Side Effects and Symptoms of Dehydration

Dehydration ranges on  a scale from mild to severe, with symptoms and  consequences ranging in severity between those two extremes. In mild to moderate dehydration that can results from strenuous or prolonged activity, extended heat exposure, or illnesses and conditions that involve fluid loss ( high fever, vormiting, and/or diarrhoea), one of the first indications of the need for water is thirst.  Bear in mind and remember to drink your water before  you feel thirsty because if you wait for the first thirst signal to be triggered by your body, by then, you have already entered into 2 percent dehydration. as dehydration ensues, the following symptoms are commonly reported:
• Dry mouth
• Swollen tongue
• Fatigue
• Decrease in urination frequency
• Headache
• Dry skin
• Dizziness
• Hunger

  If the dehydration becomes severe, the signs and symptoms change to include indications that serious damage to the organs and systems is setting it. If you begin to experience these symptoms or are in the presence pf someone else exhibiting the symptoms, water should be consumed immediately, and you should seek emergency assistance. The following are symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration:
• Fever at or above 103℉
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing/ wheezing sound
• Chest pain or abdominal pain
• Fainting
• No urine for 12 hours or more.

Do You Function to Eat or Eat To Function?

Welcome!  I am the managing director of Healthy Wealth for Functional Survival (HWFS). My approach to survival is called Functional Survival (FS).

In Functional Survival, we don’t just focus on your symptoms. Symptoms are the tip of the iceberg; we go for the whole iceberg! I take a thorough history, listen carefully to your concerns, consider results of lab work, take in who you are, and where you are in your life, and come up with a plan to gradually help your whole body get back into balance so you feel better. I work with you using individually designed survival plans, and individually tailored workable programs to support your body in healing itself. Here are some things you might want to know about Healthy Wealth for Functional Survival (HWFS) if you are considering partnering with us for improving your health.

Let Us Make Health Easier

Healthy Wealth for Functional Survival (HWFS) removes many of the obstacles that make a healthy lifestyle hard to achieve. We know, that simply being handed a list of “do’s and don’ts” doesn’t cut it as far as making permanent, dietary shifts. We focus on helping you go from knowing what to do, to actually doing it, from “information to implementation”.

Let Us Keep Latest Update To Date

We always keep up to date on current research, controversy and practice. Research and experience tells us that most people derive great healthy wealth benefits from reducing or eliminating refined carbohydrates and sugar from their diets, and focusing on a diet of clean, wholesome foods. How one does this depends on individual needs and circumstances.

Let Us Help You Identify Your Unique Body’s Needs

In 1914, Dr. Daniel David Palmer noted that “When Educated and Innate Intelligences are able to converse with each other … (a possibility which a not very distant future may disclose) we shall be able to make a correct diagnosis.”


In the statement he referred to two kinds of intelligence available to determine the health status and guide the healing of a person — the “Educated” intelligence and the “Innate” intelligence. The Educated intelligence is what we acquire in school and through life experience. Innate intelligence we are all born with and resides in our body whether we recognize it or not.

Innate intelligence is what allows every living thing to adapt to its environment in order to survive. For example, a plant will turn itself toward the sun if placed on a windowsill. A baby’s heart beats and her small body digests and uses nutrients for growth, without being taught how to do these things.

We can support our innate abilities by eliminating things that are harmful to the body and adopting behaviors that are healing to the body. It’s also important to approach healing in the correct order. If you cut your hand in the garden, you would clean it first, then apply a salve and then bandage it. If these things are done in a different order, the healing process can be impaired.

Let us use laboratory, academic, and research knowledge as the basis for educated intelligence. Nutrition Response Testing allows us to tap into innate intelligence. At HWFS let us use both to determine the root cause of health challenges. Nutrition Response Testing also shows us the exact right order to approach the healing process. It’s exciting to see the amazing successes that our patients report to us every day at Healthy Wealth for Functional Survival (HWFS). If you are not a Nutrition Response Testing patient, the technique likely won’t help you. But if you are a Nutrition Response Testing patient, it is my experience that you can achieve powerful results!

HWFS is natural-based health care that is focused on building health by restoring proper physiological functioning of the body. When you have multiple symptoms, they are clues to the ways in which your body is not functioning the way it should be. Rather than suppress those symptoms with natural or pharmaceutical agents, we want to “read” those symptoms to understand which systems of your body need support to get back on track and get you healthy again.

By looking at your whole picture -- diet, symptoms, illness history, medications, lifestyle, stress, lab work, toxic exposure, history of antibiotic use, etc., we are able to put together an overall plan. That plan serves as a trail map of the nutrition your body needs to regain health and prevent illness.

What can a consultation can do for me?

Help you identify the exact nutrition your body needs to get well and stay well. You are unique and your nutritional plan should fit you, your body, and your situation.

Give you a solution focused, dietary road-map for improved health and well-being.

Provide you with a realistic plan and steps for making changes.

Familiarize you with purchasing and using foods that may be new to you.

Refer you, as needed to other health professionals.

Provide you with the highest quality, concentrated, whole food nutrition products based on your body’s needs.

What health issues can Functional Nutrition help?

Our clients have reported improvements in these and other conditions:

ADHD
Anemia
Arthritis
Brain / memory
Children’s behavioral problems
Chronic digestive problems
Chronic fatigue
Chronic pain
Depression
Diabetes (or risk)

Environmentally induced toxicity
Fibromyalgia
Gastric reflux
Headaches
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Irritable bowel
Joint pain
Lack of energy
Low thyroid
Menopausal changes
Migraines
Mood swings
PMS
Skin conditions
Weight

How to get started

The first step is to make an appointment for an initial evaluation. This is followed 1-3 days later by a “report-of-findings” visit in which we go over the evaluation, your health history and the recommendations.

