Diet plan for low blood pressure (pulse) is an essential part of any heart disease treatment plan. It is important to have a lesser pulse rate in order to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or memory loss.
What is low blood pressure?
When blood flows through blood vessels at a lower pressure than normal, the condition is referred to as low blood pressure or hypotension.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements are made on artery walls. Diastolic pressure is what exists between heartbeats, while systolic pressure is what the heart experiences during a contraction. In millimeters of mercury, both measurements capture blood pressure (mm Hg). Doctors write the systolic number above the diastolic one when recording the measurement.
For the majority of people, a healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Although there is no universally recognized definition of low blood pressure, medical professionals regard a reading of less than 90/60 mm Hg as hypotensive.
Symptoms of low blood pressure
Many persons with low blood pressure show no signs of their condition. Only when the pumping pressure is insufficient to supply oxygenated blood to the organs does hypotension become a problem. When this occurs, individuals may display symptoms like:
- 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 either short-lived or persistent. It can also be a sign of a more serious illness.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the American Heart Association (AHA) list the following as potential root causes of low blood pressure:
- aging
- prolonged bed rest
- certain medications
- side effects of high blood pressure medications
- diabetes
- pregnancy
- heart problems
- endocrine problems
- severe infection
- severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- decreases in blood volume from bleeding or dehydration
- neurally mediated hypotension
- nutritional deficiencies, such as in vitamin B12 and folic acid
Types of low blood pressure
There are different types of hypotension, which vary in terms of when blood pressure drops. The main types are:
Orthostatic hypotension
When someone stands up after sitting or lying down, their blood pressure lowers, a condition known as postural hypotension happens. Particularly in older persons, it might result in dizziness or fainting, which can lead to falls or injury.
A person may have orthostatic hypotension due to:
- dehydration
- certain medications
- an underlying neurological condition
- a heart problem
Postprandial hypotension
Hypotension after eating is known as postprandial hypotension. The body has to pump more blood into the small intestine and stomach during digestion. Low blood pressure can happen in some persons if this process is not efficient.
A stroke or accident may be followed by postprandial hypotension. Additionally, a person’s age or genetic predisposition may be relevant.
Severe hypotension linked to shock
Hypotension in its most extreme form, or shock, occurs when blood pressure falls to extremely low levels. Anyone exhibiting shock-related symptoms must receive emergency medical care right away. Bleeding, severe burns, or an extreme loss of vital fluids can all cause shock.
Foods to eat
Which meals or beverages are healthy to ingest will depend on the cause of the person’s high blood pressure. To make sure, one should consult their doctor.
Salt
The hormones that regulate how much water is in the body are impacted by salt, or sodium chloride. Consuming too much salt might raise blood pressure.
Those with low blood pressure may find it advantageous to consume more salt.
Ways to do this include:
- adding a pinch of salt to a glass of water
- seasoning food with salt
- eating salty foods, such as olives or anchovies
- choosing salted nuts as a snack
Foods high in vitamin B12 and folate
The AHA claims that a vitamin B12 and folate deficit can result in anemia, which lowers blood pressure. To determine whether a person is lacking in these vital nutrients, a doctor might do a blood test.
Vitamin B12 foods
Meat, eggs, fish, and dairy items like milk and cheese are good dietary sources of vitamin B12. Additionally, people can choose foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as plant-based milks and morning cereals.
Find out about vegetarian and vegan foods that are high in vitamin B12 here.
Folate foods
People can get folate by eating leafy green vegetables, broccoli, legumes, eggs, beets, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, and liver.
Drink fluids
If a person becomes dehydrated, their blood pressure may fall. By consuming water and other beverages, it is imperative to maintain proper fluid levels. Caretakers may need to remind elderly patients to drink frequently since they can become dehydrated more quickly.
Foods and drinks containing caffeine
Caffeine-containing foods and beverages may raise blood pressure. Studies on how caffeine affects blood pressure, however, have shown conflicting results. According to research, only occasional coffee drinkers’ blood pressure may briefly increase.
In addition, several sodas and energy drinks, chocolate, tea, and cocoa all contain caffeine.
Foods to avoid
People should eat a healthful diet, and there are no particular foods to avoid. However, someone with low blood pressure should not choose low salt options.
Other remedies
Try eating smaller, more frequent meals if you have postprandial hypotension. Smaller meals may be easier for them to digest, which could lower their blood pressure.
To prevent fainting and vertigo, people with postural hypotension should slowly get up from a sitting or lying down position. They might also want to grab onto a stable object while doing so.
By staying hydrated, someone who is not getting enough liquids may be able to lower their blood pressure.
An individual should speak with their doctor if they have any concerns about the symptoms of low blood pressure. In a similar vein, medical professionals can assess the adverse effects of drugs and adapt as appropriate.
