TL;DR

The Coca Pulse Test is a quick, at-home method to identify foods that may trigger inflammation by monitoring changes in your pulse. While not a replacement for medical testing, it can give you valuable clues about hidden sensitivities.

What Is the Coca Pulse Test?

The Coca Pulse Test is a simple technique developed by Dr. Arthur Coca in the mid-20th century. It’s based on the idea that problem foods may cause your pulse to speed up, signaling stress or inflammation.

Unlike a true allergy test, this method may be picking up on subtler inflammatory responses. Many people have found it useful for identifying foods that leave them feeling tired, foggy, or inflamed.

How to Do the Coca Pulse Test

  1. Start on an empty stomach. Ideally, wait two hours after eating, or do it first thing in the morning.

  2. Relax. Take a few minutes to clear your mind and calm your body.

  3. Take your baseline pulse. Count for a full 60 seconds.

  4. Introduce the food. Place a piece of food in your mouth and chew it for 1 minute without swallowing.

  5. Retake your pulse. While the food is in your mouth, count your pulse again for a full 60 seconds.

  6. Compare results. If your pulse rises significantly (often 6+ beats per minute), the food may be problematic.

  7. Rinse and repeat. Spit out the food, rinse with water, and let your pulse return to baseline before testing another food.

⚠️ Stimulants like sugar, caffeine, and medications may interfere with accuracy.

Why It Matters

Food sensitivities can contribute to:

  • Fatigue

  • Headaches

  • Brain fog

  • Digestive upset

  • Inflammation-related health issues

Identifying and avoiding trigger foods can help calm your system and support long-term wellness.

References

  1. Journal of Allergy (1961) – The value of the Coca pulse-acceleration method in food allergy.