What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Coffee Daily?

Coffee,

one of the world’s most preferred beverages, is not just a drink that energises you but has effects on your general health and well-being. Studies say caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, can temporarily increase blood pressure, especially in those who do not frequently consume it. However, experts also say that a moderate and regular consumption of coffee does not negatively affect your blood pressure.

How is coffee linked to blood pressure?

Many factors influence how coffee affects blood pressure, including the amount of caffeine you consume and your lifestyle. Those who do not consume coffee frequently are more prone to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of hypertension. However, if you drink coffee moderately, which is one to three cups a day, it will not negatively affect blood pressure, especially for women and those who do not smoke. Studies say there is no risk to blood pressure if caffeine and coffee are consumed in moderation.

How much coffee is too much?

The US Food and Drug Administration has recommended that consuming not more than 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is around three cups in a day, is completely safe. However, doctors say it depends on an individual’s health, and even four to five cups are safe.

What are the risks of taking too much caffeine?

While in moderation, caffeine is not harmful to your overall health. But when you consume more than the prescribed levels, it can lead to a high risk of a few side effects, which include:

• Fast heart rate
• Anxiety
• Insomnia sleeplessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tremors and shaking
• Increased urination
• Restlessness

When should you avoid caffeine?

Even though it is mostly safe to consume, caffeine should be taken in limited amounts for some people, including:

Pregnant women

Caffeine passes through the placenta to the fetus, and during pregnancy, it is recommended to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg daily, or about 1-2 small cups.

Those who are caffeine sensitive

You may have side effects like jitteriness, nervousness, and headaches.

Those with arrhythmia

It is an abnormality in heartbeat and rhythm, and caffeine only aggravates it.

Those with stomach ulcers

If you have ulcers and gastrophageal reflux disease (GERD, too much caffeine will only aggravate the symptoms.

Those with high blood pressure

If you have existing high blood pressure and take medicine for it, do not drink coffee

Those who take certain medicines

If you take certain medications and supplements, which include those for asthma, antibiotics, and heart medications, always make sure to first speak to your doctor.

Easy ways to manage your blood pressure levels

A few science-backed ways to manage your blood pressure levels include tweaks in your diet and lifestyle, like:

• Sleep enough
• Drink your coffee black, without sugar or milk
• Drink green tea, which is caffeine-free
• Manage stress through relaxing activities like yoga, breathwork, or meditation
• Eat a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Increase the amount of potassium
• Avoid smoking
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Exercise regularly