently when you are at a cocktail party. 
• Dark Chocolate: Other than increasing the happiness quotient, small amounts of dark chocolates (with 70% cocoa), also have blood pressure-raising capabilities due to their flavonoid content. 
• Nuts and Raisins: If you are looking for a quick snack for low blood pressure munch on almonds and raisins. Almonds have healthy fats and magnesium and raisins contain high levels of potassium, which supports a healthy blood pressure level. 

However, this list is not exhaustive and as we don’t want to go overboard with the options; we have listed a few foods to avoid with low blood pressure as well. The list includes Caffeine, alcohol, sugary items, foods high in sodium, processed food including cheese, white bread, pastries etc. Also, the next subhead explains the dietary options for low BP during pregnancy.   

What to Eat for Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy? 

The hormones released during pregnancy cause dilatation of blood vessels and venous pooling of blood. Besides, a growing foetus also uses your energy and blood for cell growth and generation. Due to nausea and vomiting during morning sickness, the intake of fluids and food automatically comes down. All of these may contribute to low blood pressure during the early months of pregnancy.  

• A few natural remedies for low blood pressure that can be followed at home include: 
• Take water, fruit juices, and coconut water to keep yourself hydrated. (80-100ml  per Hour)
• Take small meals at intervals instead of having a large portion at one time.
• Intake a lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables.
• A cup of coffee or ginger tea may also help with pressure and nausea.
• A moderate amount of exercise and adequate rest will also help with your blood pressure. 

A note of caution: No matter what you decide to do, consult your gynaecologist first before taking any action. Everyone’s gestation journey is different and your body may react differently to situations. 

Wrapping Up 

So there you have it - your ultimate munchie guide for a healthy blood pressure level. Diet for hypotension patients plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The suddenness of a low BP attack may not be itself dangerous but may cause other severe conditions including accidents if you are out on the street.  Immediately, grab a glass of water or juice or handful of nuts or a piece of dark chocolate whenever you feel dizzy. 

Remember, eating healthy does not have to mean eating bland, non-exciting meals. Throw in a couple of olives and cheese cubes in your salad for salt, stir up a healthy lentil stew, roast a chicken for a Sunday meal, or grill a fish for a weeknight dinner etc. can be good choices to linger on. Keep the delicious side of your plate on and stay healthy. 

Additionally, if you are interested to visit a nutritionist but also a bit concerned about the expenses, our comprehensive health insurance can help you with. Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive and customisable plans that come with new-age benefits. One such plan is Care Supreme that comes with a wellness benefit. Incorporated this benefit can give you access to exercise regimes and diet consultations with top dieticians. The plan offers higher sum insured options up to 1 cr. making it a suitable option for families with diverse needs. For more information kindly connect with our experts or visit the official website. 

>> Also Read: Symptoms and Prevention Tips for High BP

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.