Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, occurs when blood pressure drops below normal levels. For most healthy adults, normal blood pressure is in the range of 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is generally considered low blood pressure.
Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea, and blurred vision. While low blood pressure is not usually serious, it can impact daily life. Some people wonder if eating chocolate can help raise low blood pressure.
Chocolate contains several compounds that may have an effect on blood pressure, including:
– Theobromine: This stimulant is similar to caffeine. It can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
– Flavonoids: These antioxidants help dilate blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate has more flavonoids than milk chocolate.
– Magnesium: This mineral helps regulate muscle and nerve function. It may help vasodilation and lower blood pressure.
– Fat and sugar: Milk chocolate has high amounts of saturated fat and sugar. This may negatively impact blood pressure. Dark chocolate has less fat and sugar.
Does Chocolate Raise Blood Pressure?
Research on the effects of chocolate on blood pressure has shown mixed results. Some studies have found that chocolate can cause a mild increase in blood pressure, while others suggest it may lower blood pressure.
A review of 20 studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa products caused a small but significant decrease in blood pressure of about 2 mm Hg systolic and 1 mm Hg diastolic pressure. The lowering of blood pressure was more pronounced in older subjects and those with hypertension.
Another study had subjects eat either 100g of dark chocolate or 90g of white chocolate. The dark chocolate reduced blood pressure by an average of 2.9/1.9 mm Hg, while white chocolate had no significant effect. Other studies have shown greater blood pressure reduction with dark chocolate compared to white chocolate.
However, the blood pressure lowering effects of chocolate are generally mild. One study found blood pressure was lowered by about 5-10% on average after consumption of flavonoid-rich chocolate. For a person with a systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg, this would equate to a reduction of only 5-10 mm Hg.
Factors Affecting Chocolate’s Impact
Several factors may influence how chocolate affects an individual’s blood pressure:
– Cocoa content – Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids and less fat/sugar than milk chocolate. The higher the cocoa content, the greater the potential blood pressure benefits.
– Serving size – Consuming a small 1 oz serving may have a mild effect, while a larger 3-4 oz serving can significantly impact blood pressure.
– Health status – Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease may see greater reductions in blood pressure from chocolate.
– Medications – If an individual is on blood pressure medications, chocolate may interact and enhance the blood pressure lowering effects.
– Caffeine content – Some chocolates contain added caffeine. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure.
– Salt content – Many chocolates contain added sugars and salts. High sodium can increase blood pressure.
Does Chocolate Help With Low Blood Pressure Symptoms?
For individuals with chronic low blood pressure, could adding chocolate to the diet help alleviate symptoms? Here is a look at the evidence:
– Increasing BP – As discussed above, chocolate may raise blood pressure slightly due to its caffeine and theobromine content. For those with hypotension, this could help increase BP closer to normal levels and reduce symptoms.
– Energy levels – The stimulants in chocolate can provide a quick boost in energy and alertness, combatting the fatigue associated with low BP.
– Blood flow – The flavonoids in chocolate may encourage vasodilation and improve blood flow to the brain. This could reduce dizziness and lightheadedness.
– Blood sugar – Flavonoids may also help regulate insulin levels and stabilize blood sugar. Steady blood sugar can minimize hypoglycemic symptoms.
However, chocolate is not a reliable long-term solution for low BP. The blood pressure boosting effects are small and temporary. Chocolate also contains high amounts of sugar, fat, and calories with minimal nutrients. It should not replace lifestyle changes to address the underlying cause of hypotension.
Other Dietary Options for Low Blood Pressure
Along with chocolate, other dietary additions may help increase low blood pressure:
– Increasing salt intake, under medical supervision
– Eating small, frequent meals
– Staying hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
– Limiting alcohol, which can lower BP
– Increasing intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea
– Eating foods rich in B vitamins like meat, fish, nuts and legumes
– Getting adequate protein at each meal
Is Chocolate Safe with Low Blood Pressure Medications?
Some medications commonly used to treat low blood pressure include:
– Fludrocortisone – Increases blood volume by reducing sodium and water loss
– Midodrine – Constricts veins and arteries to raise BP
– Beta-blockers – Reduce heart rate to allow heart more time to pump blood
– Vasopressors – Narrow blood vessels to increase blood pressure
Chocolate is likely safe for most people on these medications. However, chocolate contains stimulants that may enhance the blood pressure elevating effects. This could potentially cause BP to rise higher than desired.
Those on midodrine or vasopressors may need to be particularly cautious with chocolate due to its stimulant content. Chocolate may counteract the effects of beta-blockers by increasing heart rate.
It’s best to consume chocolate in moderation and avoid excessive amounts if taking BP medications. Carefully monitor blood pressure and medication side effects. Consult a doctor if experiencing concerning symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, or extremely high BP readings.
Tips for Consuming Chocolate with Low BP Medications
If adding chocolate to your diet while on low blood pressure medications:
– Consume dark chocolate and minimize milk/white chocolate intake
– Opt for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content
– Limit portion size to 1-2 ounces or squares
– Avoid chocolate with high added caffeine or stimulants
– Monitor blood pressure after eating chocolate
– Keep chocolate intake consistent and avoid binging
– Check with doctor about any medication interactions
Conclusion
In summary, chocolate may provide modest blood pressure elevating effects due to its caffeine and theobromine content. For those with low blood pressure, adding small amounts of dark chocolate to the diet could potentially boost blood pressure and energy levels slightly.
However, chocolate should not replace medical treatment for hypotension. Those on BP medications need to be cautious with chocolate due to possible medication interactions. While chocolate in moderation is likely safe, it’s best to consult a doctor first about incorporating chocolate into the diet when taking blood pressure medications.
Other dietary and lifestyle changes like increasing salt and water intake, eating frequent small meals, and getting regular physical activity can also help manage low BP symptoms. But chocolate certainly can be considered an enjoyable part of an overall treatment plan for low blood pressure. Just be mindful of portion sizes and potential interactions with medications.