What Foods Are Good for Low Blood Pressure?

I have diabetes, and one of the symptoms is persistent low blood pressure. I feel faint and nauseous when I stand up too fast and my muscles are weak. I’m already on what seems like a ton of medications. Is there a way I can fix my hypotension problems with diet and lifestyle changes? For instance, what foods are good for low blood pressure?

Blood Pressure Chart

There is no singular blood pressure measurement that defines low blood pressure. Blood pressures under 120/80 associated with symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling like you’ll pass out, heart racing, or weakness are considered low blood pressure.

Certain foods can help increase blood pressure, including:

• Low carbohydrate foods
• Drinking lots of water
• Foods high in vitamin B12 such as eggs, meat, milk products, fortified breakfast cereals, and some nutritional yeast products
• Foods high in folate such as dark leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, eggs, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, and grains.
• Salty foods
• Caffeine

In addition, other ways to raise blood pressure and avoid the symptoms of low blood pressure include avoiding large meals, alcohol, and standing or exercising immediately after eating.

For more information, read our full medical article on low blood pressure.