If you thought only excess salt increases blood pressure, read this.  Too much caffeine, supplements, some medications among other things, can also increase blood pressure.

Caffeine (present in coffee, colas, energy drinks and to a small extent in tea), is likely to raise your blood pressure.  It might not happen to everyone, but it’s important to cut back on the amount of coffee you drink.  Colas and energy drinks are best avoided because they are unnecessary for your body and don’t do anything to boost your health.  One way of testing whether or not caffeine increases your blood pressure is to check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated beverage.  If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 points, you might be sensitive to caffeine induced blood pressure raise.

Herbal supplements although considered safe because they are natural, can increase blood pressure in some people, or react with blood pressure medication.  Do tell your doctor if you are on any herbal supplements when you go for a health check.  Also, do not self medicate or give advise on medication to your friends, relatives and neighbours, unless you are a qualified physician.  Medications that suit one person will not suit another.