A diagnosis of high blood pressure might be shocking and frightening, but it’s also fairly common and can be easily managed by most people. Age, stress, smoking, heredity, previous diseases, and a low-quality diet are only some of the risk factors for high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about what adjustments you may make to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of high blood pressure issues, as many of these factors are under your control.
Blood pressure can be lowered by reducing alcohol consumption, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of this, many people with hypertension worry if they should give up their wine of choice altogether. It depends, says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD of Balance One Supplements.
“Avoiding alcohol is the simple solution for anyone with long-term health problems. However, for some people with hypertension who would like to occasionally drink wine, this may not be a realistic option “I agree with Best, he adds. As a result, wine could be a healthy addition to their routine if consumed in moderation.
Learn more about the impact wine has on your blood pressure by reading about it. In addition, 5 Warning Signs You Should Drink Wine Immediately has more helpful health advice.
Link between Wine & Hypertension
Drinking excessively can affect blood pressure in a number of ways. Alcohol, according to Best, “for one,” boosts the production of the hormone renin, which causes blood vessels to contract. Therefore, alcohol use can result in abnormally tight blood vessels, which can lead to elevated blood pressure.
In addition to its direct effects on blood pressure, alcohol is known to raise cortisol levels (a hormone that controls stress). For those who have been diagnosed with hypertension and are taking medication, “it can also interfere with some blood pressure drugs,” explains Best. The drug’s effectiveness or safety may be compromised due to this interaction.
Consider, too, how excess wine consumption is linked to increased body fat and, by extension, elevated blood pressure. Best warns that wine drinkers should be aware that the beverage’s caloric content is largely empty, making it a potential contributor to weight gain and, in turn, elevated blood pressure.
Moderation is key at all times
There are a few things to keep in mind if you and your doctor discuss your blood pressure and you still want to include wine in your diet. To begin, remember that even moderate alcohol consumption might have negative consequences. According to Best, “moderation” entails no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
It is especially crucial to discuss your specific requirements with your doctor because alcohol can affect blood pressure differently based on age, sex, and overall health condition, as stated in a report on alcohol and blood pressure. But if you insist on drinking wine, Best offers a pinot noir.
Due to its low tannin content and high resveratrol concentrations, Pinot Noir is one of the healthiest wines you can drink. Additionally, Pinot Noir is often lower in sugar and calories than other varieties of wine.
