Coffee can be a great pick-me-up, providing a boost of energy and alertness when fatigue or sleepiness sets in. It contains caffeine, a mild stimulant that increases activity in the central nervous system, which can have both good and bad effects. While caffeine can temporarily improve alertness and focus, it can also cause physical side effects, such as a racing heart, increased blood pressure, palpitations, agitation, and more. If you’re prone to palpitations after drinking coffee, it’s important to learn how to minimize the occurrence and effects. The following tips can help.
Limit consumption
As with any stimulant, drinking too much coffee can lead to numerous issues. Limiting your consumption is an effective way to prevent or minimize palpitations. It’s best to consume no more than three cups of coffee per day. It’s also important to remember that many food products and drinks contain caffeine, so when calculating your daily intake, be sure to include coffees, teas, energy drinks, chocolates, and other sources of caffeine in your daily total. Additionally, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee close to bedtime, as it can have a stimulating effect on your body and lead to difficulty sleeping.
Replace with decaffeinated coffee
If you find it hard to limit your intake to three cups a day, consider switching to decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee contains very little caffeine, so it doesn’t have the same stimulating effect. Also, decaffeinated coffee still contains many of the same antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive compounds found in regular coffee, so you can still get some of the possible health benefits without the intense caffeine buzz.
Stay hydrated
Adequate hydration is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart rate. When your body is dehydrated, it can cause your heart to speed up, and this can lead to palpitations. It’s ideal to consume eight or more 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day, in addition to other fluids such as tea or fruit juice. In addition to hydration, exercise can also be beneficial in promoting a healthy heart rate.
Choose low-acid coffees
If you’re prone to heart palpitations after drinking coffee, you may want to consider switching to a low-acid coffee. Many commercial coffees have very high levels of acidity, which can make them harder on the stomach, and can also increase heart rate and cause palpitations. Low-acid coffees, however, have very low levels of acidity, often lower than other commercial coffees. Low-acid coffees are generally more gentle on the stomach, and also provide a smoother, less intense cup of coffee overall.
Try herbal supplements
Herbal supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can help to reduce the risk of palpitations after drinking coffee. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, while magnesium can help to relax your blood vessels and reduce strain on your cardiovascular system. Both are readily available in supplement form and have been found to be effective in reducing palpitations.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can lead to an increase in heart rate, which can lead to palpitations. Finding effective ways to relax and manage stress can be an effective way to reduce the risk of palpitations. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can be great ways to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as incorporate healthy lifestyle habits into your life. Additionally, getting enough sleep and engaging in regular physical activity can help to reduce stress and keep your heart healthy.
Other considerations
If you find that palpitations are a persistent issue, it may be wise to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional. Palpitations can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment if necessary. Additionally, if you find yourself having palpitations in the moment, it’s important to remember to remain calm and focus on deep breathing. Taking a few deep breaths can help to slow your heart rate and reduce the symptoms of palpitations.
Caffeine and headaches
The exact cause of palpitations after drinking coffee is not known, but caffeine withdrawal has been linked to headaches and other withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine can cause your blood vessels to constrict and cause headaches and other withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop drinking it. It’s also believed to affect the chemical balance in the brain, which can lead to headaches and other physical sensations.
If you find yourself having headaches or other symptoms after cutting down on the amount of coffee you drink, it could be the result of caffeine withdrawal. In this case, it’s best to either slowly reduce your intake, or simply switch to decaffeinated coffee or another caffeine-free drink.
Dietary changes
Making dietary changes can also help to reduce the occurrence and severity of heart palpitations after drinking coffee. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants and B vitamins can help to keep your cardiovascular system healthy, while avoiding processed and refined foods can also help to reduce stress on your body.
It’s also important to get plenty of magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and regulate the heartbeat, while selenium and zinc are essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Alternative drugs
If you find that palpitations are a persistent issue, it may be wise to consider alternative medicinal options. Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers, can be effective in reducing symptoms of palpitations. Beta-blockers work by blocking certain hormones and receptors that can cause palpitations and other symptoms of heart-related issues. While they can be effective in reducing symptoms, they may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any new drugs or supplements.
Alternative treatments
In addition to medications, alternative treatments can be beneficial for managing palpitations. Certain techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of palpitations. Certain breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can also be useful in reducing the symptoms of palpitations.
In addition, acupuncture and massage can be beneficial for reducing stress, improving circulation, and reducing symptoms of heart palpitations. Alternative remedies such as homeopathy and herbal medicines can also be useful in managing the symptoms of palpitations.
Conclusion
Heart palpitations after drinking coffee can be uncomfortable and alarming, but there are steps you can take to reduce the occurrence and severity of the symptoms. Limiting caffeine consumption, drinking plenty of fluids, choosing low-acid coffees, taking herbal supplements, reducing stress and anxiety, and considering alternative treatments can all help to reduce the risk of palpitations. If the symptoms are persistent or severe, however, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional.
