Foods that are high in sodium do raise blood pressure–look for foods that give you a total of 2400 mg of sodium, or less, in a day—that’s just slightly more than a teaspoon.

Foods that are alcoholic raise your blood pressure: an ounce (30 mL) of ethanol (eg, 24 oz [720 mL] of beer, 10 oz [300 mL] of wine, or 2 oz [60 mL] of 100-proof whiskey) per day in most men and more than 0.5 oz (15 mL) of ethanol per day in women and lighter-weight persons are recommended as a maximum.

Foods that are caffeinated raise your blood pressure–coffee brewed nearly any way, and energy drinks with guarana, like Red Bull. Tea and chocolate have caffeine too, but less than coffee or energy drinks.