Summary
There are several reasons why blood pressure is low, and most hypotensives do not exhibit any symptoms. Any signs of low blood pressure need to be addressed by doctors, who should also look for underlying causes.
Once the cause of low blood pressure has been determined, consuming extra liquids or salty foods may be advised.
If you experience shock-related low blood pressure symptoms, get help right once.
What To Eat To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure
What to eat to boost low blood pressure is a common question. A measurement of less than 90/60 mm Hg is commonly regarded as having low blood pressure, often known as hypotension. Many people are affected by this illness, especially as they age. Between 10% and 20% of Americans over 65 experience some degree of hypotension. Fainting, fuzzy vision, lightheadedness, and dizziness are some of the symptoms. If mistreated, low blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke, which can kill you or permanently harm your heart and brain.
A number of illnesses, including diabetes and the side effects of medication, can result in low blood pressure. Blood pressure and the condition of your heart are both significantly influenced by what you consume. Here are eight food recommendations that may assist in bringing your blood pressure back to a normal range.
Here’s What To Eat To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Your blood volume decreases when you are dehydrated, which lowers your blood pressure. The majority of medical professionals advise consuming at least two liters (approximately eight glasses) of water each day. While exercising or in hot conditions, you should drink more water.
Eat Salty Foods
Foods containing a lot of salt can make you have high blood pressure. Olives, cottage cheese, tuna in a can, and canned soups are all excellent sources of salt. If you wish, you can also season your food with either table salt or sea salt.
Drink Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea, raise blood pressure momentarily and speed up heart rate. Caffeine consumption does not have the same effects on everyone’s blood pressure, and this impact is typically fleeting. Regular coffee drinkers might also become more resistant to the way it affects their vascular system.
Boost Your B12 Intake
Red blood cell production relies heavily on vitamin B12 to make healthy ones. A deficiency in this critical vitamin can cause anemia, which reduces blood pressure, can cause excessive bleeding, and can harm organs and nerves. Eggs, chicken, fish like salmon and tuna, and low-fat dairy products are foods that are high in vitamin B12.
Fill Up On Folate
Another necessary vitamin is folate, often known as vitamin B9. It can be found in foods like asparagus, broccoli, liver, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas. A folate shortage can cause anemia, which lowers blood pressure, and share many of the same symptoms as a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Cut Back On Carbs
Compared to other foods, foods high in carbohydrates, especially processed carbohydrates, have a tendency to breakdown very quickly. Sudden reductions in blood pressure may result from this. Some studies have indicated that a low-carb diet can help counteract hypotension, particularly in elderly persons.
Reduce Meal Size
Large meals require a lot more energy for your body to digest, which might cause your blood pressure to drop. This is an issue for those who skip breakfast and intermittent fasters in especially because skipping meals typically results in overeating later to make up for it. Even if you don’t cut back on your daily caloric intake, spreading out your meals throughout the day will be better for your blood flow and digestion.
Easy On The Alcohol
Alcohol use has a number of harmful consequences on your health, including dehydration, which decreases blood pressure by lowering blood volume. Drink in moderation when you do. To prevent dehydration, try to drink a glass of water after each alcoholic beverage.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure levels so you can make the necessary adjustments before health issues arise. Maintaining normal blood pressure is crucial for the health of your heart and arteries. Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should still make an effort to have it checked once per year or two. Please get in touch with one of our skilled cardiologists if you see any of the low blood pressure signs so we can work with you to create a plan to prevent further problems.
Low Blood Pressure Diet Chart
Hypertension, commonly known as low blood pressure, can indicate various things to different people. Typically, a healthy blood pressure reading is between 120 and 80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), while other values may also be acceptable. Determine a healthy blood pressure with the help of your doctor based on your medical history, age, and general health.
You can elevate your blood pressure by eating specific foods. To determine what works, keep an eye on your symptoms and routinely check your blood pressure. Attempt to eat foods that are high in vitamin B-12: Anemia, which can result from inadequate vitamin B-12 intake, can lower blood pressure. Among the foods high in vitamin B-12 include eggs, meat, and fortified cereals.
Yes, eating healthy foods can help lower blood pressure. Check out the list of foods that lower blood pressure before using this diet meal plan to control low blood pressure. This seven-day eating plan lowers blood pressure, and the foods included on the diet chart are simple to find in your neighborhood markets. We have provided a list of foods to stay away from when decreasing blood pressure.
This Indian eating regimen was developed in conjunction with skilled dietitians to maintain low blood pressure. You also need to make some lifestyle adjustments, which are also specified in this diet plan and are beneficial in regulating it, in addition to the list of food items.
