Low Blood Pressure

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LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

Low blood pressure can leave you feeling light-headed, sluggish or headachy. On the other hand, you can walk around with low blood pressure and not know it or feel it unless you happen to have your blood pressure checked for some reason. If you tend to experience bothersome drops in blood pressure, giving it a boost is easy.

Pump up the pressure

Drink lots of fluids

When you're sweating your way through a heat spell, blood pressure can plummet quickly because of dehydration. If you're feeling faint, reach for a sports drink or bouillon. Replace lost fluids, and your blood pressure will return to normal relieving your symptoms. The sugar in these drinks will speed fluid into your cells, and the salt will help it stay there. Of course, plain water will also work wonders.

Eat

Feeling woozy? When was the last time that you ate? If it has been more than a couple of hours since your last meal or snack, grab a bite to eat, even if it's just half a sandwich or a piece of fuit. You'll feel better in a jiffy.

Stand up s-l-o-w-l-y

Some people feel dizzy when they first stand up after sitting or lying down, a cardinal sign of momentarily low blood pressure. This is caused by blood rushing to your legs from other areas. But your body can quickly adjust to it if you sit, jiggle your legs for a few moments, then stand slowly. If the light headedness returns, simply sit or lie down again until the feeling of faintness passes. Then stand up more slowly.