Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Change your diet
• Method 2 of 3: Making lifestyle changes
• Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention
• Warnings

Low blood pressure - often defined as less than 90mm Hg systolic or 60mm Hg diastolic - is a common medical condition with a variety of causes, including pregnancy, heart problems, some serious infections or allergies, blood loss, and even dehydration. If you have low blood pressure for a long time without symptoms, there is little to worry about. But if your blood pressure drops suddenly, then you should seek medical attention.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Change your diet

1. Drink plenty of water. Low blood pressure can accompany dehydration, so you could increase your blood pressure by increasing your water intake. Try to drink at least 8 to 10 200ml cups of water per day. If this does not help your symptoms or if you spend a lot of time outside and / or exercise, then you should drink more water.
   • Health drinks with electrolytes can also help increase your blood pressure, but try to avoid drinks with a lot of sugar.
2. Eat smaller meals more often. Eating several small meals instead of one or two large meals can help regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure. Try to make these meals healthy with low amounts of carbohydrates.
   • If you do eat carbohydrates, avoid processed carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, multigrain pasta, multigrain bread, and barley.
3. Have a balanced diet. An important way to regulate your blood pressure and improve your overall health is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. A balanced diet includes lean meat and fish, whole grains and lots of fruit and vegetables.
   • Avoid heavily processed foods with high levels of sugar and fat. While these often contain higher levels of sodium, they are not healthy sources of other nutrients.
4. Increase your intake of vitamin B12 and folate. These vitamins contribute to healthy blood pressure function and circulation. Fortified muesli contains both minerals. Other sources of B12 are fish and dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt. Folate can be found in dark green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach.
5. Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol contributes to dehydration, even when consumed in moderation. If you have problems with low blood pressure, then you should avoid all alcohol.
6. Drink caffeine. Caffeine narrows blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure. Moderately increasing your caffeine intake can help raise your blood pressure.
7. Try herbal remedies. Herbal remedies have not been proven to help with blood pressure, but there is anecdotal evidence that certain herbs can reduce the effect of low blood pressure. Some of these herbs are aniseed and rosemary. Taking these herbs can be beneficial, but check with your doctor before taking herbal supplements. However, cooking with these herbs is unlikely to have any measurable effects.
   • Ginger can really control your blood pressure to lower, so don't take ginger supplements if you already have low blood pressure.
   • Cinnamon can also lower your blood pressure. Do not use cinnamon supplements if you have low blood pressure.
   • Pepper can also lower your blood pressure.

Method 2 of 3: Making lifestyle changes

1. Slowly change your body position. To lessen the effects of blood pressure-related dizziness, make your movements slow and mindful. Be especially careful when you sit down from a lying position or stand up from a seated position.
2. Do not cross your legs when you are sitting. Crossing your legs can limit your circulation. To maintain healthy circulation, sit with your legs in a comfortable resting position and your knees hip-width apart.
3. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise is generally good for your health, but it will also help promote and regulate healthy blood flow. Something as simple as a 20-minute brisk walk every day can help your mental and physical well-being.
   • Until your blood pressure is regular, avoid exercising with heavy weights. This can lead to strain or injury.
4. Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings are often worn to reduce swelling and accumulation of blood in the lower body and to improve blood circulation. By wearing low compression stockings during daily activities, you can regulate blood pressure by keeping blood circulation even through your veins.
5. Avoid long, hot showers. The hot water from showers and spas can cause your blood vessels to expand, which can lead to a further drop in blood pressure. This can cause dizziness and fainting. You can fix this by taking warm (instead of hot) showers and avoiding spas and hot tubs. You can also install a support or shower chair in your shower for when you have a bout of vertigo.

Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention

1. If your blood pressure drops suddenly, you should seek medical attention. If you have normal or high blood pressure and then suddenly develop low blood pressure, you should seek immediate medical attention. Newly emerging low blood pressure can be an important warning sign of a life-threatening illness, especially in people with diabetes.
   • Even if the sudden low blood pressure is your only symptom, you should still contact your doctor.
2. Request an adjustment of your medications or the dosage thereof. Some medications lower your blood pressure as a side effect. Talk to your doctor about whether any of your current medications can lower your blood pressure and whether a change in your medication use can help raise your blood pressure again.
3. Get yourself tested for underlying medical conditions. Low blood pressure can be a sign of another medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, cortisone deficiency, or a thyroid problem. Have your doctor examine you for other medical conditions if your low blood pressure continues to be a problem after diet and lifestyle changes.
4. Inquire about medications that increase blood pressure. Fludrocortisone and Midodrine are both drugs that can increase blood pressure. Ask your doctor if any of these medications are right for your situation.
   • People are generally not prescribed medication for low blood pressure, as it is not often a cause for concern unless symptoms appear.
5. Know the warning symptoms. If your low blood pressure is accompanied by other symptoms, or if you have normal or even high blood pressure and then suddenly develop low blood pressure, then you should seek medical attention. If you have any of the following symptoms with low blood pressure, call your doctor:
   • Dizziness
   • Pass out
   • Difficulty with concentration
   • Blurred vision
   • Nausea
   • Clammy or pale skin
   • Rapid, shallow breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Depression
   • Thirst

Warnings

• Always check with your doctor before stopping any prescription medications or adding any nonprescription medications or supplements to your diet to make sure none of the medications you are taking interact with or have side effects.
• Be careful when exploring alternative treatments. Some people seek herbal supplements or homeopathic remedies for low blood pressure, but talk to your doctor before using any alternative medications. Supplements are not safe with all prescription medications.