Low BP and raw diet

[shelleigh]

I went to the doc's last week and my bp was 80/50. This is really low and I have been feeling very tired and lathargic (sp?), I would like to say lately but it's really always. I get dizzy and when I change positions or levels I get dizzy and almost black out. This feeling is one of the reasons I wanted to start a raw food lifestyle and why I went to the doc's. My doc made me feel that it was my diet that was causing this. I don't think so. I can't see how eating better would make me feel worse. Maybe, I'm doing it wrong. I'm learning and willing to admit that I might not be good at eating all my greens.

I was just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with low bp and what I can do to feel better?

I'm just looking for more info.

Shel

[RawYorkCity]

Perhaps you're not eating enough! If I don't eat enough I feel lethargic and lightheaded, so I grab a bunch of bananas or dates and chow them down!

Also, it could be the amount of fat your consuming. Try eating more sweet fruit and less fat.

[spicyfull]

What about eating more Sodium Rich Foods.

[TaupeRawMan]

Perhaps you're not eating enough! If I don't eat enough I feel lethargic and lightheaded, so I grab a bunch of bananas or dates and chow them down!

Also, it could be the amount of fat your consuming. Try eating more sweet fruit and less fat.

...or more fat, if you aren't eating enough fat.

I agree, it could definitely be from not eating enough.

[margoss]

Yes...many times lathargic is from hunger or dehydration. Make sure you're drinking enough. I make a certain amt of water that I need to consume for the day. It can be in a glass, herbal teas, smoothies, mixes or what ever. I do the same for dd. Once, I became very dehydrated when I was sick/flu or something like that. I fainted & my bp was very low. Eat when you're hungry, just good things. Remember, it's not about how much you weigh but how you feel & the rest will follow. Feel better soon.
I don't if I'll ever weigh 120lbs & it's ok with me. It's how I perceive myself not others. When we feel good about ourselves inside, it 'shines' on the outside.

[Humanist]

There are many things that can cause low blood pressure. Why not get some lab work done to find out what is going on? Your raw diet is not the cause. Dehydration is not likely on a raw diet.

[Rawmommie]

I had a similar problem when I first went raw, I would get lightheaded each time I stood up b/c of my LBP. I added a generous amount of sea salt and I don't have LBP anymore! :)

[juliew]

I have had low BP for years and years, and Ive tried everything from 3+ liters of water to tons of salt to high fat. So..if you find something let me know!!

[shelleigh]

I had this problem before going raw. I'm getting some labs done to see if there is any weird thing going on. I think I'm fine but it would be nice to make sure. Thanks for all the advice. I needed to just pay more attention to what my body says.

Cheers,
Shel

[annavon]

My bp tends to be low and I get dehydrated easily. I try to include plenty of celery in my diet and sea veggies. Also, I am not afraid to use small amounts of sea salt. I was actually told to use some sea salt by three different naturopathic doctors and one regular doctor. They have explained to me that salt has gotten a bad rap over the years because people generally eat way too much salt from processed foods etc. and that processed salt IS bad, but that sea salt contains other nutrients in addition to sodium.

For those salt-phobes out there, keep in mind that in the wild, animals seek out naturally occuring salt that forms arounds ponds etc. (salt licks) So, it is not all that "unnatural" of a thing to add some to our diet. (I used to shun salt and was a self-proclaimed salt-phobe)

I found that adding small amounts of salt to my diet helped with the headaches and fatigue.

[Humanist]

They have explained to me that salt has gotten a bad rap over the years because people generally eat way too much salt from processed foods etc. and that processed salt IS bad, but that sea salt contains other nutrients in addition to sodium.


It is true that sea salt contains other minerals, but they are not "nutrients" because they are not bio-available. Your body, being a living thing, cannot assimilate dead things like salt, or the minerals in salt. Eating sea salt to get "nutrients" is like eating blackboard chalk to get calcium.

[BDraw]

I too have low blood pressure -- always have -- even begin to wonder if it dangerous, but all docs seem to care about is high blood pressure.

One naturalpathic suggested licerious (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). She gave it to me in a liquid form to add to water. I have bought it in capsules.

I notice that when I have a green smoothie in the am, things seem better ; I even have more energy and no dizziness. My smoothie consist of 2 tablespoons sesame seed, which I let sit in blender at least 10 minutes in 1/1 to 1 cup of water. Then I add 2-3 handfuls of organic baby greens, 1-2 bananas, and 1-2 cups of berries. Bananas or berries may be frozen. I sometimes add stevie for my overgrown sweet tooth.

I was told maybe I needed more grains to help stablize blood sugar -- haven't done much with that yet.

Hope this helps some.