Indian diet plan for low Blood Pressure ( What to eat to increase blood pressure)

Low blood pressure sounds like a boon to some people, but only an individual struggling with hypo-tension will know the real problem. Grass is not always green on the other side. Low BP can be hazardous too. This Indian diet plan for low Blood Pressure will help you in every possible way.

What is Hypotension?

Normal blood pressure recording marks to 120 : 80 mm Hg. A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The top higher reading (i.e. 120)  is a measure of systolic pressure. This is the pressure in the arteries during heart beats when it fills them with blood. The bottom number measures diastolic pressure ( i.e. 80 ). It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Normal desired blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg is considered low blood pressure.

In healthy individuals, low blood pressure without any symptoms is common and not harmful. But it can be a sign of an underlying problem with persistent symptoms of dizziness. It indicates inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain or other vital organs.

When does one experience Low blood pressure ?

• Rising from a lying down or sitting position to standing. There is sudden change in blood pressure. This is known as postural hypo-tension or orthostatic hypo-tension.
• Standing for a long period of time. There is accumulation of blood in lower limbs, causing circulatory imbalance.

Other Causes of Low Blood Pressure :

• Severe dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea or fever
• Hypothermia
• Hyperthermia
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A reaction to medication or alcohol
• Heart ailments
• Blood infection
• Anaphylaxis – A severe allergic reaction called, that causes an irregular heartbeat

Symptoms of low blood pressure:

• Dizziness and fainting
• Blurred vision
• Cold and pale skin
• Depression
• Nausea
• Fatigue and weakness
• Palpitations
• Rapid, shallow breathing

How to control hypo tension /treat low blood pressure?

• Asymptomatic of mild hypo tension does not require treatment. If there is any underlying cause, then an individual is referred to relevant specialist.
• Medicine induced hypotension requires dose alteration or replacement of medicine.
• Have blood vessel expanding medications prescribed by doctors only.

Mild hypo tension with unclear cause,requires focus on raising blood pressure and reducing signs and symptoms.

Indian diet plan for low Blood Pressure ;

here are a few Useful tips on Indian diet plan for low Blood Pressure  which will help you in keeping your blood pressure near normal .

• Drink ample water:

Fluids increase blood volume in the body. Water in combination with salt prevents dehydration. Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water every day. Include coconut water, bael juice or aam panna in diet. These maintain the fluid electrolyte balance in the body.

Read ( Benefits of coconut water , Benefits of carrot juice , Benefits of beetroot juice )

• Use salt liberally:

Generally we tend to limit salt intake in diet because high sodium causes hypertension. But for people with low blood pressure, liberal use of salt is advised. Liberal use of salt forms an important part of Indian diet plan for low Blood Pressure. This excess of salt raises the fluid level in body by reducing fluid excretion from kidneys. While exercising especially during summers always consume salt water if you have tendency of low blood pressure. But it is always better to experiment with salt with a proper guidance from a professional.

• Use compression stockings:

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The elastic stockings commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins help reduce the accumulation of blood in lower limbs. This ensures proper blood circulation throughout the body.

• Moderate exercise:

Along with Indian diet plan for low blood pressure , exercises are important too. A regular moderate exercise keeps the body functionality intact. The body is able to handle minor changes in the body without any harmful effects. A light walking of 30 to 45 minutes daily is what your body asks for. Any other physical activity also has the same effects as walk. Select exercises that your body is comfortable with.

• Eat small frequent meals:

Meals at regular intervals ensures constant supply of nutrients to the body.Have at least 5 to 6 meals in a day with small snacks in between the meals. A low complex carbohydrate diet ensures a sustained release of glucose in the body. This will never let blood sugars to drop and you avoid any fainting episodes.

Foods to include in Indian diet plan for Low Blood Pressure :

Not only when you eat, but what you eat is also very important. Include any of these foods mentioned below in your Indian diet plan for low blood pressure to maintain blood pressure near normal .

• Caffeinated beverages:

Image : Copyright: dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo

Having any caffeinated beverage temporarily block the hormones that widen the arteries. It also releases more adrenaline from adrenal gland that helps in increasing blood pressure. Having 2 – 3 cups daily will raise pressure by 3 to 14 mm Hg. Coffee, hot cocoa, black tea, chocolate drink and energy drinks are all caffeinated.

• Raisins:

It increases the blood volume and helps in better circulation.  Eat 30 – 40 raisins soaked overnight in water on empty stomach for a month.

• Basil:

Basil is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and pantothenic acid. All these nutrients are essential to maintain blood pressure. Basil also reduces stress. Have 10 – 15 basil leaves daily on empty stomach.

• Carrot and Beetroot:

These are rich in carotenoids, vitamin A and C. These relieve stress and maintain the blood pressure. Have a cup of fresh carrot juice or raw beetroot juice twice daily with a teaspoon of honey.

• Rosemary:

Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and improves blood circulation. Take up to 10 ml of rosemary tincture per day. You can also use rosemary essential oil in diffuser for aromatherapy benefits.

• Lemon:

Lemon juice mixed with a salt and sugar raises the blood fluid and electrolyte levels.Also vitamin C content of lemons maintains arterial wall integrity. This in turn regulates blood pressure.

Read – Benefits of Lemon , Benefits of lemon juice 

• Avoid alcohol:

Alcohol dehydrates the body and lower the blood pressure. Thus avoid it if you experience low blood pressure regularly.

You may be interested in reading –

• Indian diet plan for weight gain 
• How to increase breast size 
• Gain weight while living in a hostel 
• How to gain weight 
• Diet tips for night shift workers

End note:

A general awareness of your body postures, healthy eating habits and moderate physical activity along with this Indian diet plan for low blood pressure will help in maintaining body’s blood pressure.