Dietary Strategies: What to Eat with Low Diastolic Pressure

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, a diastolic reading below 60 mm Hg is considered low and may require attention. Understanding what to eat with low diastolic pressure is a key part of managing your health, as dietary changes can have a significant impact on stabilizing blood pressure levels.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of dietary and lifestyle adjustments to manage low diastolic pressure. It covers foods and nutrients that can help raise blood pressure, hydration strategies, and foods to limit. Practical advice and a comparative table are included to help readers make informed choices.

Key Points

Increase Fluid Intake: Staying well-hydrated increases blood volume and is a primary defense against low blood pressure, especially when dehydration is a factor.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Consuming smaller meals throughout the day can prevent the post-meal drop in blood pressure that often occurs after large, heavy meals.
Consume B12 and Folate: Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anemia, which contributes to low blood pressure; eggs, lean meats, lentils, and leafy greens are good sources.
Consider Moderate Salt Intake: For some, a doctor-guided increase in sodium can help, but this is a strategy for careful, short-term management, not a long-term solution.
Manage with Lifestyle Changes: Beyond diet, remember to change positions slowly, consider compression stockings, and stay active to help manage blood pressure symptoms.

Understanding Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

Low diastolic blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when the force on artery walls between heartbeats is lower than normal. This can be particularly concerning because the heart muscle receives oxygenated blood during this diastolic phase. If the pressure is too low, the heart may not get sufficient blood flow, potentially leading to long-term issues. The optimal blood pressure is generally considered less than 120/80 mm Hg, with a diastolic reading below 60 mm Hg indicating low pressure. Causes can include aging, certain medications, dehydration, heart conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.

Symptoms and Risks

While some people can have naturally low blood pressure without symptoms, others may experience fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or fainting. The risk of falls and injuries increases with these symptoms, especially in older adults. Chronic low diastolic pressure can weaken the heart over time and may increase the risk of heart failure. A doctor may diagnose this condition with a standard blood pressure test and may perform further tests to determine the underlying cause.

Dietary Strategies to Manage Low Diastolic Pressure

Making informed dietary choices is a practical step toward managing low diastolic blood pressure. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes, particularly concerning salt and medication adjustments.

Increase Fluid and Sodium Intake

One of the most immediate ways to address low blood pressure, especially when caused by dehydration, is to increase fluid intake. Dehydration reduces blood volume, which can cause pressure to drop. Aim to drink more water throughout the day. A moderate increase in sodium can also help raise blood pressure by encouraging the body to retain more water. While excessive sodium intake is typically discouraged, a doctor might recommend a temporary adjustment for those with low blood pressure. Good sources of moderate salt include:

Olives
Canned soups and tuna (choose options wisely for overall health)
Cottage cheese
Pickled foods

Consume B-Vitamins and Folate

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) can lead to a type of anemia that contributes to low blood pressure. Incorporating foods rich in these nutrients can be beneficial.

Vitamin B12-rich foods: Eggs, animal meats (lean cuts), fortified cereals, and low-fat dairy.
Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), lentils, beans, asparagus, and citrus fruits.

Other Beneficial Foods and Substances

Caffeine: Coffee or caffeinated tea can temporarily boost blood pressure by stimulating the heart. It's a short-term fix and should be used with caution, as it can also cause dehydration.
Small, Frequent Meals: Large meals can cause a significant drop in blood pressure as the body works to digest them. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent this postprandial hypotension.
Licorice Root: Some sources suggest that licorice root can help with low blood pressure related to low cortisol levels, but this should be discussed with a doctor due to potential side effects.
Soaked Almonds: A traditional remedy involves soaking almonds overnight, grinding them into a paste, and mixing with warm milk. While more research is needed, it provides nutrients that support overall heart health.

Comparison of Dietary Strategies for Low Diastolic Pressure


Strategy	Mechanism	Food Examples	Considerations
Increase Fluids	Increases blood volume to raise pressure.	Water, fruit juices, electrolyte drinks.	Essential for dehydration-related issues. Avoid excessive alcohol.
Moderate Salt	Promotes water retention, increasing blood volume.	Olives, canned soups, cottage cheese.	Should be moderated and guided by a doctor. Not a long-term solution.
High B12 & Folate	Corrects anemia, a potential cause of low BP.	Eggs, lean meat, fortified cereals, legumes, leafy greens.	Addresses an underlying nutritional deficiency.
Smaller Meals	Prevents post-meal blood pressure drops.	Eating 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large ones.	A behavioral change that can have immediate effects.

Lifestyle Adjustments Beyond Diet

Diet is one piece of the puzzle. Other lifestyle factors play a significant role in managing low diastolic pressure.

Modify Medication: If you are on blood pressure medication that is causing your diastolic pressure to fall too low, a doctor may adjust your dosage or switch to a different medication.
Slow Position Changes: Moving from sitting or lying down to standing too quickly can cause orthostatic hypotension. Rise slowly to avoid dizziness and fainting.
Wear Compression Stockings: These can help improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs, which can affect blood pressure.
Regular Exercise: A doctor can recommend a safe exercise program that helps stabilize overall blood pressure. Consistent physical activity promotes good circulation and heart health.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach

When addressing what to eat with low diastolic pressure, a balanced and informed approach is most effective. Dietary strategies like increasing fluid and moderate sodium intake, along with consuming B-vitamins and folate, can significantly help. Combining these with lifestyle adjustments such as careful medication management, slow position changes, and regular exercise is key to long-term success. Always consult a healthcare provider before making substantial changes to your diet or treatment plan. A holistic strategy ensures you are managing symptoms and supporting your heart health in a safe, sustainable way. For more comprehensive heart health guidance, consider exploring reliable resources such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

A diastolic blood pressure reading of less than 60 mm Hg is generally considered low. While not always a problem, it can be a sign of an underlying issue, particularly if accompanied by symptoms.

Yes, drinking more water helps combat dehydration, which is a common cause of low blood pressure. Proper hydration increases blood volume, which can help raise blood pressure levels.

You should only increase your salt intake under a doctor's supervision. While salt can help raise blood pressure, excessive amounts can cause other health problems. A moderate, temporary increase may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

Vitamins B12 and folate (B9) are particularly important. Deficiencies in these can lead to anemia, a condition that can contribute to low blood pressure. Foods like eggs, lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals are good sources.

Caffeine can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure, offering a short-term solution. However, it is not a long-term treatment and can cause dehydration if not managed properly.

It is often recommended to avoid large, heavy meals, as they can cause a blood pressure drop after eating. Also, be mindful of excessive alcohol, which can cause dehydration and lower blood pressure.

You should see a doctor if you experience frequent symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, or if your blood pressure reading is consistently low. Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of shock, such as cold, clammy skin or rapid, shallow breathing.