How much does it cost anyone?

Initial consult & report-of-findings $260
Visits 1-3 (45-60 min, includes lab review) $190 per visit
Follow-up visits (20-30 min) $150 in office
$60 over phone
Extended visits $125 per 1/4 hour
Email consultations $125 per 1/4 hour
Dietary consultations $150 per half hour
$195 per hour
HRV testing & report $120

Dietary consultations

We offer dietary consultations only to our Nutrition Response Testing clients who need additional support in making dietary changes.

Further questions


If you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call: 9733 0932


Results
1. Judy, you’re a genius! The supplements you recommended worked. Within a few hours yesterday afternoon my black mood lifted, and today I felt great when I woke up and my joint pain is gone! - J.P.

2. I experienced a lot of inertia, feelings of overwhelm, digestive disturbances, weight gain around my middle, and numerous other symptoms. Judy gave me a program that right away had me feeling like my “real” self again. I have new energy, motivation, and enthusiasm for life. I lost 2” off my middle. When I went back over the symptom checklist 6 months later, I saw how many symptoms I used to have but have no longer. Thanks Judy! - L.M.

3. I am feeling better and better all the time! My digestion has improved and my sinuses are much better - they’ve never felt like this. I’m not getting sinus headaches or burning in my face. I didn’t know what it felt like to be this healthy! - D.C.

4. When I first came to Judy I was in and out of depression, had no motivation to do anything, and had terrible itching on my head and shins. I’d had hot flashes for five years that made it difficult to think and focus. I didn’t feel like exercising. Since working with Judy the hot flashes and itching are gone, I’ve joined an exercise club for women, and have built up muscle and improved my metabolism through exercise. My depression is gone and I have more control over emotional eating. - J.H.

5. I was feeling sluggish and slow, confused, forgetful, unmotivated, depressed—I suspected food allergies but lacked the mental clarity to identify them. After just five weeks, my mind is much clearer. I can get organized, prioritize; accomplish things I could only daydream about before. I have lost weight and feel more fit, and the “brain fog” is about gone! - J.L.


6. I had a bone density test in August of 2009 which showed Osteopenia. My doctor told me to take more calcium. Thank Heavens I made an appointment to see Judy Stone, thinking she could instruct me on foods high in calcium. Judy had me get tested and discovered that I’m Gluten-Intolerant, which (I’ve learned) is a major cause of Osteopenia. She had me start on a gluten-free diet and some supplements tailored for my needs so that I could absorb calcium and other nutrients better. Judy is very patient and makes sure you understand which foods to avoid and which ones will enhance your health. I noticed improvements in my health very soon: Digestive symptoms have improved; my mood is better (and I’m no longer jittery); I have more energy, fewer aches and pains (much decreased use of over-the-counter pain meds); my sinuses are healthier; and I sleep more restfully! -D.H.

7. When I first came to Judy I had low energy, was sluggish, and had a lot of colon and digestive issues. Within six weeks my energy is up, I’m coping with my allergies much better, and my colon is calming down. - A.Z.

8. For the last 4 to 5 months my 10-year-old son was tired, wanting to sleep a lot and had episodes of sudden stomach cramps. He’d get flush, hot and was just miserable. An episode would last 2-3 hours and he’d be even more tired afterwards. Since bringing him to Judy his sleep is much better—deeper and more restful—he’s more alert, has more energy and there’s an overall improvement in his mood and well-being. The stomach cramping episodes have stopped almost completely and if they do arise the episodes are much shorter and less intense and the recovery is much faster. My son says, “I like coming to visit Judy—it’s a good experience”. - R.S.

10. I was trying to eat “good” food but I was hungry all the time; I took vitamins and minerals but wasn’t sure how or if they were absorbing. After working with Judy I feel calmer than I have for years, and I’m not hungry all the time anymore. - S.K.

11. I felt tired all the time and had difficulty doing all I wanted to do, and was having pre-menopausal symptoms. After starting with the recommended supplements and making the suggested dietary changes I noticed an immediate improvement in my energy level. I’ve lost weight and am sleeping better. My pre-menopause symptoms are more manageable. - A.M.



12. I visited Judy for the first time just before Thanksgiving in 2009 with a primary goal of losing weight. After reading my health history, and hearing how my life was controlled by Colitis symptoms (I couldn’t leave the house until late in the morning and couldn’t go anywhere unless I knew there was a bathroom close by) Judy said that my first goal had to be addressing my colitis. She recommended that I avoid all grain products for a period of time so my gut could heal, and several other dietary changes, along with some supplements to calm the inflammation, repair the damage, and support my digestion. Everything she suggested was helpful to me. In three days my symptoms improved significantly which motivated me to continue with the diet. During the next 6 months, I had several setbacks and my colitis symptoms returned, but we worked with those, and each time the flare-ups were less severe and shorter-lasting. I have now been symptom-free for over 3 months but have been able to eat some grains again. For me avoiding gluten has not been too great a sacrifice because of the well-being that has resulted. Now I am used to feeling well and am better able to address my other nutritional goals. - D.D.

How much Water can Kidneys Process per hour?

Every hour, a healthy kidney at rest can excrete 800 to 1,000 milliliters, or 0.21 to 0.26 gallon, of water and therefore a person can drink water at a rate of 800 to 1,000 milliliters per hour without experiencing a net gain in water, Verbalis explains.

How Much Water Can a Human Process Per Hour?

