Struggling with high blood pressure? Cardiologist points to 3 drinks you should stay away from
High blood pressure remains a major contributor to heart disease worldwide, but it is also highly manageable. Cardiologist Dr Jack Wolfson points to three common drinks that may be quietly impacting your health and explains why cutting them out can help.
Heart disease still sits high on the list of global health concerns, and high blood pressure is a big reason why. The tricky part is how quietly it develops. No loud warning signs, nothing dramatic at first. It just builds over time and then suddenly becomes difficult to ignore.
There is some good news though. Blood pressure is one of the few risk factors you can actually influence with daily habits. In a recent Instagram video, cardiologist Dr Jack Wolfson, who has spent 16 years working with nutrition, lifestyle and natural therapies, pointed out three common drinks that can interfere with heart health and should ideally be avoided.
Alcohol
Alcohol comes first on the list. It might seem harmless in the moment, something to relax with, but the effects on the body are far from mild.
As he puts it, “Number one, alcohol. Alcohol may taste good going down, but after a few minutes, it is extremely unhealthy. Leads to poor sleep, increases cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine – big problem with alcohol. Just stop drinking. You don't need it.” In simple terms, it disrupts sleep patterns, pushes stress hormones up and keeps the body in a state of strain.
Artificial Beverages
Those bright, colourful drinks sitting on supermarket shelves might look fun and appealing, but they are mostly built from artificial ingredients.
“Number two, of course, artificial beverages, artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners. Get rid of those,” he says. These drinks are packed with synthetic additives that offer no real benefit and are not something the body needs on a regular basis.
Sugary Drinks
Then come sugar sweetened options. This includes colas, sodas and especially anything packaged in cans or plastic bottles. High amounts of added sugar can take a toll on overall health, including blood pressure.
“And then, number three, make sure you avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. Colas, sodas, especially anything that comes inside of a can or a plastic bottle. Get rid of those,” he explains. On top of the sugar content, there is also the added concern of microplastics from packaging, which may have further effects on the body.
Keeping an eye on these everyday choices can go a long way. Nothing extreme, just a bit more awareness. Over time, that tends to matter more than anything else.
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Being mindful of these everyday drink choices can go a long way in supporting heart health and keeping blood pressure in check.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.