Blood pressure is one of the important vitals to ensure the body’s optimal functioning. This vital is comprised of two numbers, i.e. systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure indicates the pressure exerted on the blood vessels when the heart pumps blood to other organs while diastolic pressure indicates the pressure exerted on blood vessels while the heart rests or is not involved in blood circulation. According to medical literature, 120/80 mmHg is considered to be the normal blood pressure level.
High blood pressure or hypertension is the condition when the blood pressure levels go beyond 160/90 mm Hg and most times it may lead to life-threatening situations. Contrary to this, low blood pressure or hypotension (blood pressure level: 90/60 mmHg) is not considered a disorder and may not warrant extensive and intense medical attention.
There are a multitude of viable treatment options available for low BP that include medical and natural remedies. However, identifying the causes of low BP will help one to opt for the right low blood pressure treatment method.
Causes of Low BP:
The key causes of low blood pressure or hypotension include:
- An extended period of bed rest
- During pregnancy, the circulatory system expands fast that leads to a drop in the blood pressure
- Prescribed medicines to keep hypertension under check and other over-the-counter medications may lead to a dip in the blood pressure level
- Acute infections in the bloodstream and allergic reactions may cause low BP
- Fall in blood volume due to accident or injury can lower the blood pressure levels
- Heart ailments such as arrhythmia, heart failure or stroke may reduce the blood pressure
- Nutritional and vitamin deficiency also plays a major role in lowering the blood pressure level
Now that we have discussed the common causes of low BP, here are some of the natural remedies to maintain an optimal level of BP.
Consume Salt-rich Diet: The sodium content in blood comes down with the lowering of blood pressure. Consuming foods with extra salt content may help bring the sodium content to the requisite level to help maintain optimal BP. However, people suffering from hypertension, heart and other disorders should avoid too much salt in their food.
Always Go For Prescription Medicine: Over-the-counter medicines may lead to a sudden dip in the blood pressure levels. Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressants may lead to low BP. Thus, always take medicines as per the dosage advised by the doctors.
Sit Cross-legged: Cross-legged posture is believed to increase blood pressure. This is an easy and quick tactic to do at home to raise the blood pressure level to the optimal range without investing much effort.
Consume plenty of Fluids: Dehydration is one of the common causes of hypotension. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids at regular intervals can help keep the hydration level optimal. This is an effective home remedy to quickly reduce the impacts of low BP and prevent its occurrence.
Eat Smaller Portions of Meal: Many would attest to the fact that BP seems to reduce soon after a heavy meal. Ever wondered, why? The digestive system has to work hard to break down the foods that lead to lower blood pressure. Thus, it is always advised to assort meals into smaller portions.
Use Compression Stockings: Compression stockings are quite beneficial in restricting the blood flow to the lower limbs that helps keep the BP in the normal ranges.
Avoid Immediate Postural Changes: Immediate changes in position, for instance, sudden standing up or sitting down, may lead to postural hypotension. By avoiding such instant and jerky movements may help in avoiding low BP symptoms.
Are you looking for more such natural remedies for treating low BP? Turn to the experts at Narayana Health, today!