Low Blood Pressure Symptoms, Causes And Recommended Diet

What Is Low Blood Pressure And Its Symptoms

Low blood pressure or hypotension is generally considered to be a blood pressure of 90/60 or less. This is a condition in which the flow of blood through the arteries and veins is inadequate to supply enough oxygen to vital organs like the brain, heart and kidney for them to function properly. Unlike hypertension, the symptoms of low blood pressure are more pronounced and easily identifiable. Dizziness and fainting, especially when the patient stands up from a sitting or lying position, nausea, sudden changes in the mood, and an unexplained feeling of confusion and anxiety, sudden changes the breathing rate and drop in body temperature are common symptoms of hypotension. The patient also feels exhausted and lethargic too easily and too often. The most common cause for low blood pressure is a faulty diet. A diet poor in proteins, vitamins C and B, and generally deficient in calories can make the muscles of the blood vessels weak and flaccid, resulting in inadequate blood supply to body organs and consequently in hypotension. Sometimes, emotional pain and anxiety can also lead to low blood pressure. Less commonly, internal injury and bleeding may also cause blood loss and lower the blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure Diet

The most important factor in regulating blood pressure is diet. To treat hypotension, you should adopt an exclusively fruit diet for a few days. During this period, eat only fresh fruits at frequent intervals throughout the day. Then switch over to a fruit and milk diet for about a week, followed by nuts, grains and vegetables. You should follow this diet every three months or so. Include lots of whole grains, fruits and green vegetables in your diet, as these provide the body with essential minerals and vitamins. Engage yourself in light exercises like walking or cycling and practice breathing exercises in fresh air. Avoid overworking and stress. Besides, you may follow a few simple home remedies to treat hypotension. A very popular remedy is to drink a cup of the juice of beetroot twice every day. This brings about an improvement in blood pressure within a week. Another popular remedy is to consume thirty to forty grains of Indian spikenard with a pinch of camphor and cinnamon. Alternatively, you can also make an infusion of by boiling 20gms of this herb in 250ml water and drink this thrice a day. Also, make sure that you consume enough salt in your food, as sodium naturally raises blood pressure.