Some foods contain substances that might naturally elevate heart rate or interact with body chemicals or medications to raise the pulse. In most cases, the stimulation isn't harmful. However, over time, cumulative effects of certain foods or types of food can wreak havoc on the body's systems and result in negative health consequences.
Resting Heart Rate
A healthy adult's resting heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute. You can measure your own resting heart rate by putting a finger to your wrist or neck to feel your pulse at a calm time, counting your heartbeats in a 15-second period and multiplying the total by 4. Many factors influence your heart rate, including how physically active you are, your body size and the medications you take. Be aware of those variables before evaluating any increase in rate due to eating specific foods.
Digestion
According to the Cleveland Clinic, experiencing a rise in heart rate right after eating is normal. The bump is due to a greater amount of blood flowing to the GI tract to assist with proper digestion; most people never notice the quickening pulse. However, eating certain types of food may elevate the heart rate more than others.
Alcohol
Eating foods with high amounts of alcohol or having alcoholic drinks can increase heart rate. According to David Burton, a post-doctoral fellow in physiology at the University of Oxford, alcohol has a relaxing effect on blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop and allowing blood to flow within a larger volume of the body. As a consequence, the heart rate speeds up to get sufficient blood supply to the body's vital organs.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant present in coffee, chocolate, tea, soda and some other foods. It increases blood flow, breathing rate and metabolic rate as well as the heart rate; its effects can linger for several hours. Coupled with certain medications, caffeine may pose risks to cardiovascular health, so it's always advisable to speak with your physician before consuming any food or beverage with the substance.
Considerations
Sodium-rich foods may not raise heart rate on their own, but over time, they can have a cumulative effect that causes an irregular or accelerated heartbeat. A diet consisting of foods high in sodium can elevate the risk of heart disease. If you notice your pulse dramatically racing after meals or monitor an accelerated rate after eating certain foods, speak with your doctor to address the concern.
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