The Low Down on Low Blood Pressure
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By Stephanie Wills
Are you prone to feeling fatigued, weak, light-headed and dizzy? Do you often experience brain fog, confusion, anxiety and/or panic? What about pale skin or cold hands and feet? … If this sounds like you, then you could be in the 10% of humans that are affected by low blood pressure or hypotension. 

blood-pressureHypotension is generally diagnosed when blood pressure drops below 90/60 mm/Hg (systolic/diastolic). In healthy people, especially athletes, low blood pressure is actually a sign of good cardiovascular health. However, when the above-mentioned symptoms occur regularly, low blood pressure can result in the insufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney. This can then lead to organ malfunction and may even result in permanent damage. 

Causes
There are many possible causes of hypotension; including pregnancy, allergic reactions, hormonal problems, diabetes, dehydration, heart problems, medications, nutritional deficiencies etc. But, by far the most common cause is stress; especially stress in its advanced stages of adrenal burnout or chronic fatigue! If you are experiencing regular symptoms of hypotension, it is extremely important that you determine the underlying cause and then take the necessary steps towards complete health.

bloodtestNext Steps
- Seek the advice of a trusted health practitioner. Check possible abnormalities of the heart’s rhythm and structure, as well as autonomic nervous system function (the part of nervous system that controls involuntary vital actions, such as heartbeat). 
- Have blood tests done to rule out infection or possible endocrine problems, such as low blood sugar levels, thyroid imbalance or adrenal insufficiency. Blood tests may also determine if there is a vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency and/or anemia. 
- Take a stress test to determine how blood pressure changes when heart rate increases.

Natural treatment
- Sleep 8 hours per night. The nervous system needs sleep to rejuvenate and function properly. Never underestimate the power of a good night’s rest!
- Eat adequate salt. Through a process known as osmosis, salt retains water. More water increases the volume of blood which raises blood pressure. Make sure to use mineral-rich natural sea salt or Himalayan Rock salt (no more than 2,300 mg or one teaspoon of sodium per day)
- Relax. Reducing stress levels and learning to be consistently ‘less busy’ allows the nervous system to function correctly.
- Avoid caffeine. Even though caffeine may temporarily raise blood pressure, rather avoid it as regular consumption increases one’s tolerance and thus the effects are not sustainable long-term. It also negatively affects the adrenal glands. 
- Avoid Alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink in moderation. Rather drink electrolyte-rich fresh juices that are high in sodium and potassium (see recipe below)
yoga-fitness_plan_yoga- Avoid artificial sweeteners, which damage the nervous system. Look out especially for aspartame and acesulfame-K.
- Eat regularly. Women with this syndrome experience more adrenalin when their blood sugar drops.  Use small regular meals and avoid refined sugar.
- Legs up the wall. This is a yoga pose that will restore blood pressure to the brain. Talk to your local yoga instructor. It is advisable to do it this everyday.

Supplement
- Magnesium - stabilise the nervous system
- Licorice root - increases blood pressure and supports adrenal hormones
- L-Tyrosine - blood pressure normalising effects- Hawthorn Berry - opens the coronary arteries and improves blood circulation
- Ashwagandha - rejuvenating adaptogenic that supports the adrenal glands (stress)
- Vitamin C - maintains the strength of the blood vessel walls
- B complex - to increase stamina and energy levels, with extra pantothenic acid to support the functioning of the adrenal gland.

fresh-juiceJuicing Recipe to Treat Low Blood Pressure
- Juice 2 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery (natural sodium), 4 cloves of garlic (normalises blood pressure), 2 radishes (potassium/Vit C) and a little parsley.
- A cup of raw beetroot juice twice daily can also be used to treat low blood pressure. 
- Other ingredients you could add include red pepper, wheatgrass, spirulina, lemon, ginger, goji berries and licorice powder. 

Hypotension or low blood pressure is rarely considered a debilitating condition however; the symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort and affect one’s quality of life. Rather than learn to deal with it, find out the underlying problem and then take the necessary natural steps towards optimal health and an enriched life!