While you may hear advertisements constantly encouraging you to drink more water every day, there is a point where drinking more water becomes harmful. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering water, but they have a limit as to how much they can filter during a certain time period. Exceed this amount, and you may experience symptoms of water intoxication, a condition that causes your cells to swell.

Healthy Individuals

When working optimally, your kidneys monitor the amount of minerals like sodium and potassium in your body as well as the amount of fluids. If you have no known kidney impairments, your kidneys can filter about 800 to 1,000 mL or 0.21 to 0.26 gallons of water every hour, according to “Scientific American.” Because one gallon equals 16 cups of water, you can drink about 4 cups of water every hour without causing a problem for your kidneys. However, there are some notable exceptions to these fluids recommendations if you have health conditions.

Kidney Disease


When you have kidney disease, your kidneys do not filter fluids and minerals as effectively as they once did. In this instance, your physician may recommend fluid restrictions to ensure you do not take in more than your kidneys can filter on an hourly basis. Your physician will determine your recommended intake depending upon the type of treatments you are undergoing, average daily urine output and if you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms like swelling. If you find you are gaining weight suddenly and have kidney disease, this can be a sign you are consuming too much fluid.

Athletes

At rest, the body filters about 0.21 to 0.26 gallons of water an hour. In motion, however, your body releases a substance called antidiuretic hormone that keeps your kidneys from filtering as much water. This hormone is helpful when you are exercising because you do not have to stop often and use the restroom. In terms of fluid replacement, however, the hormone can make things confusing. While you are drinking more water to replace fluids lost via sweat, your body is not working as efficiently to release the remaining water in your body. This can contribute to a condition known as hyponatremia, in which you have more water in your body than you have salts to balance it.

Symptoms


While each person’s water needs are different, if you are urinating clear to yellow-tinged urine and rarely feel thirsty, you are drinking enough water, according to MayoClinic.com. However, if you are drinking large amounts of water and experience symptoms like mental confusion, vomiting or sudden fatigue, these are all symptoms you have too much water in your body. Because this can lead to deadly brain swelling, seeking immediate treatment is vital to your health.

Praise for Water Cure

To our Creator: In Awe with Humility, Dedication and Love.

WATER CURE ( www.watercure.com  to view his health educational products online)

"One man's solution to soaring health costs: water."
Paul Harvey

"Thanks to Dr. Batmanghelidj. I put your book next to the bible and I read them both."
Dick Gregory

"Thanks again. You have truly made the world a better place."
Amazon.com Reviews

"The Greatest single Discovery in the History of the World."
Tevor James Constable
author, historian, lecturer, scientist.
Bordeland Quarterly Journal of Borderland Research

"The water principle has a convincing logic but turns much of current medical practice on its head. Does it work? You only have to turn on the water tap to find out."
The European, London, December 1995

"He is arguing for a new scientific approach that turns clinical medicine on its head."
The Daily Telegraph, London, England

"I was particularly stunned by Dr. Batmanghelidj's lucid description of how lack of water is the primary cause of hypertension, which affects 50 million Americans."
Julian Whitaker, M.D., Health & Healing

It is claimed that fish probably have no awareness of the presence of water ; this book shows we may have done little better. Mostly we have treated symptoms, and often wrongly at that , but masterpieces come into being to produce paradigm shifts. if we learn this one, we may arrest the course of our patients in their all too rapid going the way of all flesh."
Book Reviews, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

"The Greatest Health Discovery in the World."
Sam Biser, The University of Natural Healing

"After having read many of Dr. Batmanghelidj's recent works, including his jewel of a book, Your Body's Many cries for Water, it is very apparent that this work is revolutionary and sweeps nearly all diseases before it.  As an Internist/ cardiologist I find this work incisive, trenchant and fundamental. this work is a God Sent for all." 
Dan C. Roehm, M.D., F.A.C.P. (Fellow of the American College of Physicians)

"How like 'monkey mind' to bounce about, tying itself in knots with complex solutions while ignoring the profound significance of the simple! Circumstance helped Dr. Batmanghelidj perceive the elegant significance of one factor we too often overlook; water."
Jule Klotter, Townsend Letter for Doctors

"Dr.Batmanghelidj has researched the phenomenon of pain and water metabolism of the body. his research, published in various scientific journals, has led him to address pain as "proven but seldom recognized signal of local shortage of water in the body.'
The Rotarian

Doctor Finds Ulcer Remedy
"It started with a patient suffering unbearable ulcer pain one late night.  The Doctor treated him with 500 cubic centimeter of water. his pain became less severe and then disappeared completely. The physician was so impressed that he prescribed two glasses of water six times a day and achieved a "clinical" cure of the ulcer attack."
The New York Times "Science Watch"

"When Dr. Batmanghelidj thinks of a glass of water, he doesn't think of it as half full or half empty. He thinks of it as brimming over with the essential fluid of life. He thinks of it as the solvent of our ills and the deliverer of ripe old age. He thinks of it as the wave of the future."
The Washington Times

A Medical Atom Bomb!
"New! This book by a highly respected M.D. explodes a medical atom-bomb -- An entirely new paradigm for the cause and prevention of many degenerative disease! You owe it to yourself to read this incredible book!"
Nutri-Books

"The average American is woefully uninformed about water. Most people think they drink enough water, but they don't.  Dr. Batmanghelidj's book will create a tide of public opinion about the wonders of water."
The Connection Newspaper

"We have, he says in a new and highly controversial book, Your Body's many cries for water, forgotten how to respond to our numerous thirst signals. but if, instead of taking painkillers and medication, we just drank lots of ordinary tap water, we would probably find that not only the pain, but also the condition would go away for ever."
The Independent, London, England

