By; Dr. Keith Kantor

 

  • Which foods or supplements help to raise the blood pressure
    naturally and why? Foods that contain sodium help raise blood pressure. An electrolyte rich sports drink (preferably without dyes or artificial sweeteners or syrups can help raise blood pressure).
  • What is considered hypotension? A blood pressure reading lower than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic) is generally considered low blood pressure.
  • What are the causes of hypotension? Medications (including beta blockers, water pills, antidepressants), shock, dehydration, blood loss, infection, nutrient deficiencies, endocrine issues, heart problems and pregnancy, to name a few.
  • What are the symptoms of hypotension? Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, nausea, poor focus, tiredness, shock, skin feeling cold and clammy, shallow breathing and confusion.
  • Is low blood pressure life threatening? Yes, in some cases including shock and severe dehydration it is.
  • When should you go to see the doctor for low blood pressure? If you have any of the above symptoms and your blood pressure reading is considered low you should bring it to your doctor’s attention so they can monitor it regularly. If you have symptoms of shock then you should seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible.
  • What remedies help to raise blood pressure? Eat more salt, typically a diet high in sodium can cause heart problems but not with someone who has low blood pressure. Sprinkle meals with a high quality sea salt or Himalayan salt. Also avoid alcoholic beverages, review medications with your doctor especially if you are on a new regimen and drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water per day preferably hydroxide water. Pure, natural hydroxide water helps clean out the detoxification pathways, helps fight inflammation by removing acids (forming water) and helps with dehydration by creating more water than you actually drink.