Supplements for Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is also called hypotension. Those who experience low blood pressure are at risk for symptoms that can lead to life-threatening conditions. Dizziness or fainting may mean that there is an underlying endocrine condition, heart or neurological disorder.
Low blood pressure is also called hypotension. Those who experience low blood pressure are at risk for symptoms that can lead to life-threatening conditions. Dizziness or fainting may mean that there is an underlying endocrine condition, heart or neurological disorder. When low blood pressure reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, such as the brain, it can lead to shock. After determining the cause of the disorder there are supplements that may help to reduce the symptoms.
Sodium
Salt is a supplement that is usually not recommended by physicians because it will help to increase blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. For those who have hypertension, this reduction in sodium can be significant. However, those who suffer from hypotension may be able to utilize the rise in blood pressure that comes with an increased sodium intake. An excess of sodium can lead to heart failure in older adults so any change in sodium intake should be cleared with the doctor.
Liquids
Individuals who suffer from hypotension may require more fluid in their body in order to maintain their blood pressure throughout the day, according to the Drugs website. After checking with the physician who is treating the hypotension, it may be necessary to supplement the amount of fluid between 2 and 3 liters of liquid each day. This fluid should be in the form of water without any additives that may reduce the effectiveness of the additional liquid.
Caffeine
According to the Drugs website, caffeine is a supplement that is available in pill form and as an addition to coffee and soda. A healthcare provider may recommend that 2 cups of coffee in the morning with breakfast and at lunch time will help to elevate the blood pressure during the day and eliminate symptoms. Some healthcare providers prefer to use caffeine pills to regulate the amount of caffeine ingested. Care should be taken not to take caffeine during or after dinner to reduce the possibility that it will be difficult to sleep at night.
Herbal Supplements
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several herbal supplements that can affect blood pressure. How each one changes the operation of vessel dilation and stiffness is different for each supplement. Before adding any supplement it is important to discuss the options with the health care practitioner to ensure that there is not an interaction with any other medication that may be used at the time. Some examples of herbal supplements that can raise blood pressure include ginseng, licorice, St. John's wort and bitter orange.