"Stomach pains, migraines, allergies, asthma, and even arthritis may all be symptoms of dehydration that could easily be cured by a few more glasses of household tap water. But only drinking water when you are feeling thirsty will not provide you with enough, according to F. Batmanghelidj, whose controversial book, Your Body's many Cries for Water, sold tens of thousands of copies in the united States last year."
Daily Mail, London, England

"Dr. Batman's book are full of common sense and truthful medical advice. His suggested treatment of diseases goes to the roots, the cause of it and anyone who is fortunate enough to read them won't be disappointed with their purchase."
Laurence A. Malone, M.D., Ph.D., Dean for Academic Affairs, The Learning Center for College Sciences, Ohio

"I consider your insights some of the most amazing I have encountered in medicine. Sixteen years of private practice in OBG and 8 years as a GP have provided me with a perspective that appreciates the potentials of your proposals."
L.B. Works, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (Fellow Of The American College Of Obstetrics And Gynecology)

"The author, as a result of his extensive clinical and scientific research, concludes that the body possesses many different thirst signals. many different symptoms and signs of dehydration have until now been viewed as classical diseases of the body."
Frontier Perspectives,
The Center for Frontier Sciences at Temple University

"After many years of study and practicing medicine, it is both rewarding and refreshing to discover the solution to many degenerative conditions beautifully explained by Dr. Batmanghelidj in Your Body's Many Cries for Water. This type of information fills a void left from traditional education."
Robert Battle, M.D.

"Thank you for the timely advice on using the combination of water and salt to treat my asthma ... not only calmed my coughing but took it away.  Once again thank you so much for sharing such insights into complex problems."
Jose A. Rivera, M.D.

"It is a well written book and easy to understand. I think reading of this book should be made compulsory in all the Elementary, Middle and High Schools. It will prevent lots of illnesses and suffering at almost no additional costs."
Hiten Shah, M.D.,
San Jacinto Medical Clinic, CA.

"Batmanghelidj leads us through these entities point by point and weaves a magnificent tapestry if not possibly allopathic medicine's shroud -- we can't both be right."
The Bioron Connection

"Batmanghelidj's book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water, hits the nail on the head - period."
Arthur Moll, D.C.

Small press Selection:
"Your Body's Many Cries for Water, a health book authored by a doctor combining holistic and medical facts about the effects of water and its healing possibilities on many diseases. This book was
chosen since water is a topic that has increasing awareness in the marketplace and the author has credentials."
Jan Nathan, Executive Director,
Publishers Marketing Association

"Both these books, as well as the publishing firm, bring the sort of news that could change your life. Clinics and counter-claims aside, Dr. Batmanghelidj has really got hold of something."
The Book Reader


"No pills! No pain! No fooling! ARTHRITIC CURE IN YOUR KITCHEN. Doctor's discovery heals for pennies a day."
National Examiner, December 14, 1993

"Yours is the most elegant description of arthritis pain I've ever read!"
Perry A. Chapdelaine, Sr., M.A.
Executive Director,
The Arthritis Fund / The Rheumatoid Disease Foundation

"Dynamite! Your hypothesis is precisely the paradigm breakthrough that generates quantum leaps forward in disease etiology."
Edmund H. Handwerger, D.D.S., M.P.H. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) , (Master of Public Health)

"Batmanghelidj gives example of patients who have followed his advice using ordinary tap water with positive results in reduction of blood pressure, allergy relief and weight loss. He even goes so far as to link the lack of water with depression."
The Irish Times

"It does seem sensible to adhere to the logic of the natural and the simple in medicine as fostered in the book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water."
Monsignor Philip A. Gray

"The content of your book is a huge gulp of fresh air, and holds much hope for the human race!"
Judge John B. Morgan, California

"I consider Dr. Batman's information as God-sent. It is my prayer that you too will benefit from his pain-relieving and life-extension revelations."
Lloyd Palmer, Straws in the Wind Newsletter, February 1996

"He has successfully treated allergies, angina, arthritis, headaches, hypertension, ulcers and more with the simplest of solutions -- water."
Nexus Magazine, Australia, January 1996

"As his controversial book quietly gathers support worldwide, the doctor behind one of medicine's most extraordinary theories explains why he has turned his back on conventional wisdom to treat his patients with water, not drugs"
Daily Mail, UK, August 27, 2001

"Revolutionary medical breakthrough ; The slimming new water cure! Learn how to drink away 40 lbs."
Finola Hughes
All My Children TV series
Woman's World (cover)
September 4, 2001

"Dr. Batmanghelidj's discovery regarding water was critical to my recovery. I could not have recovered (from cancer) without it."
Lorraine Day, M.D.
Positive Press
Interview with Bob Butts





 

Dehydration Causes, Symptoms and Tips to Stay Hydrated

Our Body of Water
The majority of the body is made up of water with up to 75% of the
body's weight due to H2O. Most of the water is found within the
cells of the body (intracellular space). The rest is found in the
extracellular space, which consists of the blood vessels
(intravascular space) and the spaces between cells (interstitial
space).

What is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is
greater than the amount being taken in. The body is very dynamic
and always changing. This is especially true with water levels in
the body. We lose water routinely when we: 
>breathe and humidified air leaves the body; 
>sweat to cool the body; and
>urinate or have a bowel movement to rid the body of waste
products.

In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of
water to replace this routine loss.

Causes of Dehydration: Diarrhea.
Diarrhea is the most common reason a person loses excess
water. Diarrhea consists of unusually frequent or unusually liquid
bowel movements and excessive watery evacuations of fecal material. Persistent diarrhea is both uncomfortable and dangerous, as a significant amount of water can be lost with each
bowel movement. Worldwide, more than four million children die
each year because of dehydration from diarrhea.



