Today my family bought some kudzu root powder to eat, and I also wanted to try it. However, I have low blood pressure and I would like to ask if it's safe for me to consume kudzu root powder?
Can people with low blood pressure eat kudzu root powder?
It is not recommended to eat kudzu root powder.
Kudzu root powder is a starch extracted from the root of the kudzu plant. It contains components such as puerarin, which can help dilate coronary arteries, increase coronary blood flow, improve blood circulation, and reduce vascular resistance. It can help lower blood pressure to a certain extent. However, for people with low blood pressure, consuming kudzu root powder may further decrease blood pressure and cause discomfort. Therefore, it is recommended that people with low blood pressure avoid consuming kudzu root powder.
What happens if people with low blood pressure eat kudzu root powder?
In general, if people with low blood pressure consume a small amount of kudzu root powder, there may not be much effect. However, if a large amount is consumed or if the blood pressure is already low, it may cause symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, and palpitations, which are common low blood pressure reactions.
What should people with low blood pressure do if they eat kudzu root powder?
1. Stop consuming kudzu root powder.
If people with low blood pressure have consumed a small amount of kudzu root powder and there are no significant effects, they can simply stop consuming it and closely monitor their physical condition.
2. Increase water intake.
If people with low blood pressure experience symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations after consuming kudzu root powder, it is recommended to drink more water. On one hand, this can dilute the concentration of kudzu root powder and prevent symptoms from worsening. On the other hand, increased water intake can increase blood volume, thereby helping to raise blood pressure and alleviate symptoms.
3. Seek medical attention.
If people with low blood pressure experience severe discomfort after consuming kudzu root powder and self-relief measures are not effective, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention to avoid worsening of the condition.
Who should not consume kudzu root powder?
1. People with hypoglycemia.
The puerarin in kudzu root powder also has a certain hypoglycemic effect. Consuming kudzu root powder may lower blood sugar levels in people with hypoglycemia, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations.
2. Pregnant women.
Kudzu root powder has a sweet taste and cooling nature. Pregnant women have a special constitution, and consuming kudzu root powder during pregnancy may stimulate the stomach and affect the health of both the mother and the fetus.
3. People with deficiency-cold in the stomach.
People with deficiency-cold in the stomach should not consume kudzu root powder because of its cooling nature. It may worsen the internal coldness, aggravate gastrointestinal irritation, and cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loose stools.
What foods are good for low blood pressure symptoms?
1. Foods that tonify the spleen and kidneys.
Such as lotus seeds, longan, jujube, mulberry, etc. These foods have the effects of nourishing the heart, promoting blood production, and tonifying the spleen and brain. Eating more of these foods can help enhance physical fitness and alleviate low blood pressure symptoms.
2. Foods rich in iron.
Such as pork liver, lean meat, milk, egg yolks, fish, and shrimp. These foods can help replenish blood volume, increase cardiac output, and also help raise blood pressure and alleviate discomfort caused by low blood pressure.
3. Moderate intake of salt and cholesterol.
People with low blood pressure can consume a moderate amount of salt (12-15 grams per day) and foods rich in cholesterol, such as liver, eggs, and cream. These foods can help increase cholesterol levels, increase arterial tension, and contribute to raising blood pressure.
