Natural Remedies for Low Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is an early warning sign for perils such as heart attack and stroke. It seems Americans can't watch TV or read a magazine without being reminded of the high blood pressure epidemic. However, low blood pressure (hypotension) is also a relatively common ailment. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that "severely low blood pressure can...deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to shock, which can be a life-threatening condition." Knowing how to naturally combat low blood pressure can help a hypotension sufferer avoid this danger.

Hypotension Contributors

• The AHA provides a list on its website of factors that contribute to low blood pressure. Knowing about or avoiding these factors can help lead to a more healthy blood pressure.

  Pregnancy: It is normal in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy for blood pressure to drop. This is not a large concern in and of itself, but if you are pregnant, be sure to monitor your blood pressure very closely with your health professional, especially if you already had hypotension before you became pregnant.

  Medications: Some medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, narcotics and alcohol, can lower blood pressure. If you suspect a medication may be contributing to hypotension, contact your health professional.

  Dehydration/malnutrition: Blood pressure levels depend upon food and water to properly regulate. Be sure you are drinking at least eight glasses of water each day and eating a healthy diet. Visit http://www.mypyramid.gov for healthy diet guidelines.

Beetroot Juice

• This natural substance is known to improve problems with low blood pressure. Drink a cup of beetroot juice twice daily and improvement could be noticed within a week.

Vitamins and Nutrients

• Protein, vitamin C and all B vitamins are also helpful in normalizing low blood pressure. Consume recommended allowances of lean beef, citrus fruits, and a variety of vegetables to be sure your diet consists of the nutrients that could be most beneficial to regulating blood pressure.

Salt

• The following method should be used with caution. Salt has been shown to raise blood pressure levels significantly, and salty foods can help hypotension. Do not take this as a free ticket to eat as much salt as you wish, however. If utilizing this remedy, slowly and gradually increase salt intake and monitor blood pressure often, daily if possible. Salt is a necessary nutrient, but it can be dangerous in high quantities. Consult your physician before embarking on an increased-salt diet.