High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. In many cases, altering your diet and increasing your physical activity can help lower blood pressure. Alcohol consumption is a hot topic in its relation to hypertension. While binge drinking or having several drinks throughout the day can raise your blood pressure, having a beer or two every day actually might help lower blood pressure. If you have hypertension or are at risk, talk with your physician to make sure you are healthy enough for alcohol consumption.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood pushing against artery walls. The first number in a reading, known as systolic, represents pressure during heart contractions. Diastolic blood pressure, the second number, measures pressure when the heart relaxes. Hypertension causes your blood pressure to be above 140/90, or 140 over 90, the University of Michigan Health System reports. While high blood pressure can be hereditary, diet and lifestyle play a big part in it. Moderate beer consumption mig hthelp lower your blood pressure.
Positive Effects on Blood Pressure
Moderate beer consumption is one 12 oz. beer a day for women and two for men. One study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2001 showed that moderate beer consumption can have positive effects on homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that can be harmful at high levels. Having increased homocysteine might raise your blood pressure and stiffen arteries, thus increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Beer can maintain homocysteine and keep it in a normal range. This benefit from beer might be related to its high folate content. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that acts like a protective agent for your heart.
Frequency
A study published in the "Alcohol & Alcoholism Journal" in 2006 reported that your pattern and frequency of drinking have the ultimate effects on your blood pressure and risk of mortality from heart disease. While having a glass or two of beer per day might be beneficial, keep in mind that binge drinking can reverse the beneficial effects. Binge drinking, or having more than four drinks at one sitting, can temporarily raise your blood pressure. If you drink heavily on a regular basis, your blood pressure might stay high.
Other Considerations
If you have high blood pressure related to your weight, your doctor might advise cutting alcohol from your diet altogether. Being overweight or obese is an independent risk factor for hypertension. Since beer provides empty calories, meaning little nutrients, cutting beer from your diet might help you lose weight and get your blood pressure back on track.
References
- University of Michigan Health System; Hypertension (High Blood Pressure); January 2008
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; A population study of the influence of beer consumption on folate and homocysteine concentrations.; O. Mayer Jr., et al; July 2001
- "Alcohol & Alcoholism"; Average volume of alcohol consumed, type of beverage, drinking pattern and the risk of death from all causes; Laura Baglietto, et al; October 2006
- "Current Hypertension Reports"; Homocysteine and Blood Pressure; Coen Van Guldener, et al; 2003
