What Is Low Blood Pressure?

Elderly people are prone to orthostatic hypotension - temporary low blood pressure and dizziness when they rise suddenly from a reclining or sitting position. Because the ageing sympathetic nervous system does not respond as quickly as it once did to postural changes, blood pools briefly in the lower limbs, reducing blood pressure and consequently blood delivery to the brain. Fainting may occur accompanied by paleness, a weak pulse, and dilated pupils. Making postural changes slowly to give the nervous system time to adjust usually prevents this problem. People taking hypotensive medication may also experience problems.

Chronic hypotension may hint at poor nutrition, because the poorly nourished are often anaemic and have inadequate levels of blood proteins. Because blood viscosity is low, blood pressure is also lower than normal. The blood vessel walls of a person with hypotension are usually very relaxed and possibly flabby or stretched. Few nutrients can reach body tissues from this condition. A light-headedness occurs, the body aches and restless sleep are normal patterns but for a correct assessment use a blood pressure gauge. Other symptoms include fatigue, lack of endurance, sensitivity to heat and cold, development of a rapid pulse on exertion, and little interest in sex. The individual requires more sleep than normal people. Chronic hypotension may warn of Addison's disease (inadequate adrenal cortex function), hypothyroidism, hypoglycaemia, anaemia, or severe tissue wasting.

Acute hypotension is one of the most important signs of circulatory shock and a threat to patients undergoing surgery and those in intensive care units. Can result from severe haemorrhage, burns, gastroenteritis, or dehydration.

Too little Sodium has been purported to cause low blood pressure. Symptoms of Sodium deficiency include leg cramps at night, apathy, low energy, constipation, aching joints and muscles, dizziness and vomiting. Excessive amounts of salt may be excreted because of an undersupply of Vitamin B5. Low blood pressure can occur with a drop in Iron and Magnesium levels in the body, combined with stress. Mild deficiencies of calories, protein, or Vitamins C and B complex (especially B5) have produced low blood pressure.

Adrenal exhaustion is commonly associated with hypotension.

There are 2 parts to the adrenal glands - the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex helps to maintain salt and water balance in the body. The medulla of the adrenal gland produces the hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline, when the body is under stress. The functioning ability of the adrenal glands is most often impaired due to excessive use of cortisone & steroid treatment for disorders such as arthritis, eczema and asthma. Long term use of cortisone drugs causes the adrenal gland to shrink in size. Adrenal cortical failure is also caused by pituitary disease and tuberculosis. In conditions of stress, they can shrink and become smaller or when they are overworked, they can become 4 times larger. The adrenals can become damaged from continuous stress, which goes beyond their ability to recover from, before the next stressful period comes along.

People with adrenal insufficiency are the type who usually lead fairly stressful lives. If they also worry a lot, are fatigued or if they do not eat well and have low nutritional levels, these poor glands will not be able to cope. The profile of a person with under active adrenals includes a person who is meticulous in their work. They tend to be perfectionists who often drive themselves to exhaustion, since they are unable to relax easily. Sluggishness and a lack of concentration can occur just before lunch when their blood sugar level is low. Severe personality and emotional changes can occur, but in most cases these are reversible. The skin on these people may be thickened and their nails may be brittle. Their blood pressure is usually low or subnormal - 105/60 or less. As well as this, these people can be the ones who get swollen ankles, which are worse in the afternoon and at night, that then return to normal after a good nights sleep. Other symptoms found in 75% of people with adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, nervousness and irritability, feelings of depression, muscle weakness, light headedness and headaches, cravings for salt, PMT, allergies, sparse body hair, poor memory, confused states, feelings of frustration, fears and an intolerance to alcohol.

Your diet is essential to support your adrenal glands and feel better. It is vital that people who suffer from adrenal problems stick to a strict dietary regime that eliminates rapidly absorbed carbohydrates and sugars. This includes sweets, cakes and biscuits and foods made from white flour. Eating these causes a sudden rise in blood sugar, with a subsequent sudden drop. Small meals that are correctly combined, as well as small snacks of nuts (almonds) between meals is advisable. This will help to prevent the drop in the blood sugar levels, which occur two to three hours after eating. A protein deficient diet, with emphasis on simple carbohydrates, especially refined sugars, depletes adrenal function and fails to restore adequate nutritional support to these glands.

In order to keep the adrenal glands functioning properly stress and stimulants such as coffee, tea, and chocolate must be avoided. Continuous and prolonged stress from troubled marriages, bad job conditions, illness or feelings of low esteem or loneliness can be detrimental to the adrenal glands. Because the adrenals must work harder under stressful situations, continuous stress will impair their functioning ability. Poor nutritional habits, smoking, stimulants, alcohol and drug abuse can also contribute to adrenal failure.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, as these substances are highly toxic to the adrenal and other glands. Stay away from fats, fried foods, ham, pork, highly processed foods, soft drinks, sugar, white flour and refined salt. These foods put un-necessary stress on the adrenals. Consume plenty of fresh vegetables - particularly green, leafy ones. Brown rice, legumes, olive and safflower oils, nuts, seeds, wheat germ and whole grains are healthy additions to the diet. Eat deep water fish such as salmon and tuna - at least 3 times a week.

B complex vitamins are essential, but especially Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid. 100mg of the B vitamins should be taken twice a day. Mega B or Vitamin B complex 100 are some of the strongest B complex we have found on the market, containing 100mg of most of the B vitamins per capsule.

