Weakness, dizziness or fatigue can all be signs of low BP. But relying only on medicines is not enough. You can control blood pressure better by adopting a proper diet and lifestyle. Read the complete diet guideline and give your health the right direction.
Low BP diet: Low BP or low blood pressure (Hypotension) is a condition in which blood pressure drops below normal and adequate oxygen and nutrients are not able to reach the body parts. This can cause problems like fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, fainting and slow heartbeat. If it persists for a long time, it can be harmful for the heart, kidneys and brain.
The most important thing to control low BP is proper diet. Such patients should include a small amount of extra salt in their diet because the sodium present in salt helps in increasing blood pressure. But do this only if the doctor has allowed it. Apart from this, lack of water in the body can also cause BP to fall, so one should drink plenty of water. Beverages like coconut water, buttermilk, lemonade and ORS are also very beneficial.
What should one eat in low BP?
Dietician Dr. Rakshita Mehra says that people with high BP should eat things that are rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folate because these help in blood formation and give strength to the body. Egg, milk, curd, almond, beetroot, banana, pomegranate, green vegetables and sprouted grains are considered very beneficial. One should eat small amounts 4-5 times a day so that the body keeps getting energy continuously.
Consume salt in a balanced manner- It can be beneficial for low BP patients to take a little more salt than the doctor's advice because salt is rich in sodium which helps in increasing blood pressure. But its quantity should be limited and as per the doctor's guidelines.
Increase water and hydration- Lack of water in the body can further lower BP. Drink at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily. Coconut water, buttermilk, lemonade and electrolyte drinks are also beneficial.
Take small meals- Instead of eating big and heavy meals, eat light meals 45 times a day. This maintains blood flow in the body and can prevent sudden drop in BP.
Eat foods rich in potassium and vitamin B12- Foods like eggs, milk, yogurt, bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, almonds, and kidney beans help in keeping BP stable.
Coffee or green tea – In some cases, caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure. It may be beneficial to have 1 cup of coffee or green tea in the morning or afternoon (do not take it at night).
Dry fruits and salty snacks – Soaked raisins, dates, peanuts, makhana and lightly salted snacks can be taken once a day - these help in stabilizing BP along with providing energy.
Now know what things should be avoided in case of low BP. Low BP patients should not eat caffeinated foods, too much sweets, fried, and oily foods. These can make the body lethargic, and BP can drop suddenly. Alcohol consumption can also increase dehydration, which can worsen the condition of low BP. Also, it is not good to stay hungry for a long time or eat heavy food at once.
An active lifestyle, balanced diet and proper sleep can control BP in a better way. If you feel dizzy or weakness persists, it is important to consult a doctor.
