As a quick energy and mood booster, drinking coffee is the best option for most people. It is a compact drink where a cup of coffee will provide you with numerous health benefits.
Though coffee is a healthy drink, drinking it in moderation is suggested. Coffee is a significant source of caffeine which makes you refreshed after a few sips. But, people with HBP should monitor their caffeine consumption because it can raise blood pressure immediately after drinking coffee.
Will quitting coffee lower blood pressure? Experts have different opinions regarding this question. Leaving coffee can help lower blood pressure. But, it may not be a permanent solution.
Read this post to learn about how giving up coffee can help and healthy alternatives to coffee.
Does Coffee Increase Blood Pressure?
Yes, coffee can increase your blood pressure temporarily. Even people with no previous record of high blood pressure can feel uncomfortable and have quick pulsations in the neck after drinking coffee. The relationship between coffee and blood pressure is theatrical. Experts are still unsure why coffee increases blood pressure.
However, research has shown that caffeine influences adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, a hormone that makes the heart beat faster and supplies more blood to our bodies. Its effect can increase your blood pressure right after drinking coffee.
Should I Quit Coffee to Lower Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is one of the common side effects of drinking coffee. However, it is a short-term symptom in most cases and is considered normal unless it becomes persistent.
Nothing is worth worrying about because most coffee drinkers gradually develop a caffeine tolerance. When you become tolerant to caffeine, you will see no difference in blood pressure after drinking coffee.
However, you should carefully notice the after-effects of drinking coffee on your body. Do you suffer from high blood pressure all the time after drinking coffee? It may be time to quit this beverage and switch to a healthier alternative.
Moreover, if you have a history of high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor whether you can drink coffee or need to give up the beverage.
How Long Does Coffee Raise Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure caused after drinking coffee can sustain up to three hours. Regular coffee drinkers may not even feel it because they develop caffeine tolerance. If you become habituated to drinking coffee daily, you will also see no difference in blood pressure after a few days.
Should People with Hypertension Avoid Coffee?
People with hypertension do not need to give up coffee entirely. Instead, they can limit their coffee consumption. Healthy coffee drinkers can drink 3 to 4 cups with no concern. They can even experience high blood pressure, which is quite normal.
If your average blood pressure is 130/80, you should drink no more than 2 cups of coffee daily. For the best suggestion, you should talk to your doctor.
Does Decaf Coffee Raise Blood Pressure?
Caffeine in coffee is not the only responsible substance for raising your blood pressure. Coffee contains many other compounds that can trigger your blood force. But, there is nothing wrong with experimenting with a new thing. You can drink decaf coffee for a few days and notice if you feel any difference.
When Should You Stop Drinking Coffee Immediately?
You may notice some alarming symptoms if you are a heavy coffee drinker. You should stop drinking coffee immediately when you detect the following signs.
- You have high blood pressure, and drinking coffee increases its level.
- You suffer from acid reflux after drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverage.
- You are not having a deep sleep for days.
- You feel anxious after drinking coffee.
- You are gaining weight because of drinking coffee with additives.
- You become weak, depressed and inattentive after you stop drinking coffee.
- You (ladies) are noticing irregular periods for no reason.
What Are the Benefits of Quitting Coffee?
Though coffee has numerous health benefits, a life without caffeine can be more enjoyable. Let’s check out some advantages of quitting coffee.
- You will get rid of the slavery of caffeine.
- Quitting coffee will lower your blood pressure.
- You will enjoy deep and quality sleep.
- It will help decrease anxiety and improve your mood.
- You will see no more caffeine withdrawal headaches.
- Leaving coffee will prevent frequent urination or polyuria.
- You will lose weight since coffee with additives contains excessive calories.
- Giving up coffee will make your teeth healthier and whiter.
- You can save tons of money at the end of the year.
Natural Alternatives to Coffee for Energy
Many people drink coffee to boost their energy and improve their moods. Quitting coffee can be pathetic for those coffee enthusiasts. Fortunately, you will find several natural alternatives to coffee for energy like the following.
Tea – Tea is also a caffeinated beverage. But, the amount of caffeine in tea is significantly lower compared with coffee. Black tea is the best alternative to coffee if you want to eliminate caffeine addiction gradually. Moreover, you can enjoy other tea variations, such as Chai tea and Masala tea.
Matcha Latte – The drink is made of tea leaves. So, it will provide you with a bit of caffeine to satisfy your caffeine craving. Matcha Latte is a healthy option if you feel anxious and shaky due to serious caffeine addiction.
Golden Milk – Golden milk is a healthy non-dairy drink produced by mixing several spices. Like drinking coffee, the beverage will energize you and improve your mood. Moreover, Golden milk works excellently against inflammation.
Hot cocoa – Hot cocoa is rich in essential antioxidants. So, drinking hot cocoa instead of coffee will strengthen your immune system and improve brain functions. The drink also assists in relaxing muscles and better sleep.
Smoothies – Healthy ingredients in smoothies are a natural energy booster. Instead of drinking coffee, you can drink smoothies regularly for vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Lemon Water – Lemon water contains no calories and caffeine. But, it will make you refreshed after a few sips. The drink is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that prevent many diseases.
Final words
Will quitting coffee lower blood pressure? You should have gotten the answer already. Giving up coffee can help you lowing blood pressure in the short term. However, there are many things to maintain to keep this silent killer under control.
Coffee is a very healthy drink for us, containing important antioxidant content. You will miss those valuable substances if you avoid coffee for a lifetime.
If you frequently have high blood pressure after drinking coffee, it can be an alarming sign of uncontrolled blood pressure. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle instead of quitting coffee alone. Meet a doctor as soon as possible for professional advice.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058543
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension/does-caffeine-raise-or-lower-blood-pressure