A correctly combined Magnesium Supplement is an essential addition for anyone who has adrenal problems. Radiance Magnesium Complex is a good choice. The amino acid L- Tyrosine aids adrenal function and helps relieve the excess stress put on these glands.

Vitamin C, plus Bioflavonoids, are essential for a healthy functioning of the adrenals. Between 4,000-10,000mg has been used daily, split into many small does throughout the day. We use the Mega C Powder or Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids powder and put this into a drink bottle and drink this throughout the day.

Adrenal Formula is a herbal combination that provides support to the adrenal gland. It has been designed to tone and strengthen adrenal function. It provides herbs that help the body cope better during stress, improving circulation, soothing irritated tissue and restoring a balanced hormonal output.

We have found that just by improving the diet - to one that is high in protein and lower in carbohydrates, has helped dramatically with adrenal problems. Ideally eat every 2 ½ hours throughout the day. Strive for no less than 20 grams of actual protein per meal. Most packaged foods have a nutritional panel on the back, which will give you an idea of the amount of ACTUAL protein contained in the product. In a "nut shell", protein is anything that comes from an animal (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products) also nuts and seeds and soy products. As an example of portion size, 1 x 85 gram tin of tuna meat, provides approximately 25 grams of actual protein.

According to Chinese medical tradition, low blood pressure is caused by Deficient qi in the circulatory system. Symptoms may be alleviated by Ginseng and Chinese Angelica. Broom is useful for treating low blood pressure, as it tones the arteries. Ginger, Hawthorn, and Rosemary will also be useful as they are stimulating and work to encourage circulation.

Hyssop essential oil has hypertensive properties, making it useful in the treatment of low blood pressure, and has a general tonic effect on circulation. It also helps to relieve fatigue, and increase alertness. Refreshing Rosemary essential oil is a circulation stimulant, excellent for low blood pressure and poor circulation. It also relieves stress related disorders, mental exhaustion, and promotes mental clarity. Regular massage with oils of Black Pepper, Lemon, Sage, or Rosemary which stimulate and warm will be useful.

Homoeopathic treatment would be constitutional, but the following remedies may help if you have a tendency to faint. Veratrum is for fainting caused by anger. Coffea is for fainting brought on by excitement. Ignatia is for fainting caused by an emotional shock or trauma. Aconite is for fainting caused by fright, and characterised by tension and pale, clammy skin. Cocculus, when caused by lack of sleep. Gelsemium, when you feel weak and shaky.

Nutritional and Herbal support for Low Blood Pressure includes:

Multi-Vite - A formulation by Leanne James. One a day Multivitamin, formulated with New Zealanders in mind, taking into account our soil depletion of low Zinc, Boron & Selenium. Using the most absorbable forms of minerals available & 25mg of most B Vitamins.

Adrenal Support - A well combined supplement specifically to support proper adrenal function. Provides herbs that help the body cope better during stress, improving circulation, soothing irritated tissue and restoring a balanced hormonal output.

Multivital - Multivital contains 15 specialised herbs and is a totally herbal multi vitamin. Great tonic. Assists when stressed, helps build stamina, assists in the maintenance of peripheral circulation, acts as a liver tonic and aids digestion.

Womens Iron Complex - A high potency, readily absorbed Iron Complex containing Iron bisglycinate, Vitamin C, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, as well as 100mg of the herbs Dong Quai and Red Raspberry leaf. Contains 27mg of elemental Iron per tablet. Ideal for Iron deficiency & anaemia.

Hawthorn berries - Hawthorn possesses a unique balancing effect on the heart and circulation, thus qualifying it as a reliable support tonic in cardiovascular care. Several recent German studies verify that Hawthorn will increase coronary circulation by dilating coronary vessels and strengthen heart and muscle tissue. It also contains components which have been shown to improve tone and elasticity of arteries and veins making it useful for hypotension.

Bio-Optimised Whey - This product is an excellent source of quality bio-available protein, that has one of the highest absorption ratios (able to be used by the body). Provides a complex array of essential building block amino acids, including BCAA's & L-Glutamine.

Some interesting points on Low Blood Pressure:

Adrenal gland function self test: The normal systolic blood pressure (the higher number of the reading - 120/80) is approximately 10mm higher when you are standing than when you are lying down. To test adrenal function, take and compare two blood pressure readings - one while lying down and one while standing. Rest for 5 minutes in the recumbent position (lying down) before taking the reading. Stand up and immediately take the blood pressure again. If the blood pressure is lower after standing, suspect reduced adrenal gland function. The degree to which the blood pressure drops while standing is often proportionate to the degree of the hypoadrenalism.

The main cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS (also known as ME or Tapanui Flu) appears to be long term stress combined with an inadequate diet and lack of restful sleep. Some doctors believe this disorder is nature's way of enforcing rest when we burn the candle at both ends. It is reported to be notoriously hard to cure quickly, but a combination of a nutritious diet, peaceful lifestyle, and patience seems to work in most cases. Nevertheless, in a 1995 study of 23 sufferers at John Hopkins University it was found that 22 of them had lower than normal blood pressure, they therefore decided to put them on a high salt diet. 19 of the sufferers agreed to do this. The result was that 9 were completely cured and all of the others improved in varying degrees.