Have low blood pressure due to dehydration: How to hydrate?

Posted by khelves @khelves, 1 day ago

I'm 16yrs and about 5'3. I do a lot of biking and sweat a lot because of it. I've been dehydrated for years and now am having what seems to be low blood pressure because of it. I was wondering if anyone has ideas for getting re-hydrated. I can't seem to drink enough water. I've done electrolytes, and it helps enough to make a noticeable difference, but it just doesn't last long. I don't like drinking electrolytes every day, or even once a week. I don't know what to do, or if this is actually a problem. If you have any questions, please ask me.

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Profile picture for ruth36 @ruth36

I am a much older person, but I have low blood pressure and I know for a fact, the majority of the problem is I don’t drink enough water. But you could try eating watermelon, Jell-O, And soups to get more liquid liquids in your body Along with drinking more water..
I am going to try and follow my advice to you for myself also. 😉
But it’s also a good idea to keep a log of your blood pressure. Hopefully you have a blood pressure machine at home.

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@ruth36 I don't so I have to do the math way for finding blood pressure...

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@khelves Welcome to Mayo Connect - when the poster said "You should be under a doctor's care for this" they meant that the inability to stay hydrated, in spite of drinking enough water, can mean there is an underlying physical cause for your low blood pressure. We are not doctors, but even a doctor would not try to give you a diagnosis without examining you. A physical with some lab tests can lead to the answer.

At 16, have you made your adults aware of the problem? Have you seen a provider for a full exam - I don't mean Urgent Care or the Emergency Room - they are just there to handle the immediate issue, and would just tell you to go see your doctor. If you do not have medical insurance, find a Teen Clinic in your area that can help you.

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@sueinmn yes, I have mentioned that I thought I had low blood pressure to mom based on a school PE blood pressure assignment, but it seemed not to matter because I am often-ish/ do things that make me sore or such things and it usually isn't a problem, and she seemed to also think so, and we haven't talked about it.

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Profile picture for khelves @khelves

I'm 16yrs and about 5'3. I do a lot of biking and sweat a lot because of it. I've been dehydrated for years and now am having what seems to be low blood pressure because of it. I was wondering if anyone has ideas for getting re-hydrated. I can't seem to drink enough water. I've done electrolytes, and it helps enough to make a noticeable difference, but it just doesn't last long. I don't like drinking electrolytes every day, or even once a week. I don't know what to do, or if this is actually a problem. I've posted this somewhere else and someone said, "You should be under a doctor's care for this" but hasn't said what they mean. If you have any questions, please ask. I'll let you know if I don't want to answer.

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@khelves
My son is 16, 6’ tall and 160 pounds. He also has low blood pressure (has a heart defect). He get migraines as well. His cardiologist and neurologist recommended he drink 50% of his weight in ounces of water each day (minimum) and add electrolytes like LMNT brand to help retain fluids in body. We don’t use the full packet of electrolytes. We add only about 1/4-1/2 of the packet to 32-40 ounce bottles (he doesn’t like too much of the electrolytes because it can be too salty).

The doctors also recommended taking magnesium and omega 3 supplements.

You may want to see your primary doctor to talk about feeling dehydrated and to get bloodwork done to check everything. You could also see a nutritionist/dietitian to review diet/supplements and determine if it would be good to adjust anything.

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