Caffeine Caution

You may want to rethink that morning cup of coffee if you have high blood pressure.

Caffeine causes a temporary increase in blood pressure in people who do not consume it regularly. However, research shows that even with regular consumption about half of all people continue to experience spikes from consuming it. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for it, consider nixing the colas, coffees, teas, and other treats that contain caffeine.

Caffeine consumption of 300 milligrams per day causes increases in blood pressure for up to several hours, particularly in people who don't normally consume it or who do but never developed a tolerance for it. You cannot be certain whether you are caffeine intolerant unless you undergo monitoring in a lab, so minimizing caffeine intake may be the best option for people who have high blood pressure or risk factors for high blood pressure. These risk factors include being overweight, not exercising regularly, or having diabetes. Coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, chocolate, and certain over-the-counter cold medicines all contain caffeine, as do decaffeinated coffee, tea, and colas -- ableit in smaller amounts.