Food choices for low blood pressure

Basically, overcoming low blood pressure is not done by eating foods that can increase blood pressure. Instead, healthy menu choices to treat hypotension with a focus on the types of foods and drinks that can overcome the causes of this condition. Among others are:

1. Foods rich in vitamin B-12

Another cause of low blood pressure is a deficiency in vitamin B-12. In fact, vitamin B12 is needed by the body to make red blood cells. These blood cells later function to carry oxygen throughout the body.

According to CardioSmart, if your body is deficient in vitamin B-12 intake, the higher your chances of developing anemia. That means, the body does not have red blood cells as needed, so that its job to circulate oxygen is hampered.

Of course this can leave you feeling weak and tired. In addition, anemia is also one of the causes of low blood pressure or hypotension. Therefore, to treat low blood pressure, consume a variety of foods rich in vitamin B-12.

According to Harvard Heath Publishing, here are some types of foods that are abundant in vitamin B-12:

Clams, 3 ounces: 84 micrograms (mcg).
100% fortified breakfast cereal, 1 serving: 6 mcg.
Trout, 3 ounces: 5.4 mcg.
Salmon, 3 ounces: 4.9 mcg.
Canned tuna, 3 ounces: 2.5 mcg.
Fortified soy milk, chocolate flavor: 1.7 mcg.
Beef, 3 ounces: 1.5 mcg.
Nonfat Greek yogurt, 6 ounces: 1.3 mcg.
Swiss cheese, 1 sheet, 0.9 mcg.
Egg, 1 large egg, 3 ounces: 0.3 mcg.
Ham, 3 ounces: 0.6 mcg.
Grilled chicken breast, 3 ounces: 0.3 mcg.

Consume enough of these foods to increase low blood pressure or treat hypotension so that blood pressure numbers return to normal.

2. Foods that contain folic acid

In addition to foods rich in vitamin B12 to treat low blood pressure, you must also increase your intake of foods containing folic acid. The goal is to overcome low blood pressure by eating foods that can overcome the cause.

As with vitamin B12 deficiency, when the body is deficient in folic acid, the body will experience anemia. Yes, when the body is deficient in vitamin B12 and folic acid at the same time, the number of red blood cells drops dramatically.

At that time, anemia will occur and cause blood pressure to drop. Usually, this condition is also characterized by weakness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Therefore, you should increase your intake of foods rich in folic acid for low blood pressure. Some foods that contain folic acid include:

Boiled beef stew, 3 ounces: 215 mcg.
Boiled spinach, 1/2 cup: 131 mcg.
Boiled asparagus, 4 pieces: 89 mcg.
Avocado, raw, 1/2 cup: 59 mcg.
Raw spinach, 1 cup: 58 mcg.
White bread, one sheet: 50 mcg.
Broccoli, chopped, frozen, then cooked, 1/2 cup: 52 mcg.
Canned tomato juice, 3/4 cup: 36 mcg.
Orange juice, 3/4 cup: 35 mcg.
Fresh orange, 1 fruit: 29 mcg.
Papaya, chopped, 1/2 cup: 26 mcg.
Large boiled egg, 1 egg: 22 mcg.
One glass of milk with 1% fat: 12 mcg.

Eating foods rich in folic acid can help you deal with low blood pressure or hypotension so that it doesn't get worse.

3. Foods that contain salt

Foods that contain too much salt are not good for people with high blood pressure or hypertension. The reason is, these foods can increase blood pressure, so that blood pressure that is already high will become even worse.

The problem is, if high blood pressure is not treated immediately, this condition can lead to various heart diseases such as heart attacks or heart failure. Well, however, abstinence from eating foods containing a lot of salt does not apply to sufferers of low blood pressure or hypotension.

In fact, foods rich in sodium chloride can help treat the condition. Therefore, if you experience low blood pressure or hypotension, you can add salt to dishes.

Even so, make sure you always monitor your salt intake because if it's too much, it could be that the amount of salt consumed actually exceeds the normal limit. That way, the condition of low blood pressure is resolved, but instead causes hypertension.

4. Water

One of the causes of low blood pressure is dehydration or a condition in which the body lacks fluids. Therefore, increase the level of fluids in the body by increasing the consumption of water. When dehydration is resolved, your blood pressure will slowly increase.

In addition, even if you are not dehydrated, drinking lots of water can help increase blood levels to normal levels for those of you with hypotension.

5. Coffee

Apart from the foods that have been mentioned to treat low blood pressure, coffee apparently can increase blood pressure. Yes, coffee may not be good for people with high blood pressure. However, coffee can be an alternative for people with hypotension.

The caffeine content in coffee can increase blood pressure drastically even if only in the short term. Even so, you should first consult with your doctor if you want to consume coffee when experiencing hypotension.

The reason is, maybe you have another condition that makes you not allowed to consume this caffeinated drink.

Eating habits for people with low blood pressure

In addition to food and drink choices for people with blood pressure, you also need to pay attention to eating habits. The reason is, there are several eating habits that can help you lower blood pressure, including the following.

1. Eat little, but often

Instead of eating three times a day, you are advised to eat more frequently in one day, but with smaller portions. This is important if you want to increase blood pressure. The reason is, when eating large portions, blood pressure tends to decrease.

This is because your body will work harder to digest large portions of food. So, make it a habit to eat smaller portions, but with a more frequent frequency.

2. Avoid consuming alcohol

If you are a fan of alcohol, you should avoid consuming this one drink. Yes, not only certain foods and drinks can help to deal with low blood pressure. There are also drinks that should not be consumed if you want to increase your blood pressure to normal.

The reason is, alcohol has the potential to cause dehydration. In fact, this will still happen even if you only consume a small amount. Therefore, instead of consuming alcohol, it is better to consume more water, which clearly has a good impact on your health.