Overview
Coffee, an international sensation is a popular stimulant and consumed widely around the world. Though beneficial to those around us, drinking coffee is not always recommended and it is even fewer cases among those who have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can be caused by many factors and thus drinking coffee, a widely consumed beverage, can aggravate this condition. This article aims to discuss the risks associated with drinking coffee for those with high blood pressure, view perspectives from experts and educate the reader.
The Need-To-Know
When you have high blood pressure, it means that your heart is working harder than usual to pump blood throughout your body. This force on the arteries can lead to numerous health issues if left untreated. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most common chronic conditions seen by doctors. Without proper management, a person with high blood pressure is at greater risk for stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. In addition, having uncontrolled hypertension can cause stress and anxiety.
Caffeine is considered a diuretic, which means it increases urination. After drinking coffee, it increases the amount of time it takes the kidneys to recover fluids. This can reduce the amount of water in the body, making it harder to regulate blood pressure. Consumption of coffee can lead to several short-term health issues such as rapid heart rate, dizziness, palpitations and headaches. In addition, long-term usage of coffee, especially among those with high blood pressure can increase chances of developing hypertension related diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
The Expert Opinion
The consensus among medical professionals is that drinking coffee can be hazardous for those with hypertension. Dr. Steven L. Taylor, MD, board certified physician and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Stephen F. Austin State University believes that drinking coffee can further elevate blood pressure in someone who already has a pre-existing condition. He says, “There is no set amount of coffee that is safe for individuals who have elevated blood pressure, so avoiding caffeine is likely the best bet.”
On the other hand, according to Dr.H.I. Waters Jr., MD specialize in internal medicine, internal health and medicamental nutrition specialist in the University of Michigan hospital, acknowledges that for a person with pre-existing health condition, drinking coffee isn’t usually recommended. However, he also states that “For those with borderline hypertension, a moderate amount of coffee can be safely consumed, under the oversight of a doctor to assess and monitor alertness.”
Risks Vs. Benefits
Coffee has various health benefits and can reduce the risk of several diseases. A moderate amount of coffee can increase your alertness and reduce sleepiness. In addition, coffee may help you to stay active and helps to enhance cognitive performance.
Despite the possible benefits, drinking it is still at odds with those who have high blood pressure as it can elevate the chances of heart disease, stroke and even worsen the condition. It’s important before drinking coffee to consider the possible risks.
Better Alternatives
Dr. Waters advises those with high blood pressure to choose decaffeinated drinks or other alternatives to coffee aside from consuming high amounts of caffeine. He suggests “There are a number of other alternatives to coffee, such as herbal tea, green tea and decaffeinated products on the market.”
If plain tea is not an option, Dr. Taylor recommends switching to decaffeinated coffee. He states “Choosing a decaffeinated alternative can still fix your coffee cravings without risking higher blood pressure. If a cup of coffee is a must, consider limiting how many cups are consumed per day.”
Ways To Lower Blood Pressure
For those looking for ways to reduce their blood pressure, the answers may be closer than you think. In order to lower blood pressure, experts suggest the following tips:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet: It’s important to have a healthy diet by eating low-fat, whole-grain foods, lean protein and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Foods high in sodium or salt should be avoided.
2. Exercise Regularly: Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day to help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
3. Lose Weight: Being overweight can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Reduce Stress: Stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, so finding ways to reduce stress such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help.
Caffeine Free Alternatives
Drinking coffee is an enjoyable and social experience for many, but for those with hypertension, it is important to limit or avoid coffee entirely. Here is a list of caffeine-free drinks to consider for those with high blood pressure:
1. Non-caffeinated Tea: Try herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, or ginger tea.
2. Fruit Juice: If your blood pressure is under control, you can enjoy fresh fruit juices without added preservatives and artificial sweeteners.
3. Coconut Water: Coconut water is a refreshing and low-calorie alternative to sugary soft drinks.
4. Kombucha: Kombucha is a carbonated probiotic beverage made with tea, sugar, and bacteria.
Caffeine Consumption
If after considering the risks and the alternatives, an individual still wishes to consume caffeine, experts suggest taking caution and limiting intake to no more than 200-300 milligrams per day. This is equal to two or three eight-ounce cups of coffee per day.
When consuming coffee, experts suggest drinking two to three cups daily and adding salt-free spices or a touch of half and half to help retain moisture without adding too much sodium.
Supplements and Vitamins
Vitamins and supplements can be taken to help manage high blood pressure.
1. Magnesium: Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and can be taken as a supplement.
2. Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte which helps the body to maintain regular blood pressure and balance.
3. Coenzyme Q10 and Folic Acid: Garlic and olive oil may help to reduce blood pressure.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and can lower blood pressure.
Mitigating Risks
It is important to note that while drinking coffee can be hazardous to those with hypertension, there are steps that can help to minimize the risk.
1. Cut down caffeine intake: Limit caffeine intake to avoid the risk of high blood pressure.
2. Drink lots of water: Drinking lots of water can help to mitigate the effects of caffeine and help regulate blood pressure.
3. Monitor your blood pressure: Get regular checkups to ensure that your blood pressure remains within a healthy range.
4. Avoid caffeine before bedtime: Caffeine can disrupt sleep, which can have a major effect on blood pressure.
Expert Takeaways
In conclusion, it is important to talk to your doctor before beginning a caffeine intake if you have high blood pressure. Drinking coffee can increase risk of stroke, heart attack and other health issues, however, if monitored and done with precaution, some may still be able to enjoy their cup of joe in moderation. It is advised to educate oneself in regards to the risks and benefits associated with drinking coffee.
