How to Do the Coca Pulse Test

The Coca Pulse Test is a simple at-home method that can help you identify foods that may be stressing your body. Research on it is limited, but early studies suggest it can reveal hidden sensitivities【1】.

The principle is simple: when you put a problem food in your mouth, your pulse speeds up. Most people call it an “allergic reaction,” but it may just be inflammation.

⚠️ Note: Stimulants like sugar, caffeine, or medications may mask your body’s response. Do the test when you’re calm and stimulant-free.

Step-by-Step Coca Pulse Test

Wait at least 2 hours after eating. First thing in the morning is best.
Relax for a few minutes before starting.
Take your pulse for a full 60 seconds. (Don’t shortcut it — accuracy matters.)
Place a food in your mouth. Chew for 1 minute without swallowing.
Retake your pulse for 60 seconds while the food is in your mouth.
Spit out the food and rinse your mouth with water.
Wait for your pulse to return to baseline before testing another food.

How to Read It

If your pulse rises by 4 or more beats per minute, that food may be stressing your system.
If it stays the same, your body may better tolerate it. coca-pulse-test-food-sensitivity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Coca Pulse Test and how does it work?
The Coca Pulse Test is a simple at-home method developed by Dr. Arthur Coca in the 1960s. It’s based on the idea that certain foods can trigger a stress response in the body. By measuring your pulse before and after placing a food in your mouth, you may detect hidden food sensitivities or intolerances that cause inflammation.

Q: How do you do the Coca Pulse Test step by step at home?
To perform the Coca Pulse Test at home, wait at least two hours after eating. First, take your resting pulse for a full 60 seconds. Then, place a small amount of food in your mouth without swallowing it and retake your pulse for another 60 seconds. If your pulse rises by 4 or more beats per minute, that food may be causing a reaction. Spit it out, rinse, let your pulse return to normal, and repeat with another food if needed.

Q: Can the Coca Pulse Test detect both food allergies and food sensitivities?
The Coca Pulse Test is not a medical diagnostic tool. It does not confirm food allergies the way a lab test would, but it may reveal foods that trigger an inflammatory or stress response in your body. Many people use it as a way to identify possible food sensitivities or intolerances that they can then discuss with a doctor trained in natural healthcare.

Q: How accurate is the Coca Pulse Test for finding food intolerances?
Research on the Coca Pulse Test is limited, but one study published in the Journal of Allergy suggested it can be useful in some cases. Its accuracy varies because stimulants (like caffeine, sugar, or medications) and stress can affect your pulse. For best results, perform the test when you are calm, rested, and stimulant-free.

Q: What foods can you test with the Coca Pulse Test?
You can test almost any food using this method—common examples include dairy, wheat, gluten-containing grains, eggs, nuts, and processed foods. Many people also test foods they suspect cause bloating, fatigue, or inflammation. It’s best to test one food at a time under consistent conditions.