Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, or PAH, is a condition in which the blood pressure in your lungs elevates due to excessive constriction of the pulmonary arteries. This results in a lack of oxygen to the body, which may further cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. This is a chronic disease, and the severity of the symptoms largely depends on the type of lifestyle led by the person.

There are some foods that can help ease the symptoms of PAH. Some of these are described as follows:

1. Iron-rich foods
One of the leading causes of PAH symptoms is lack of iron. Since PAH restricts the blood vessels, it hinders the flow of oxygen to the lungs and other parts of the body. When the blood receives that right amount of iron, it helps increase the number of red blood cells, which also increases the amount of oxygen being absorbed in the blood. Foods such as red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, quinoa, and shellfish are said to be rich in iron and must be included in your diet if you are suffering from PAH.

2. Vitamin C
Foods that are rich in vitamin C are nourishing for people with PAH. This is because such people are often recommended to increase their iron consumption. Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, helps the blood absorb iron more effectively. Vitamin C-rich foods include tomatoes, kiwis, oranges, broccoli as well as red and yellow peppers.

3. Garlic
Garlic contains a chemical compound called allicin which is said to effectively widen the blood vessels of the body. This ultimately helps in lowering the blood pressure of the body, thereby lowering the symptoms associated with PAH. Adding extra cloves of raw or cooked garlic to your food will not only reduce PAH but will also add extra flavor to your meals.

4. Anti-inflammatory foods
Certain foods that are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, or compounds like lycopene are said to be anti-inflammatory in nature. Consuming these foods can help strengthen your blood vessels and improve their elasticity and flexibility. This increases blood flow, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches all parts of the body. Some popular anti-inflammatory foods are blueberries, dark chocolate, salmon, watermelons as well as olive oil.

5. Heart-healthy foods
Any disease or condition that increases blood pressure causes some damage to heart health. When the blood pressure rises, the heart needs to work harder than usual to circulate blood throughout the body, which adds a lot of stress to the heart muscles as well as the arterial walls of the arteries closer to the heart. Consuming foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, as well as reducing consumption of dairy products, can go a long way in improving heart health in people suffering from PAH.