Low blood pressure or hypotension refers to a reading of blood pressure under 90/60mmHg. It results in insufficient blood flow and therefore poor delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs of your body. It does not cause symptoms most of the time, but you may need treatment if it occurs frequently. You can increase your low blood pressure by taking and avoiding some foods and drinks. We are here with a list of the best and worst foods and drinks for low blood pressure patients.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
Some people with low blood pressure have no symptoms. However, the general symptoms of low pressure include:
-dizziness or lightheadedness
-nausea
-fainting
-dehydration and unusual thirst
-blurred vision
-fatigue
-rapid, shallow breathing
-cold, clammy, and pale skin
-depression
-lack of concentration.
Causes of low blood pressure
Low blood pressure can be short-term or long-term and it can be a result of the following causes:
-aging
-prolonged bed rest
-certain medications
-side-effects of high blood pressure medications
-diabetes
-pregnancy
-heart problems
-endocrine problems
-severe infection
-severe allergic reaction
-neurally mediated hypotension
-nutritional deficiencies
-diet
-stress
-vigorous exercise.
Best food and drinks for low blood pressure diet
Raisins
Raisins are great for reducing hypertension and successfully managing low blood pressure also. Just soak about 10-12 pieces of raisins in water the whole night and eat them in the morning on an empty stomach. Besides, you can take raisin-soaked water.
Nuts
Nuts are packed with various nutrients which can increase blood pressure. Nutrients including folate, iron, potassium, and so on, are available in nuts these nutrients help increase blood pressure.
Leafy green vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, etc are a great source of iron, folate, and water. So, low blood pressure patients should consume these vegetables.
Caffeine
Beverages like tea and coffee can increase your heart rate and a temporary spike in blood pressure. Generally, the blood pressure grows up within the first hour of having caffeine, and its effects last for around 2-3 hours.
But remember, this increase is short-term, and taking caffeine does not affect everyone in the same way. Usually, regular coffee drinkers may not experience any increase in their blood pressure after consuming caffeine.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a vegetable that contains folate, iron, and huge water. From one cup of raw broccoli, you will find about 89% of water. Therefore, broccoli can be an excellent choice to include in your diet if you are a low blood pressure patient.
Plus, a cup of raw broccoli has nearly 2.5g of protein and 78 mcg of folate and from a cup of cooked broccoli, you will get 1mg of iron and 93g of water as well.
Eggs
Eggs are packed with high levels of folate, vitamin B12, protein, and iron. An egg (hard-boiled) provides 9% of vitamin B12.
Besides, an egg provides 6.3g of proteins, 22 mcg of folate, and 1.2mg of iron. Plus, nearly 87g of water is present in raw egg whites. So, you can add eggs to your diet to avoid anemia and low blood pressure.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another type of high-protein food for low blood pressure. One cup of cottage cheese contains 28gm of protein. Plus, this food has 30% of sodium’s reference daily intake (RDA), 59% of B12 vitamin, and 7% of folate. Besides, 100g cottage cheese (low-fat) contains 82gm of water.
Chicken
Chicken meat is packed with protein and vitamin B12. From 100g serving of chicken breast, you will get 31g of protein and 0.3 mcg of vitamin B12.
Moreover, you can get sufficient fluids from the chicken because it contains around 76g of water. Therefore, if you are a low blood pressure patient, a proper diet for you can be poultry products like chicken.
Fish
Salmon (Roi fish) and other fatty fish are packed with omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are closely connected with health benefits for the heart. From 100g of salmon, you will get 22gm proteins and 61mg sodium, and these ingredients are great to keep your blood pressure in check.
Lentils
If you are suffering from anaemia and hypotension, you must eat lentils regularly as they are high in iron and folate. A 100gm serving of lentils provides you with 3.3mg of iron, 181mcg of folate and 72gm of water. So, it is advised for you to include lentils in your diet when you are a patient with hypotension.
Red Meat
Red meat is another excellent food for low blood pressure patients because red meat contains a high amount of protein and iron. 100gm cooked red meat provides about 28gm to 36gm of protein. Besides, a 100gm serving of ground beef has 2.7mg of iron.
Meat Liver
Meat liver, especially beef liver, is high in vitamin B12 and proteins to maintain normal blood pressure. A 100g serving of beef liver provides you with 20.35g of protein, 4.78mg of iron, and 18.7 mcg of vitamin B12.
So, you can avoid medical conditions such as anaemia and hypotension by taking meat liver as it is good for low blood pressure patients.
Foods and drinks to avoid for Low-Pressure Patients
Alcohol
Taking alcohol is not wise for low-pressure patients because alcohol leads to dehydration and triggers low blood pressure conditions. So, avoid this harmful drink while you are a patient with low blood pressure.
Carb-rich Diet
Taking excessive amounts of carbohydrates can lower your blood pressure further because your body works harder to digest the food, resulting in a drop in blood pressure level.
Therefore, it is recommended a small portion of carbohydrate-rich food for low blood pressure patients.
Milk
Although milk contains a huge amount of water and nutrients, it provides calcium that drops off the absorption of iron in the gut and results in anaemia, which ultimately leads to low blood pressure. Hence, do not take an excessive amount of milk and other calcium-rich food items if have low blood pressure.
Low sodium food
If you are suffering from low BP, you must avoid low-sodium foods such as frozen fish, unsalted nuts and seeds, dried peas and beans, etc.
Bottom Line
Many medical conditions, age, and medications can cause low blood pressure. So far, we have discussed good foods for a Low blood pressure diet. We have also recommended some harmful foods for people with low pressure. However, consume the recommended food to boost your blood pressure and consult with your healthcare provider to make sure your blood pressure level is healthy for you.
Source: United News of Bangladesh