What you should drink and avoid for managing high blood pressure

Credit: Unsplash+

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects many people and can be dangerous if left untreated.

It usually has no obvious symptoms but can lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke. The good news is that what you drink can help control your blood pressure—and in some cases, even lower it.

One of the best drinks for lowering blood pressure is beetroot juice. Beets are rich in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.

This substance helps relax and widen your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing the pressure on your heart. Studies show that drinking beetroot juice can start lowering blood pressure within a few hours.

Hibiscus tea is another great choice. It’s made from the dried petals of the hibiscus plant and is full of antioxidants. These natural compounds help lower the top number of your blood pressure reading. Regularly drinking hibiscus tea has been linked to noticeable improvements in blood pressure, thanks to how it supports healthy blood vessel function.

Pomegranate juice also makes the list of helpful drinks. It tastes great and is packed with antioxidants that help improve circulation. Some studies suggest that drinking one glass a day can lower both the top and bottom numbers in your blood pressure reading.

And, of course, we can’t forget about water. Staying well hydrated helps your heart pump blood more easily and keeps your blood pressure at healthy levels. Drinking enough water throughout the day is a simple and effective way to support your heart health.

On the flip side, some drinks can raise your blood pressure and should be limited. Alcohol is one of them. While small amounts may offer some heart benefits, drinking too much can cause your blood pressure to rise. If you’re trying to lower your blood pressure, it’s smart to cut back or avoid alcohol.

Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can also raise blood pressure—at least in the short term. Everyone reacts differently to caffeine, so if you have high blood pressure, pay attention to how your body responds and consider cutting back if needed.

Sugary drinks are another concern. Beverages like soda, sweetened teas, and fruit punches can contribute to weight gain, which raises blood pressure. They also cause sudden increases in blood sugar and insulin, which may impact your heart health.

In summary, choosing the right drinks can make a big difference in your blood pressure. Beetroot juice, hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice, and water are great for supporting your heart and keeping blood pressure in check. At the same time, it’s best to limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks to avoid raising your risk.

As always, talk to your doctor before making big changes to your diet. These drink choices should go along with other healthy habits and any medications you’re taking to manage high blood pressure.

If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about the ideal blood pressure for older people and common high blood pressure drugs may cause memory problems.

For more about blood pressure, please read studies about A common blood pressure medication that could help you live longer and 1 in 5 people with high blood pressure takes a medication that harms blood pressure.

Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.