Blood pressure is influenced by several factors, one of which is the volume of blood in the body. This essentially refers to the amount of blood that the heart pumps out. One key element that affects blood volume, is our consumption of sugar, from sweet and highly processed foods, and starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and grains.
The Role of Glucose
When we consume sugar and carbohydrates, these nutrients are broken down into glucose, which is then rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream along with water. This happens because glucose has a natural tendency to attract water. In effect, every molecule of glucose absorbed, also brings water along with it, much like a sponge.
Blood Volume and Blood Pressure
Once glucose enters the bloodstream, it is either used by the cells for energy or stored as body fat. The water that came along with the glucose, however, remains in the bloodstream. This extra water increases blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure. The heart must then work harder to pump this increased volume of blood, putting additional strain on it, which over time will lead to cardiovascular disease.
Don't Blame Salt for What Sugar Does
High intake of carbohydrates and sugar, increases levels of a hormone called insulin. It's insulin's job to drive excess sugar out of the blood stream, and into cells.
Insulin encourages the kidneys to retain salt, which further increases blood pressure. This is because salt retains water in the body, leading to an even greater blood volume.
Managing Blood Pressure with Drugs
One common treatment for high blood pressure is the use of diuretics. These medications reduce the reabsorption of salt and water in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production (or, simply put, making you pee more). As a result, blood volume decreases, and blood pressure improves.
Managing Blood Pressure with Diet
All carbohydrates, whether refined or wholegrain, such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, porridge, or other grains, are broken down by the body to sugars. As previously discussed, sugar increases blood volume and therefore blood pressure, and increases the hormone insulin, which signals the kidneys to retain salt, also increasing blood pressure.
By following a low carbohydrate lifestyle, the main route cause of the disease can be eliminated, thereby rebalancing blood pressure.
In fact, a low carbohydrate diet is so effective for reducing blood pressure, that it is essential to inform your doctor, prior to changing your diet. This is to ensure that they monitor your blood pressure closely, and medication is titrated down safely. Otherwise your blood pressure may drop too low, and that can be dangerous too. Hypertension is a very serious condition, which means that under no circumstances should you stop taking medication without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
I just want to let you know that there is hope!
Making mindful dietary choices can have a profound impact on maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and it doesn't have to be difficult. I can make the process a whole lot easier for you. Click below if you are ready to improve your health today.
Please feel free to reply with your thoughts or questions! I'd love to hear from you.
Wishing you good health and happiness,
Ali xxx
Comments