With all the dangers associated with high blood pressure, it is easy to believe that low blood pressure, hypotension, is a good thing. This, however, is not always the case. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be life-threatening. Treatment for low blood pressure varies depending on the underlying cause, but your diet may make a difference.
Water
Dehydration is one cause of postural hypotension. This type tends to affect older adults, 20 percent of whom are older than age 65, according to MayoClinic.com. Drinking a minimum of eight, 8-oz. glasses of water each day helps prevent dehydration from occurring. It also increases the volume of blood in your body, thus increasing your blood pressure. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages, as they will dehydrate you.
Sodium
Increasing your sodium intake may be beneficial for you if your pressure is too low, as it increases the amount of blood volume in your body. This goes against the grain for those with high blood pressure. A reduction in the amount of sodium you consume is one of the first dietary changes you make if you have high blood pressure. Excess amounts keep the volume of blood higher than it should be, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Excess sodium may also result in heart failure. Speak to your doctor and ask him how much sodium you should add to your diet to increase your blood pressure.
Caffeine
You can find caffeine in both food and beverages, the most common being coffee and chocolate. Dr. Sheldon G. Sheps, hypertension specialist with Mayo Clinic, explains that caffeine can cause a short, dramatic increase in blood pressure. The exact cause is not known, though two theories exist. Your adrenal glands may release more adrenaline, causing the spike. The caffeine may also block a hormone responsible for keeping your arteries open. If your arteries narrow, the force of blood against them increases, resulting in a rise of blood pressure. Caffeine, long-term, can have adverse effects on your health. Therefore, ask your doctor how much to incorporate into your daily diet.
Low-Carb Meals
Postprandial hypotension causes a sudden drop in blood pressure right after eating. To combat this, MayoClinic.com recommends eating small, frequent meals that limit your intake of high-carb foods such as white bread and rice, potatoes and pasta. This can reduce the dizziness that accompanies postprandial hypotension. Replace these foods with whole grains, lean chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables. Eating these foods may help keep your blood pressure on an even keel.
