Because caffeine is a stimulant, it would seem at first that it would be something to avoid if you’re hypertensive. However, although caffeine causes a temporary spike in blood pressure, there’s no evidence to show that it has any long-term effects on hypertension. The more hypertensive you are, however, the more it affects your pressure reading, albeit temporarily – but if you’re consuming high levels throughout the day it’s going to stay at a constantly higher rate, something you are trying to avoid.
There’s nothing wrong with coffee in moderation – in fact, if you drink it regularly, you become more caffeine tolerant, so feel free to have your morning coffee every day. Decaffeinated coffee and tea is not recommended due to the toxic chemicals used to remove the caffeine. Sugar, however, is harmful for people with high blood pressure, so if you’re used to having sugar in your coffee, start reducing it slowly until you don’t need it anymore. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to one sugar instead of two, and so on, or use a sugar alternative such as stevia, agave syrup or small amounts of honey or xylitol.
Cola has been shown to have an effect on hypertension – however this is more than likely due to the extremely high sugar content rather than the caffeine. Don’t have artificial sweeteners in coffee or cola as they’re neurotoxic and aren’t going to do your cardiovascular health any favors.
Black and green tea is full of antioxidants, and green tea has been shown to reduce cholesterol and improve metabolism, as well as actually reduce blood pressure. Herbal teas are also delicious, calming and beneficial for your health – a tea such as ginger and hawthorn is a great way of getting blood pressure-reducing nutrients, so consider substituting some of your coffees for these more healthful drinks. If you really must sweeten them, use a minimal amount of raw honey or one of the sugar alternatives mentioned above.
High blood pressure has been firmly established as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure have all been related to elevated blood pressure, and treating your hypertension greatly decreases your risk of developing these conditions.
Your family doctor would probably never tell you this, but a specific program using natural methods, such as reducing your alcohol intake, adjusting other certain lifestyle and diet factors, and supplementing with certain minerals, vitamins and herbs has been proven to be safer, cheaper, and just as effective as many prescription medications for primary hypertension. Around 90% of people with high blood pressure can get their readings down to a safe zone through totally natural means! Get all the information you need at www.blood-pressure-report.com.
Katie Stow is an award-winning journalist and health writer.
