What's the best thing to drink to raise your blood pressure? A guide to nutrition and dietary choices

October 24, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the American Heart Association, adequate hydration is a foundational element in maintaining healthy blood pressure. For those managing hypotension, understanding what's the best thing to drink to raise your blood pressure can provide effective relief from symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness. This guide explores various beverages, from simple water to caffeinated options, and their physiological effects.

Quick Summary

This article outlines beverages that can effectively help raise low blood pressure. It covers the roles of water, caffeine, and sodium-rich drinks, detailing how each can aid in managing hypotension. Dietary strategies and safe implementation are discussed for sustained health benefits.

Key Points

Hydrate with Water: Dehydration is a primary cause of low blood pressure, so consistently drinking water is the most fundamental step to increasing blood volume.
Consider Cold Water for Quick Relief: For orthostatic hypotension, drinking a large glass of cold water can induce a temporary pressor response and increase blood pressure.
Use Caffeine for a Temporary Boost: Coffee or tea can provide a short-term spike in blood pressure by stimulating the heart rate, particularly in non-regular consumers.
Increase Sodium with Caution: Sodium-rich beverages like salty broth can help retain fluids and increase blood pressure, but this should be done in moderation and with a doctor's approval.
Implement a Holistic Diet: Combine fluid intake with smaller, frequent meals, and ensure adequate B12 and folate to address potential underlying causes like anemia.
Avoid Alcohol and Excessive Carbs: Alcohol can lower blood pressure, and large, carbohydrate-heavy meals can cause postprandial hypotension, so limit these to prevent further drops.

Understanding Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a condition where the force of blood against your artery walls is lower than normal. While it can be harmless for some, persistent low blood pressure with symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting can indicate an underlying issue and should be discussed with a doctor. When managing hypotension, dietary and fluid intake adjustments are often the first line of defense.

The Role of Key Fluids in Regulating Blood Pressure

Water: The Foundation of Hydration

Drinking more water is arguably the simplest and most effective strategy for raising low blood pressure. Dehydration is a common cause of hypotension because it decreases blood volume, which in turn lowers blood pressure. For individuals with orthostatic hypotension (a drop in BP upon standing), rapidly drinking a large glass of cold water can trigger a sympathetic nervous system response that quickly elevates blood pressure. A study published in Circulation showed that drinking 480 mL of water significantly increased blood pressure within 35 minutes in older subjects and patients with autonomic failure. Staying consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day helps maintain adequate blood volume and prevent dips in pressure.

Caffeine: A Temporary Stimulant

Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and strong tea, are well-known for their temporary blood pressure-boosting effects. This occurs because caffeine stimulates the cardiovascular system, causing a brief spike in heart rate and stimulating the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline. This effect typically occurs within 30-60 minutes and lasts for a few hours. However, individuals who are habitual caffeine drinkers may develop a tolerance, and the effect can be diminished or absent. It is important to note that while useful for a short-term boost, caffeine is not a long-term solution and should be used in moderation.

Sodium-Rich Drinks and Electrolytes

Increasing sodium intake can help raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluids, thereby increasing blood volume. For those with low blood pressure, a doctor might recommend a temporary or modest increase in sodium. Drinks that are higher in sodium can include:

Saltwater drink: Adding about half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water can provide a quick boost when feeling dizzy.
Pickle juice: The briny liquid is high in sodium and can be a good option for a quick fix.
Electrolyte drinks: While some sports drinks can be high in sodium, they also contain other electrolytes like potassium, which has a blood pressure-lowering effect. Therefore, checking the sodium-to-potassium ratio is important. Some rehydration products are specifically designed with a higher sodium content.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before significantly increasing sodium, as excessive amounts can pose risks, especially for older adults.

Comparing Drinks for Raising Blood Pressure


Drink Type	Effect Speed	Effect Duration	Primary Mechanism	Best Use Case
Water (Cold)	Fast (approx. 30-40 mins)	Varies (temporary)	Increases blood volume; Triggers sympathetic response	Quick relief for orthostatic hypotension symptoms
Caffeinated Coffee/Tea	Fast (approx. 30-60 mins)	Short-term (3-4 hours)	Stimulates heart rate and constricts blood vessels	Temporary boost when feeling fatigued or sluggish
Salty Broth/Electrolyte Drink	Medium (absorbed with water)	Sustained (with balanced intake)	Increases sodium, causing fluid retention and blood volume	Sustained management, especially after heavy sweating
Licorice Root Tea	Slower (builds over time)	Sustained (with regular use)	Decreases aldosterone, which increases sodium retention	Long-term dietary support, with medical supervision

Other Dietary Considerations for Managing Hypotension

Beyond specific beverages, a holistic approach to diet is vital for managing low blood pressure. Several other nutrients and eating habits play a significant role:

Increase B12 and Folate: Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anemia, a condition linked to hypotension. Foods rich in B12 and folate, such as fortified cereals, eggs, and leafy greens, can help.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Large, high-carbohydrate meals can cause a significant drop in blood pressure as blood flow is diverted to the digestive system. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day helps prevent this postprandial hypotension.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and dilate blood vessels, both of which can lower blood pressure. It is best to avoid or significantly limit alcohol intake when managing hypotension.
Include Licorice Root: Licorice root can increase blood pressure by inhibiting the effect of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium. However, licorice tea should be used with caution and only under medical supervision due to potential side effects.