Causes of Dehydration: Vomiting
Vomiting is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach, in which
the stomach has to overcome the pressures that are normally in
place to keep food and secretions within the stomach. The
stomach almost turns itself inside out - forcing itself into the
lower portion of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth
to the stomach) during a vomiting episode. Constant vomiting can
be a serious cause of fluid loss and it is difficult for a person to
replace water if they are unable to tolerate liquids.



Causes of Dehydration: Sweat
The body can lose significant amounts of water when it tries to
cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the
environment (for example, working in a warm environment),
intense exercising in a hot environment, or because a fever is
present due to an infection; the body uses a significant amount of
water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather
conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat
(one pound of water).



Causes of Dehydration: Diabetes
In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels cause sugar
to spill into the urine, and water then follows, which can cause
significant dehydration. For this reason, frequent urination and
excessive thirst are among the symptoms of diabetes.



Causes of Dehydration: Burns
The skin has an important role to play in the fluid and temperature
regulation of the body. If enough skin area is injured, the ability to maintain that control can be lost. Burn victims become
dehydrated because water seeps into the damaged skin. Other
inflammatory diseases of the skin are also associated with fluid
loss.



Causes of Dehydration: Inability to Drink Fluids
The inability to drink adequately is another potential cause of
dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the
lack of strength to drink adequate amounts, this, coupled with
routine or excessive amounts of water loss can compound the
degree of dehydration.



What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration?

The body's initial responses to dehydration are thirst to increase
water intake along with decreased urine output to try to conserve
water. The urine will become concentrated and more yellow in
color. As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can
become apparent, such as increased thirst, dry mouth, cessation
of tear production by the eyes, cessation of sweating , muscle
cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, and
lightheadedness (especially when standing). With severe
dehydration, confusion and weakness will occur as the brain and
other body organs receive less blood. Finally, coma and organ
failure will occur if the dehydration remains untreated.



How is Dehydration Diagnosed?
Dehydration is often a clinical diagnosis. Aside from diagnosing
the reason for dehydration, the health care professional's
examination of the patient will assess the level of dehydration.
Initial evaluations may include:
Mental status tests to evaluate whether the patient is awake,
alert, and oriented.
Vital sign assessments may include postural readings
(blood pressure and pulse rate are taken lying down and
standing). With dehydration, the pulse rate may increase and
the blood pressure may drop because the intravascular
space is depleted of water.
Temperature may be measured to assess fever.
Skin will be checked to see if sweat is present and to assess
the degree of elasticity. As dehydration progresses, the skin
loses its water content and becomes less elastic.
Infant evaluation: infants may have additional evaluations
performed, including checking for a soft spot on the skull
(sunken fontanelle), assessing the suck mechanism, muscle,tone, or loss of sweat in the armpits and groin.

Pediatric patients are often weighed during routine visits, thus a body weight measurement may be helpful in assessing how much water has been lost with the acute illness.
In some cases, blood tests to measure potential electrolyte abnormalities and urinalysis may be ordered to determine the level of dehydration in the patient.



How is Dehydration Treated?

Fluid replacement is the treatment for dehydration. This may be
attempted by replacing fluid by mouth, but if this fails, intravenous
fluid (IV) may be required. Should oral rehydration be attempted,
frequent small amounts of clear fluids should be used. 

Clear fluids include:

>water,
>clear broths,
>popsicles,
>Jell-O, and
>other replacement fluids that may contain electrolytes.

Can Dehydration Be Treated at Home?
Dehydration occurs over time. If it can be recognized in its earliest
stages, and if its cause can be addressed, then home treatment may be adequate. Steps a person can take at home to prevent
severe dehydration include:

>People with vomiting and diarrhea can try to alter their diet
and use water-cure-protocol formula to control symptoms to minimize water loss.

>Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to control fever.
Ibuprofen may irritate the stomach and cause nausea and
vomiting, so it should be used with caution in individuals
who already have these symptoms.

>Fluid replacements may be attempted by replacing fluid by mouth with frequent small amounts of clear fluids.

 If the individual becomes confused or lethargic; if there is
persistent, uncontrolled fever, vomiting, or diarrhea; or if there are
any other specific concerns, then medical care should be accessed. EMS or 911 should be activated for any person with altered mental status.



What Are the Complications of Dehydration?

Complications of dehydration may occur because of the
dehydration, and/or because of the underlying disease or situation
that causes the fluid loss. Complications that may occur include:
>kidney failure,

>coma,

>shock,

>heat-related illnesses (heat exhaustion or heat stroke), and

>electrolyte abnormalities.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #1

Plan ahead and take extra water to all outdoor events where
increased sweating, activity, and heat stress will increase fluid
loss. Encourage athletes and people who work outside to replace
fluids at a rate that equals the loss.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #2

Check weather forecasts for high heat index days. When
temperatures are high, avoid exercise, outdoor exposure, and plan
events that must occur outside during times of the day when
temperatures are lower.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #3

The young and elderly are most at risk of dehydration. Ensure that
older people, infants, and children have adequate drinking water or
fluids available and assist them as necessary. Encourage
individuals who are incapacitated or impaired to drink plenty of
water and assure they are provided with adequate fluids.
During heat waves, attempts should be made to check on the elderly in their homes. During the Chicago heat wave of 1995, more than 600 people died in their homes from heat exposure.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #4

Avoid alcohol consumption, especially when it is very hot, because
alcohol increases water loss and impairs your ability to recognize
early signs associated with dehydration. 



