We are often presented with salt as the absolute enemy of hypertension problems. However, in the journal "Open Heart", American researchers explain that sugar in the diet would be an even greater risk factor in this type of health problem.

Several animal and human studies show that excess sugar and particularly fructose intake causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. When blood pressure and heart rate rise, the heart muscle requires a significantly higher supply of oxygen. This phenomenon contributes to an increase in inflammatory terrain and insulin resistance, both of which promote other metabolic dysfunctions.

When a person has high blood pressure, they are usually advised to cut down on industrial and processed foods as well as salt and fat. The reason these measures have little effect is that no one is thinking about reducing refined sugar and carbohydrate intake at the same time. In 2010, a study had already clearly demonstrated that a diet high in fructose could cause an increase in blood pressure of 7 to 5 mmHg, while salt only caused an increase of 4 to 2 mmHg.

What role does sugar play in hypertension?

First, fructose increases the level of uric acid in the body. Uric acid, which also promotes acidosis, is involved in gas exchanges, which take place in the heart of the vessels and are important for the integrity of their walls. These exchanges generate, among other things, nitric oxide, a molecule with beneficial effects for the vessels and which partly regulates hypertension. The beneficial effects of nitric oxide are largely inhibited in the presence of uric acid.
Researchers have also found that there is a parallel between hypertension and excess insulin and leptin. These two enzymes play an essential role in the appetite regulation mechanisms and in the body's metabolic responses to sugar intake. An imbalance in these enzymatic secretions can generate insulin resistance and/or leptin resistance which inevitably disrupts the entire sugar metabolism and whose long-term consequences can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Rosedale explains that when cells develop insulin resistance, they also develop resistance to magnesium storage. This is how excessive levels of magnesium will be found in the urine.

Everyone agrees that a magnesium deficiency leads to stress, tension, poor sleep, etc. More precisely, a lack of magnesium hinders the muscular relaxation of the striated muscles, but also that of the smooth muscles which are an integral part of the epithelia of the vessels. Thus, the relaxation of the vascular walls is difficult, if not impossible, which causes permanent tension and therefore the phenomenon of hypertension.
By eliminating sugars and excess fructose intake, we reduce the main risk factors that are excess insulin, leptin and uric acid, as well as possible deficiencies in magnesium.

How much sugar can I tolerate to stay healthy?

If you don't have any particular health problems, a sensible nutritionist will advise you not to exceed 25 grams of sugar per day, including fruit fructose. However, if you suffer from insulin resistance, excess weight, diabetes, heart disease or chronic inflammatory disorders, it is best to avoid exceeding 15 grams of sugar per day.
To regulate your hypertension or blood sugar, consider consuming powerful natural antioxidants. You will find it in orange colored fruits, but especially in forest fruits such as blackcurrant or blueberry. Taking one cup a day provides very little sugar, but great benefits in terms of blood sugar, blood circulation and blood pressure.