Somehow whenever one talks about blood pressure, it is mostly about high and rarely about low blood pressure. Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, is a condition characterized by a sudden fall in blood pressure levels. The ideal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mm Hg. Some define low blood pressure as reading that is lower than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm, Hg diastolic.
If either one is below that, your pressure is lower than normal. Nutritionist Avni Kaul says blood pressures dipping lower than the normal range is also a dangerous sign. The usual symptoms of low blood pressure are any of the following like dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, nausea, and blurry vision. There are various causes that might lead to low blood pressure such as dehydration, change in diet, rigorous exercise, anemia, stress, thyroid, low blood sugar, and blood loss. There are several foods that help bring down high blood pressure. Similarly, there are foods that can also help if someone is suffering from low blood pressure.
Top Delhi based Nutritionist and Dietician Avni Kaul talk about foods that you can have if suffering from low blood pressure.
Water
Dehydration takes a huge toll on your blood volume by lowering it, as decreased blood volume could cause the blood pressure to drop. It is very important to keep hydrated, particularly when one is exercising. Drink lots of water, or energizing fluids such as coconut water.
Tulsi Leaves
Chewing 5-6 Tulsi leaves each morning could help reinstate normal blood pressure levels. Tulsi leaves have a high amount of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C, which can help in regulating your blood pressure. It is also filled with an antioxidant called Eugenol, which keeps your blood pressure under control and reduces cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B12 Based Foods
People who suffer from low blood pressure need to include vitamin B-12 in their diet. Insufficient vitamin B-12 could lead to anemia, which might lower your blood pressure levels. Eggs are also high in vitamin B 12 which is why you should include eggs in your diet in any form like boiled, scrambled, or curried. You can also have milk, yogurt, beetroot, and spinach.
Folate
Folate (also known as Vitamin B9) is another important vitamin found in foods like spinach, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. A folate deficiency can have many of the same symptoms as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, causing anemia which often leads to lowered blood pressure.
Avni Kaul is Founder of Nutriactivania with Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from University of Delhi and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and International Diabetes Federation. She is a Leicester Mammas Ambassador trained in Lactation Counselling with NHS United Kingdom. Mammas support pregnant and new mothers and their families. Specializations of Avni Kaul Include Infant and Young Child Feeding Practises, Pre and Post natal diets, Fat loss, Muscle Gain and Holistic Health and Nutrition