Dehydration Prevention Tip #5

Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing if you must be
outdoors when it is hot outside. Drink plenty of water and carry a
personal fan or mister to cool yourself.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #6

Break up your exposure to hot temperatures. Find air-conditioned
or shady areas and allow yourself to cool between exposures.
Taking someone into a cooled area for even a couple of hours
each day will help prevent the cumulative effects of high heat
exposure.



Dehydration Prevention Tip #7

Know the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat rash, heat
exhaustion, and heat stroke. Preventing dehydration is one step to
avoid these conditions.



Dehydration At A Glance

>The body needs water to function.

>Dehydration occurs when water intake is less than water loss.

>Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening.

>Prevention is the important first step in treating dehydration.

>The young and the elderly are especially susceptible to
dehydration.

How is dehydration diagnosed?

Dehydration is often a clinical diagnosis. Aside from diagnosing the reason for dehydration, the health care professional's examination of the patient will assess the level of dehydration. Initial evaluations may include:

Mental status tests to evaluate whether the patient is awake, alert, and oriented. Infants and children may appear listless and have whiny cries and decreased muscle tone.


Vital signs may include postural readings (blood pressure and pulse rate are taken lying down and standing). With dehydration, the pulse rate may increase and the blood pressure may drop because the blood is depleted of fluid. People taking beta blocker medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, or other indications, occasionally lose the ability to increase their heart rate as a compensation mechanism since these medications block the adrenaline receptors in the body.

Temperature may be measured to assess fever. While it is common to measure temperature in the ear (tympanic) or by mouth (orally), a rectal thermometer may be used to assess core body temperature if the patient appears warm, but no fever is noted tympanically or orally.

Skin may be checked to see if sweat is present and to assess the degree of elasticity (turgor). As dehydration progresses, the skin loses its water content and becomes less elastic. The amount of sweat is often felt in the armpit or groin, two areas that tend to have moisture normally.

The mouth can become dry and the health care professional may look at or feel the tongue to see how wet it is.

Infants may have additional evaluations performed, including checking for a soft spot on the skull (sunken fontanelle), and assessing the suck mechanism, loss of sweat in the armpits and groin, and muscle tone. All are signs of potential significant dehydration.

Pediatric patients are often weighed during routine child visits, thus a body weight measurement may be helpful in assessing how much water has been lost with the acute illness. This is very rough estimate because all scales are not the same, and for infants and children, it is important to know what clothing they were wearing when the original weight was taken.

Laboratory testing

The purpose of blood tests is to assess potential electrolyte abnormalities (including sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide levels) associated with the dehydration. Other tests may or may not be ordered depending upon the underlying cause of dehydration, the severity of illness, and the health care professional's assessment of their needs and resources available.

Other blood tests may be helpful in determining the level of dehydration. Hemoglobin and red blood cell counts may be elevated because the blood is more concentrated with water loss from the intravascular space.

Kidney function tests including BUN and creatinine may be elevated, and this is one way of measuring the severity of dehydration.

Urinalysis may be ordered to determine urine concentration; the more concentrated the urine, the more dehydrated the patient.

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low blood pressure (hypotension) would seem to be something to strive for. However, for many people, low blood pressure can cause symptoms of dizziness and fainting. In severe cases, low blood pressure can be life-threatening.

Although blood pressure varies from person to person, a blood pressure reading of 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or less systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) or 60 mm Hg or less diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is generally considered low blood pressure.


The causes of low blood pressure can range from dehydration to serious medical or surgical disorders. Low blood pressure is treatable, but it's important to find out what's causing your condition so that it can be properly treated.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure in your arteries during the active and resting phases of each heartbeat. Here's what the numbers mean:

Systolic pressure. The first (top) number in a blood pressure reading, this is the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood through your arteries to the rest of your body.

Diastolic pressure. The second (bottom) number in a blood pressure reading, this refers to the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

Current guidelines identify normal blood pressure as lower than 120/80 mm Hg.

Although you can get an accurate blood pressure reading at any given time, blood pressure isn't always the same. It can vary considerably in a short amount of time — sometimes from one heartbeat to the next, depending on body position, breathing rhythm, stress level, physical condition, medications you take, what you eat and drink, and even time of day. Blood pressure is usually lowest at night and rises sharply on waking.

Blood pressure: How low can you go?

What's considered low blood pressure for you may be normal for someone else. Most doctors consider chronically low blood pressure too low only if it causes noticeable symptoms.

Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic — you need to have only one number in the low range for your blood pressure to be considered lower than normal. In other words, if your systolic pressure is a perfect 115, but your diastolic pressure is 50, you're considered to have lower than normal pressure.

A sudden fall in blood pressure also can be dangerous. A change of just 20 mm Hg — a drop from 110 systolic to 90 mm Hg systolic, for example — can cause dizziness and fainting when the brain fails to receive an adequate supply of blood.

And big plunges, especially those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening.

Athletes and people who exercise regularly tend to have lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate than do people who aren't as fit. So, in general, do nonsmokers and people who eat a healthy diet and maintain a normal weight.

But in some rare instances, low blood pressure can be a sign of serious, even life-threatening disorders.

Conditions that can cause low blood pressure

Some medical conditions can cause low blood pressure. These include:

Pregnancy. Because a woman's circulatory system expands rapidly during pregnancy, blood pressure is likely to drop. This is normal, and blood pressure usually returns to your pre-pregnancy level after you've given birth.

Heart problems. Some heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure include extremely low heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve problems, heart attack and heart failure.

These conditions may cause low blood pressure because they prevent your body from being able to circulate enough blood.

Endocrine problems. Thyroid conditions — such as parathyroid disease — adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and, in some cases, diabetes can trigger low blood pressure.

