Lifestyle and home remedies

Depending on the reason for your low blood pressure, you might be able to reduce or prevent symptoms.

• Drink more water, less alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and can lower blood pressure, even if you drink in moderation. Water, on the other hand, fights dehydration and increases blood volume.

• Pay attention to your body positions. Gently move from a prone or squatting to a standing position. Don't sit with your legs crossed.

  If you begin to get symptoms while standing, cross your thighs in a scissors fashion and squeeze, or put one foot on a ledge or chair and lean as far forward as possible. These moves encourage blood flow from your legs to your heart.

• Eat small, low-carb meals. To help prevent blood pressure from dropping sharply after meals, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

  Your doctor also might recommend drinking one or two strong cups of caffeinated coffee or tea with breakfast. Don't drink caffeine throughout the day because you will become less sensitive to caffeine, and caffeine can cause dehydration.

• Exercise regularly. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of exercise that raises your heart rate and resistance exercises two or three days a week. Avoid exercising in hot, humid conditions.