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Blood pressure health tips: Is there a right amount of coffee and alcohol intake to maintain a good BP level?

Photo by pologi/Pixabay.com

Blood pressure is one of the vital signs that medical practitioners routinely look into to determine an individual medical state. With that, people of certain age groups need to maintain a healthy blood pressure level because going above and falling below it will both cause health issues.

Many factors can affect the blood pressure level, but coffee and alcohol are likely some of the most discussed elements. In a perfect scenario, people are advised to stir clear from coffee and alcoholic beverages, but most would argue that these have become part of their lifestyle. Luckily, some studies determined there is the right amount of consumption of both drinks that pose a lesser risk of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure level: Alcohol intake elevates BP, but there’s a safe level of consumption

A 2006 study by researchers from the University of Western Australia reported that the blood pressure level might rise by 1 mmHg in every 10 grams of alcohol. But it was also noted that this could be reversed with two to four weeks of not drinking alcohol. The same research noted that binge drinking had been linked to potentially fatal blood clot conditions.

Limited consumption of alcohol is advised to maintain a healthy level of blood pressure. The same study noted that this means one 10g drink for women and two 10g drinks for men per day. Heart.org translates a drink as equivalent to 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits. Needless to say, going beyond these advised levels of consumption poses a risk of high blood pressure and serious consequences to people with hypertension.

Blood pressure level and coffee: Should you completely avoid it?

Research published by Prof. J.M. Geleijnse in 2008 noted of studies that showed drinking five or more cups of coffee can cause a “small elevation” in the blood pressure. The same paper pointed out that substances such as polyphenols, soluble fiber, and potassium that are known to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system are found in coffee as well.

The general rule is lower levels of coffee consumption or taking decaffeinated variants lowers the risk of hypertension. But various sources also suggest that the best option is to cut down the coffee intake or consume no more than four cups a day.

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