Dehydration. When you become dehydrated, your body loses more water than it takes in. Even mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration.

Far more serious is hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching your tissues. If untreated, severe hypovolemic shock can cause death within a few minutes or hours.

Blood loss. Losing a lot of blood from a major injury or internal bleeding reduces the amount of blood in your body, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Severe infection (septicemia). Septicemia can happen when an infection in the body enters the bloodstream. This condition can lead to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure called septic shock.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include foods, certain medications, insect venoms and latex. Anaphylaxis can cause breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a drop in blood pressure.

Lack of nutrients in your diet. A lack of the vitamins B-12 and folate can cause a condition in which your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells (anemia), causing low blood pressure.

Medications that can cause low blood pressure

Some medications you may take can also cause low blood pressure, including:

>Diuretics (water pills), such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Oretic)

>Alpha blockers, such as prazosin (Minipress) and labetalol

>Beta blockers, such as atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL, others) and timolol

>Drugs for Parkinson's disease, such as pramipexole (Mirapex) or those containing levodopa

>Certain types of antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants), including doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil) and trimipramine (Surmontil)

>Sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis), particularly in combination with the heart medication nitroglycerin
Types of low blood pressure

Doctors often break down low blood pressure (hypotension) into different categories, depending on the causes and other factors. Some types of low blood pressure include:

Low blood pressure on standing up (orthostatic, or postural, hypotension). This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting position or if you stand up after lying down.

Ordinarily, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs whenever you stand. Your body compensates for this by increasing your heart rate and constricting blood vessels, thereby ensuring that enough blood returns to your brain.

But in people with orthostatic hypotension, this compensating mechanism fails and blood pressure falls, leading to symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision and even fainting.

Orthostatic hypotension can occur for a variety of reasons, including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, diabetes, heart problems, burns, excessive heat, large varicose veins and certain neurological disorders.

A number of medications also can cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly drugs used to treat high blood pressure — diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors — as well as antidepressants and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease and erectile dysfunction.

Orthostatic hypotension is especially common in older adults, with as many as 20 percent of those older than age 65 experiencing orthostatic hypotension.

But orthostatic hypotension can also affect young, otherwise healthy people who stand up suddenly after sitting with their legs crossed for long periods or after working for a time in a squatting position.

Low blood pressure after eating (postprandial hypotension). Postprandial hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure after eating. It affects mostly older adults.

Just as gravity pulls blood to your feet when you stand, a large amount of blood flows to your digestive tract after you eat.

Ordinarily, your body counteracts this by increasing your heart rate and constricting certain blood vessels to help maintain normal blood pressure. But in some people these mechanisms fail, leading to dizziness, faintness and falls.

Postprandial hypotension is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Lowering the dose of blood pressure drugs and eating small, low-carbohydrate meals may help reduce symptoms.

Low blood pressure from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension). This disorder causes blood pressure to drop after standing for long periods, leading to signs and symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and fainting.

Neurally mediated hypotension mostly affects young people, and it seems to occur because of a miscommunication between the heart and the brain.

When you stand for extended periods, your blood pressure falls as blood pools in your legs. Normally, your body then makes adjustments to normalize your blood pressure.

But in people with neurally mediated hypotension, nerves in the heart's left ventricle actually signal the brain that blood pressure is too high, rather than too low.

As a result, the brain lessens the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure even further. This causes more blood to pool in the legs and less blood to reach the brain, leading to light-headedness and fainting.

Low blood pressure due to nervous system damage (multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension). Also called Shy-Drager syndrome, this rare disorder causes progressive damage to the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and digestion.

Although this condition can be associated with muscle tremors, slowed movement, problems with coordination and speech, and incontinence, its main characteristic is severe orthostatic hypotension in combination with very high blood pressure when lying down.

Symptoms. 

 For some people, low blood pressure can signal an underlying problem, especially when it drops suddenly or is accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting (syncope)
Lack of concentration
Blurred vision
Nausea
Cold, clammy, pale skin
Rapid, shallow breathing
Fatigue
Depression
Thirst

When to see a doctor

In many instances, low blood pressure isn't serious. If you have consistently low readings but feel fine, your doctor is likely to monitor you during routine exams.

Even occasional dizziness or light-headedness may be a relatively minor problem — the result of mild dehydration from too much time in the sun or a hot tub, for example. In these situations, it's not a matter so much of how far, but of how quickly, your blood pressure drops.

Still, it's important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of hypotension because they sometimes can point to more-serious problems. It can be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and what you were doing at the time.

RISK FACTORS

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur in anyone, though certain types of low blood pressure are more common depending on your age or other factors:

>Age. Drops in blood pressure on standing or after eating occur primarily in adults older than 65. Orthostatic, or postural, hypotension happens after standing up, while postprandial hypotension happens after eating a meal.

Neurally mediated hypotension happens as a result of a miscommunication between the brain and heart. It primarily affects children and younger adults.

>Medications. People who take certain medications, such as high blood pressure medications like alpha blockers, have a greater risk of low blood pressure.


>Certain diseases. Parkinson's disease, diabetes and some heart conditions put you at a greater risk of developing low blood pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

Even moderate forms of low blood pressure can cause not only dizziness and weakness but also fainting and a risk of injury from falls.

And severely low blood pressure from any cause can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its normal functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain.

No special preparations are necessary to have your blood pressure checked. You might want to wear a short-sleeved shirt to your appointment so that the blood pressure cuff can fit around your arm properly.

Don't stop taking any prescription medications that you think may affect your blood pressure without your doctor's advice.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

>Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet for a blood test.

>Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to low blood pressure.