Safe Implementation and Medical Guidance

It is imperative to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or fluid intake, especially for managing a medical condition like hypotension. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your low blood pressure and provide personalized recommendations. They can advise on the appropriate amount of sodium or caffeine for your specific health needs and ensure that changes are made safely. Monitoring your blood pressure at home can also help you track the effects of different dietary and fluid changes.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Nutrition Diet

Ultimately, there is no single "best" drink for raising blood pressure, as the most effective solution depends on individual needs and the cause of the hypotension. For immediate relief, a cold glass of water or a caffeinated beverage can provide a temporary boost. For more sustained management, a balanced diet that includes adequate hydration and, in some cases, a medically-supervised increase in sodium is recommended. Combining these fluid strategies with other healthy dietary practices, such as eating smaller meals and ensuring adequate vitamin intake, is the most comprehensive way to manage low blood pressure through nutrition. As always, medical consultation is the key to a safe and effective treatment plan.

Mayo Clinic provides further details on managing low blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of low blood pressure? A comprehensive breakdown

Symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension) can vary but often include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, fainting spells, blurred vision, and confusion. In severe cases, people may experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

What should a hypotensive patient drink?

For a patient with hypotension, it's best to start with increased water intake to ensure proper hydration. Cold water can provide a quick boost, while a salty broth can help increase blood volume. A caffeinated beverage like coffee may be used for a temporary lift, but this should not be a long-term solution.

Does coffee significantly increase blood pressure in all people?

No, coffee does not significantly increase blood pressure in all people. Those who drink coffee regularly often develop a tolerance, diminishing its effect over time. The effect is more pronounced in non-habitual drinkers.

Can electrolyte drinks raise blood pressure?

Yes, electrolyte drinks can raise blood pressure, particularly if they are high in sodium. Sodium causes fluid retention, which increases blood volume and, consequently, blood pressure. However, some electrolyte drinks also contain potassium, which can have an opposing effect.

What drinks should be avoided if you have low blood pressure?

If you have low blood pressure, you should avoid alcohol, as it can cause dehydration and lower your blood pressure further. Large quantities of milk might also delay iron absorption and contribute to anemia, which is sometimes linked to low blood pressure.

Can lemon water help with low blood pressure?

While lemon water contains antioxidants and can aid in hydration, it is not a direct or reliable method for raising low blood pressure. Some sources suggest its benefits relate more to regulating overall circulation rather than a quick boost.

Is it safe to use natural remedies instead of medication for low blood pressure?

For most people with mild hypotension, natural remedies like dietary and hydration changes can be effective. However, if symptoms persist or are severe, you should always consult a doctor, as drinks do not replace pharmaceutical therapies when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a quick response, cold water has been shown to raise blood pressure rapidly in those with certain forms of hypotension. Caffeinated beverages like coffee or strong tea also provide a temporary boost, typically within an hour.

Water raises blood pressure by increasing blood volume, especially if you are dehydrated. For some, drinking a large amount of cold water can also trigger a sympathetic nervous system reflex that constricts blood vessels and increases pressure.

Some sports drinks can be helpful for low blood pressure if they are high in sodium, which aids in fluid retention. However, many also contain potassium, which can lower blood pressure. It is best to check the label for the electrolyte balance and consult a doctor.

The amount of coffee needed varies by individual tolerance. A review showed that 200–300 mg of caffeine (about 1.5–2 cups) could raise blood pressure temporarily, but consistent drinkers may see less effect. Start with a small amount and monitor your blood pressure.

Adding a pinch of salt to a glass of water can help raise blood pressure by increasing sodium and fluid retention. However, this should only be done in moderation and after consulting a healthcare professional, as excessive sodium intake can have other cardiovascular risks.

Yes, dehydration is a major cause of low blood pressure. When the body is dehydrated, blood volume decreases, which can cause blood pressure to drop. Staying adequately hydrated is therefore a crucial strategy for managing hypotension.

To complement fluid intake, focus on foods high in sodium, Vitamin B12, and folate, such as olives, cottage cheese, fortified cereals, eggs, and lean meats. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help prevent blood pressure dips.