Although we hear more about how to correct high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension) can be equally challenging to improve.
I’m contacted regularly by individuals who want to know how to raise their blood pressure by using natural methods, where possible. Therefore, I wrote this post to share my experience, a few remedies and tips to show you how to use foods, herbs and lifestyle changes to raise blood pressure naturally.
At the end of this article you can download my popular do-it-yourself guide Low Blood Pressure eBook [1] covering Nutrition, Herbal and Lifestyle Solutions to Increase Low Blood Pressure Naturally.
Let’s get started!
Causes of low blood pressure
There could be a number of reasons associated with low blood pressure and any medical condition that can potentially cause it needs to be investigated and excluded by your doctor before embarking on nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes.
Therefore, it’s imperative to first check with your doctor for possible underlying medical causes of your low blood pressure such as any heart conditions, faulty brain signals or nervous system damage, to name a few.
Other causes of low blood pressure include:
- Acute or chronic dehydration
- Blood loss and anaemia
- Heat and humidity can worsen low blood pressure
- Severe allergies
- Acute, severe infections
- High stress and exhaustion
- Certain conditions can contribute to dysregulated blood pressure including adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, mast cell activation disorder, Lyme disease, POTS, some autoimmune disorders [3], histamine intolerance [4]
- Some medications such diuretics, heart medications, levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease) and some antidepressants
- Large meals, especially high in processed carbohydrates
Side effects of low blood pressure
- Decrease in blood flow to the brain – a serious symptom that can manifest in dizziness, fainting, brain fog, memory lapses, headaches, nausea and blurred vision
- Importantly, long-term untreated hypotension can be linked with brain atrophy more than hypertension. It can potentially cause a permanent brain damage
- Depression and low moods can be directly linked to low blood pressure in some people
- Problems with balance, especially in elderly
- Lower body temperature
Natural approaches to raising low blood pressure
There are a number of approaches that can be undertaken to increase low blood pressure naturally, where safe and possible, as mentioned above.
I’d like to share a few simple natural remedies and methods that benefited my hypotensive clients:
- Being well hydrated increases blood pressure – it can be as simple as increasing your intake of water per day as dehydration reduces blood volume and leads to a drop in the systemic blood pressure. Check out the strategies how to drink and absorb more water daily. [5]
Include vegetables and fruits high in water such as celery, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes [6], cabbage [7] as well as watermelon, apples, pears, papaya and pineapple, to name a few.- Blood pressure is an important indication of adrenal function – low adrenal function is arguably the most common as well as the most overlooked cause. If your blood pressure drops when you rise up from a lying position or stand up too quickly, this almost always indicates low adrenals. This drop in blood pressure upon standing is called postural hypotension and it’s also associated with dizziness, loss of balance or feeling light headed.
- During and especially after menopause the adrenals gradually take on the role of producing sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) after ovaries stop producing them.
- If the adrenals are depleted and thus are unable to produce enough estrogen, progesterone and DHEA, women experience more hot flashes, night sweats, low energy and mood, fatigue, foggy brain and weight gain. Therefore it’s very important to address adrenal depletion before the menopause to alleviate many of these symptoms.
- Adrenal glands (there are 2 of them) located above each kidney are pretty amazing and extremely important organs, their overall function is to help the body cope with stress and survive. They enable the body to deal with stress from every possible source such as disease, injuries but also work stress, relationship problems and negative emotions. Our energy levels, moods, resilience, endurance and our very life all depend on their proper functioning.
- It’s well worth to familiarise yourself with how the adrenals work and how to help them to function well through better nutrition and stress reduction. In a nutshell, the hormones secreted by the adrenals (including adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol and DHEA) influence all of the major physiological processes in the body. Find out more in my adrenal fatigue post. [8]
- If you are a vegetarian, your blood pressure may be normally lower (around 95/65). If so, then your low blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you have low adrenal function.
- Potassium normalises blood pressure – this mineral is absolutely necessary for normal blood pressure. Adequate potassium in the diet is a simple health basic that just can’t be ignored when dealing with cardiovascular issues. High potassium foods include fruits such as bananas, citrus fruits, vegetables, legumes and chia seeds [10] – a particularly high source. Some people may need to supplement potassium to maintain normal blood pressure – talk to your health practitioner about your supplementation needs.
- I always discuss and address any sleep issues at the start of all working with clients, including with those suffering from either low or high blood pressure, as they need to start sleeping better and gaining more energy to initiate the body’s healing processes.
- My ‘better sleep’ blueprint, in a form of an eBook, will provide you with the tools and guidance to dealing with insomnia and improve your sleep – fast.
- Click on the link to download your copy of the Sleep Better Tonight: How to get a good night’s sleep – a step-by-step blueprint for all struggling with insomnia, fatigue, chronic tiredness or adrenal fatigue. [13]
- If you’d like a more comprehensive approach to correcting sleep problems, I recommend you consider enrolling in my self-paced online Sleep Reset Program [14] where you can learn the steps to reboot all aspects of sleep.
Important: If you are taking any medications, always work with your doctor as well as your natural medicine practitioner to make sure you safely use natural medicines and supplements for low blood pressure.
Your Next Step!
For all those who want to start using the natural approaches to increase the low blood pressure beginning today: Download a copy of my Low Blood Pressure eBook Guide.
⇒⇒⇒ Click on this link to download: Low Blood Pressure: Nutrition, Herbal and Lifestyle Solutions to Increase Low Blood Pressure Naturally [15]
[16]What’s covered:
- Adrenal disorders and their connection to low blood pressure
- Water needs, dehydration and electrolytes intakes
- Key foods to increase blood pressure
- Top herbs for low blood pressure
- Stress release and key lifestyle adjustments to improve hypertension
If you’d like assistance with applying natural remedies and nutrition to increase blood pressure, consider posting a message below, or booking an appointment with me (online or in-person) to discuss your circumstances.
Please note that at present I’m able to consult with Australia-based clients only. For readers and fans based elsewhere, please download the above guide and start helping yourself today!
To book a consultation, either in person or via Zoom/ phone click the button below.
[17]I look forward to connecting with you and to helping you to feel healthier and happier soon!
Take action!
Low blood pressure is often dismissed as “normal” or “good” as opposed to hypertension, however, it can be a sign of underlying imbalances or diseases and, if persisting, is not to be ignored.
If you have low blood pressure symptoms mentioned above consider using simple natural ways to support it as the first step. Remember, the function and health of your whole body depends on a healthy blood pressure!
Please note that the above material is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with your health practitioner or doctor for advice specific to your circumstances.
Best of Health
[18]
Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Therapies for Abundant Health and Wellbeing
Additional resources
- Magnesium for anxiety, stress, high blood pressure and muscle pain [19]
- Drinking coffee – pros and cons from a medical perspective [20]
- Holy basil: a key herbs for stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue [21]
- Online naturopathic consultations Australia [22]
- Top nutrition tips for insomnia and interrupted sleep [23]
- High blood pressure and emotions [24]
Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and/or educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.
Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Holistic Health & Wellness. She has a passion for helping her clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 12+ years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, functional medicine, gut health, sleep, fatigue and chronic pain. Joanna guides her clients through her programs and eCourses as well as helping clients individually, mostly online, Australia-wide. View full bio [25].