>Write down key personal information, including a family history of low blood pressure and any major stresses or recent life changes.

>Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.

>Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

>Be prepared to discuss your diet and exercise habits. If you don't already follow a diet or exercise routine, be ready to talk to your doctor about any challenges you might face in getting started.

>Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For low blood pressure, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?

What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?

What kinds of tests will I need?

What's the most appropriate treatment?

What foods should I eat or avoid?

What's an appropriate level of physical activity for me?

How often should I be screened for low blood pressure?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?

Should I see a specialist?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for me?

Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask any other questions you may think of during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

When did you begin experiencing symptoms?

Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

How severe are your symptoms?

What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?

What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Have you been diagnosed with any other health conditions?

What medications are you currently taking?

What is your typical daily diet?

How much exercise do you get in an average week?

Do you have a family history of heart disease?

The goal in testing for low blood pressure is to find the underlying cause. This helps determine the correct treatment and identify any heart, brain or nervous system problems that may cause lower than normal readings. To reach a diagnosis, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Blood pressure test. Blood pressure is measured with an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge.

A blood pressure reading, given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), has two numbers. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure). The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure).

Blood tests. These can provide information about your overall health as well as whether you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia or diabetes) or a low number of red blood cells (anemia), all of which can cause lower than normal blood pressure.

Electrocardiogram (ECG). During this painless, noninvasive test, soft, sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to the skin of your chest, arms and legs. The patches detect your heart's electrical signals while a machine records them on graph paper or displays them on a screen.

An ECG, which can be performed in your doctor's office, detects irregularities in your heart rhythm, structural abnormalities in your heart, and problems with the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart muscle. It can also tell if you're having a heart attack or if you've had a heart attack in the past.

Sometimes, heart rhythm abnormalities come and go, and an ECG won't find any problems. If this happens, you may be asked to wear a 24-hour Holter monitor to record your heart's electrical activity as you go about your daily routine.

Echocardiogram. This noninvasive exam, which includes an ultrasound of your chest, shows detailed images of your heart's structure and function.

Ultrasound waves are transmitted, and their echoes are recorded with a device called a transducer, which is held outside your body. A computer uses the information from the transducer to create moving images on a video monitor.

Stress test. Some heart problems that can cause low blood pressure are easier to diagnose when your heart is working harder than when it's at rest. During a stress test, you'll exercise, such as walking on a treadmill. You may be given medication to make your heart work harder if you're unable to exercise.

When your heart is working harder, your heart will be monitored with electrocardiography or echocardiography. Your blood pressure also may be monitored.

Valsalva maneuver. This noninvasive test checks the functioning of your autonomic nervous system by analyzing your heart rate and blood pressure after several cycles of a type of deep breathing: You take a deep breath and then force the air out through your lips, as if you were trying to blow up a stiff balloon.

Tilt table test. If you have low blood pressure on standing, or from faulty brain signals (neurally mediated hypotension), your doctor may suggest a tilt table test, which evaluates how your body reacts to changes in position.

During the test, you lie on a table that's tilted to raise the upper part of your body, which simulates the movement from horizontal to a standing position.

In a tilt table test, you lie on a table that adjusts your body position from horizontal to vertical to simulate standing up. The test can tell your doctor if faulty brain signals are causing low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure that either doesn't cause signs or symptoms or causes only mild symptoms, such as brief episodes of dizziness when standing, rarely requires treatment.

If you have symptoms, the most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause, and doctors usually try to address the primary health problem — dehydration, heart failure, diabetes or hypothyroidism, for example — rather than the low blood pressure itself.

When low blood pressure is caused by medications, treatment usually involves changing the dose of the medication or stopping it entirely.

If it's not clear what's causing low blood pressure or no effective treatment exists, the goal is to raise your blood pressure and reduce signs and symptoms. Depending on your age, health status and the type of low blood pressure you have, you can do this in several ways:

Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet because sodium can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically. For people with low blood pressure, that can be a good thing.

But because excess sodium can lead to heart failure, especially in older adults, it's important to check with your doctor before increasing the salt in your diet.

Drink more water. Although nearly everyone can benefit from drinking enough water, this is especially true if you have low blood pressure.

Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.

Wear compression stockings. The same elastic stockings commonly used to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs.

Compression stockings, also called support stockings, compress your legs, promoting circulation. A stocking butler may help you put on the stockings.

Medications. Several medications, either used alone or together, can be used to treat low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension).

For example, the drug fludrocortisone is often used to treat this form of low blood pressure. This drug helps boost your blood volume, which raises blood pressure.

Doctors often use the drug midodrine (Orvaten) to raise standing blood pressure levels in people with chronic orthostatic hypotension. It works by restricting the ability of your blood vessels to expand, which raises blood pressure.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Depending on the reason for your low blood pressure, you may be able to take certain steps to help reduce or even prevent symptoms. Some suggestions include:

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

Follow a healthy diet. Get all the nutrients you need for good health by focusing on a variety of foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean chicken and fish.

If your doctor suggests using more salt but you don't like a lot of salt on your food, try using natural soy sauce or adding dry soup mixes to dips and dressings.

Go slowly when changing body positions. You may be able to reduce the dizziness and lightheadedness that occur with low blood pressure on standing by taking it easy when you move from a prone to a standing position.

Before getting out of bed in the morning, breathe deeply for a few minutes and then slowly sit up before standing. Sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated also can help fight the effects of gravity.

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 maneuvers encourage blood to 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 may recommend drinking caffeinated coffee or tea with meals to temporarily raise blood pressure. But because caffeine can cause other problems, check with your doctor before drinking more caffeinated beverages.