At a glance: Hypotension, commonly known as low blood pressure, is when your blood pressure is below the normal range. You can adopt home remedies to manage hypotension in case of mild low blood pressure.
The blood flows through the body with a particular pressure. There are two measures of it i) Systolic pressure is when the heart contracts and sends blood to the parts of your body, and ii) diastolic is when the heart is at rest and expands as blood fills it. The normal blood pressure of an adult is 120/80. When it is less than 90/60, an adult is said to have low blood pressure.
When the low blood pressure is not caused by an underlying medical condition, you can try managing it with natural remedies. This article explores home remedies and lifestyle changes to improve the numbers and manage hypotension. It also provides a few simple yet effective tips that can help reduce the occurrence of low blood pressure episodes.
Is low blood pressure dangerous?
It depends on what is causing it.
In some people, especially elderly or pregnant women, getting up too fast may lower blood pressure. Dehydration is another common cause of hypotension. Certain vitamin deficiencies and some medications like hypertension medications can also cause momentary low blood pressure. Such hypotension can be managed by knowing the triggers and making some lifestyle changes.
However, impaired circulation due to a heart condition or heart attack, shock due to severe injury or infection, and large amounts of blood loss due to injury can all cause a severe drop in blood pressure, starving organs of oxygen for several minutes. This situation can be potentially dangerous and should be medically attended to as quickly as possible.
Also, since low blood pressure can cause fainting, falls and fractures are other potential problems associated with hypotension. Hence, if you suspect having low blood pressure, you should see a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Important Note:
If you are experiencing symptoms of hypotension, check your thyroid and blood sugar levels, as both can impact blood pressure numbers.
Home remedies and lifestyle changes to manage hypotension naturally
As said earlier, in the case of less-serious low blood pressure, knowing the triggers will help you to manage the condition. Try adopting the following simple measures to improve the numbers.
1. Increase your salt intake
This simple condiment is the perfect example of Goldilock’s situation, and one needs neither too high nor too low but just the right amount of salt.
While too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, too low can cause low blood pressure. Around 4g of salt per day, which is equivalent to a tsp of this seasoning, is just the right amount for an average adult.
So, if your salt intake is low, start adding it to your meals. But ensure you increase it in controlled qualities so you don’t overdo it. Opting for excessively salty processed foods should be avoided.
2. Up your fluid intake
Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure. So, consciously increasing your fluid intake is an effective home remedy to deal with hypotension. Apart from water, you can try other healthy drinks, such as fruit-infused water, juices, coconut water, green tea etc., to help with rehydration.
3. Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcohol tends to lower your blood pressure further, which can be a serious issue in hypotension. So, it is best to try and avoid consuming alcohol altogether; if not, try to limit the quantity.
4. Eat frequent small meals
Eating small portions of food every 2-3 hours without long gaps between meals is one of the most recommended home remedies for hypotension. Large meals can cause dramatic drops in blood pressure levels.
5. Focus on these nutrients
Make sure you get enough B12 and Folate from your food, as a deficiency of these nutrients can lead to anaemia and, in turn, affect blood pressure.
6. Consume Holy basil
Holy basil, aka tulsi, is great for stabilising blood pressure levels. Consume 5-6 tulsi leaves daily on an empty stomach until you reach optimal blood pressure levels. It can also help keep your cholesterol levels in check as an added benefit!
If you do not have access to tulsi leaves, you can also opt for holy basil tea, easily available as tea bags. Or you can also try growing your own tulsi plant at home to avail yourself of fresh leaves every day!
7. Caffeine for quick relief
Caffeinated beverages can come in handy when it comes to getting quick relief from low-pressure symptoms as they can quickly boost blood pressure temporarily. So, if you feel your blood pressure dipping, reach for a cup of coffee to feel better, and if you are a coffee lover, you will love this home remedy for hypertension.
Essential tips to know for those who have hypotension
- Cross your legs while sitting; it is known to help
- Don’t change position drastically, such as sitting up or standing up fast, to avoid the dizzy spells
- Wear compression stockings
- Make sure you exercise regularly
- If you exercise outdoors, ensure you take sufficient breaks and stay hydrated
- Do not spend too much time on other activities that are inherently dehydrating, such as saunas, steam rooms or hot tubs
Wrapping up,
Low blood pressure most often does not lead to larger medical conditions. Hence, identifying triggers like getting up too quickly, changing positions drastically, eating a pretty large meal, or too little salt in the diet will help make lifestyle changes, leading to lesser low blood pressure episodes. However, before trying home remedies for hypotension, it is crucial to get it diagnosed by a doctor and continue managing it naturally only with the doctor’s approval.
Images: canva.com
