10 Home Remedies that Raise Low Blood Pressure

If you're wondering how to raise low blood pressure, these tried and tested home remedies could be just what you're looking for.

monitor measuring blood pressure

What causes low blood pressure?

While not discussed as often as high blood pressure, hypotension (or low blood pressure) is a medical condition that can cause uncomfortable symptoms and in extreme cases, have life-threatening consequences. Hypotension is often caused by prolonged bed rest, dehydration, infections, stress, anxiety, pregnancy, or as a side effect of certain medications. So, how do you know when you have low blood pressure? First, blood pressure levels below 90/60 mmHG are considered hypotensive, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. In addition, keep an eye out for common symptoms of hypotension, including lightheadedness and dizziness, fainting, lack of concentration, nausea, fatigue, laziness, palpitations, and difficulty, or slow breathing. (Here are signs you could have low blood pressure.)

While some cases of hypotension require medical intervention, there are many quick home remedies for low blood pressure you can try on your own. However, make sure to talk to your doctor first. “There are medications that can help treat low blood pressure,” says Joy GelbmanMD, a cardiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City.

Check out these 10 home remedies for low blood pressure.

Woman adding salt to saucepan

Ingest adequate amounts of salt

Our body needs to receive an adequate amount of salt daily in order to function properly, balance fluids, and to raise low blood pressure. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average person probably already eats too much salt; you should try to consume no more than about 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily. (These are signs you’re getting too much sodium.) If you exercise regularly or experience symptoms of hypotension, adjusting or increasing your salt intake might help (under physician supervision, of course). Sports drinks or medical-grade hydration powders such as DripDrop, which contain salt and potassium, are additional ways to raise low blood pressure. “Low blood pressure is generally a good thing as long as it’s not too dramatic,” Dr. Gelbman says. “If you have low blood pressure,  liberalize your salt intake  a bit, and always carry a salty snack.”

Woman eating yogurt with cereal and raspberries

Eat smaller, more regular meals

Some people who eat large, carb-heavy meals might experience a sudden blood pressure drop immediately after eating, known as postprandial hypotension (a type of low blood pressure that falls into the category of orthostatic hypotension), according to researchers from the Mayo Clinic. One treatment for low blood pressure of this kind is eating smaller, low-carb meals throughout the day and adding health snack sessions between meals. (Here are more smart ways to eat in moderation.)

Woman sitting on the floor beside her bed

Change positions slowly

How do you know when you should take steps to raise low blood pressure? For starters, if you experience dizziness, blurred vision, and lightheadedness upon sitting or standing, orthostatic hypotension could be the culprit. One way to combat these symptoms is by changing positions slowly, says Dr. GelbmanUpon waking, refrain from moving into an upright position immediately. Instead, slowly move yourself into a sitting position with your legs still completely on the bed. Stay in this position for at least 60 seconds to allow your body to adjust. Next, remain seated but slowly dangle your legs off of the bed. Stay in this position for one to two minutes before standing upright. (Dizziness can also be a symptom of anemia.)

Man and woman sleeping with extra pillows

Consider adding extra pillows

Did you know adding an extra pillow at bedtime is another great trick to combat hypotension? Sleeping with your head elevated above the level of your heart can help combat the effects of gravity, Dr. Gelbman explains. (Here are the 10 best pillows for every type of sleeper.)

Dresser drawer with underwear and compression socks

Consider compression stockings

A quick home remedy for low blood pressure is adding compression stockings or socks to your wardrobe. While not necessarily a fashion statement, these stockings and socks can greatly improve hypotension symptoms by adding pressure to your legs. This pressure in turn helps increase the movement of blood throughout your entire body.”These stockings press blood flow back up toward the heart, improving circulation and increasing blood pressure,” Dr. Gelbman says. (Here’s what to expect from wearing compression socks.)

Woman drinking coffee

Add coffee to your regimen

Believe it or not, drinking a cup of coffee, cola, or caffeinated tea is a fast-acting low blood pressure treatment option. It can help get your circulation moving and drinking caffeine along with meals might assist in combatting orthostatic hypotension, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic. Here’s exactly how much coffee you can drink daily before it gets dangerous.

Drink more fluids

With dehydration being the culprit behind many hypotension episodes, drinking more fluids is crucial in preventing low blood pressure. Increasing water intake, or adding electrolyte-packed drinks such as coconut water, might help prevent symptoms and is a quick low blood pressure treatment you can try at home. “Your blood pressure may be low if you are dehydrated,” she says. “Drink  lots of water especially on 100 degree days.” (Here are more creative ways to stay hydrated and drink more water.)

Woman holding a book and looking down
iStock/Gawrav Sinha

Try the scissor and squeeze

If you find yourself standing in line and experiencing symptoms of hypotension, try the scissor and squeeze technique. Cross your thighs in a scissor-like fashion and then squeeze as tight as you can, Dr. Gelbman says. If applicable, you can also try lying flat and propping your ankles on any object that would raise them higher than the level of your heart. Both of these home remedies for low blood pressure are easy to do and work quickly.

Stressed out woman putting a hand to her forehead
iStock/Mixmike

Avoid certain situations

Did you know scary, upsetting, or unpleasant situations can also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure called neurally mediated hypotension? Removing yourself from the situation or implementing lifestyle changes can help, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic. Try these 15 5-second strategies to beat stress ASAP.

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Medically reviewed by Oscar H. Cingolani, MD, on October 20, 2019