This diet plan for people with low blood pressure includes foods and beverages that are simple to digest and support blood pressure maintenance.
Eat more often and in smaller portions. Because your body has to work more to digest larger meals, blood pressure dips from large meals may be more pronounced. Eat less high-carbohydrate foods, especially processed carbs. Since these foods digest quickly, low blood pressure may result. Limit alcohol consumption and drink more water because dehydration decreases blood pressure.
Diet Chart for Low Blood Pressure Patients
| Sunday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Stuffed cabbage chapati (2) + Cucumber raita (1/2 cup) + Tomato chutney (1/3rd cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Soaked Almonds(4) n Raisins(4) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Chicken curry (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | 1 Guava |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Bottle gourd curry (1/2 cup) |
| Monday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Milk n Cornflakes with strawberry(3-4) + Cashew nuts(3) + Almonds(4) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Toast(2 slices) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Rice flakes pulav (1 cup) + Cauliflower curry (1/2 cup) + Roasted papad (1-2) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | 2 Chikus |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Ridge gourd curry (1/2 cup) |
| Tuesday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Methi paratha (2) + Cucumber raita (1/2 cup) + Tomato chutney (1/3rd cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Soaked Almonds(4) n Raisins(4) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Soy bean curry (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Pomegranate (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Mix veg. curry (1/2 cup) |
| Wednesday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Spinach paratha (2) + Cucumber n onion raita (1/2 cup) + Tomato chutney (1/3rd cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Soaked Almonds(4) n Raisins(4) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Egg curry (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | 1 Apple |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Snake gourd curry (1/2 cup) |
| Thursday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Milk n Cornflakes with banana() + Cashew nuts(3) + Almonds(4) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Rusk(2) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Dosa (2) + Samber (1/2 cup) + Raita (1/3rd cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | Grapes (1 cup) |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Baked Carrot n Beetroot (1/2 cup) |
| Friday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Aloo paratha(1.5) + Cucumber n onion raita (1/2 cup) + Tomato chutney (1/3rd cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Soaked Almonds(4) n Raisins(4) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Paneer curry (1/2 cup) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | 1 Ripe Banana |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Spinach curry (1/2 cup) |
| Saturday | |
| Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) | Grated carrot paratha (2) + Cucumber raita (1/2 cup) + Tomato chutney (1/3rd cup) |
| Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) | Coffee (1 cup) + Soaked Almonds(4) n Raisins(4) |
| Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) | Veg. pulav (1 cup) + Dum aloo (1/2 cup) + Roasted papad (1-2) |
| Evening (4:00-4:30PM) | 1 Orange |
| Dinner (8:00-8:30PM) | Chapati (2) + Baked Pumpkin (1/2 cup) |
Do’s And Dont’s While Following Diet Plan for Low Blood Pressure
To control lower blood pressure, you can start making some simple changes in your lifestyles and food habits which are mentioned below, along with the diet plan for low BP patients mentioned above:
Do’s:
- To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat a moderate size healthy meal.
- Caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee or tea with meals may help temporarily raise your blood pressure.
- Add nutrient-rich, complex carbohydrate foods in your diet chart or plan, such as Brown rice, grains (quinoa, buckwheat, and whole-wheat), fruits (apples, berries, and bananas, but avoid canned fruits), vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens, and carrots), nuts, and beans.
- Increased intake of sodium salt (Himalayan rock or sea salt, not table salt) can help people with low BP.
- Increased fluid intake increases the volume of the blood in the body, additionally help prevent dehydration.
Doesn’t’:
- Limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread. Because eating a high carb diet may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.
- Don’t exercise too much outdoors during summer or in extreme heat. Avoid prolonged bed rest.
- Wear compression stockings, which help blood move throughout your body. Salty foods can increase blood pressure.
- Try eating canned soup, smoked fish, cottage cheese, and olives.
- Excess consumption of caffeinated beverages (like tea & coffee) should be kept in moderation, because it is also diuretic thus might lower blood pressure afterwards.
- Excess sodium salt intake is not advisable, be in moderation.
- Limit alcohol intake.
Food Items You Can Easily Consume to Lower Blood Pressure
Foods one can easily consumed by low BP patients are listed below-
- cereals- brown rice, parboiled rice, quinoa, whole grains etc.
- fruits and vegetables- green leafy vegetbles like spinach, fenugreek, etc, carrots, kiwis, peaches, holy basil leaves (tulsi), garlic, pomegranate, sweet potatoes, raisins, avocado, bananas, kale, spinach, red bell peppers, fruit juices, licorice (mulethi) etc
- milk and milk products- milk, yoghurt and/or curd, coffee, hot chocolate
- nuts and seeds- seasame and/or pumpkin seeds, raisins, almonds