More bad news for people who drink sugar daily...

We all know that drinking soda is bad for us, it is filled with empty calories from high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, it causes cavities in your teeth, and now there is some new research performed collaboratively in the US and UK that shows it increases your blood pressure!  Unfortunately, it isn't just soda either, that we could blame on transient increases in blood pressure from caffeine, but it is all sugary beverages including non-caffeinated sodas, fruit juices, and sugary sports beverages.

What is the down and dirty?
Around 2700 patients were studied, they are all within the 40-59 age group, and over a course of 4 days and they had to have their blood pressure checked numerous times throughout this time period.  On average the systolic blood pressure (top number- the maximum pressure your heart exerts) increases 1.6mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure (bottom number- the minimum pressure your heart exerts) increases 0.8mm Hg.  And, if you tend to have higher sodium levels, when you consume these sugary beverages, your systolic bp can be raised 2.5mm Hg and diastolic bp 1.7mm Hg.

Why is this important?
I am sure that many of you are reading this thinking, so what is the big deal, it isn't increasing your blood pressure all that much.  Well, here is the issue: sometimes people have to attempt multiple drug therapies to get their blood pressures decreased by approximately 10mm Hg.  When you are drinking 3 or 4 sodas a day, along with other forms of sugars and salt from your normal diet, your blood pressure can be increased pretty significantly and require the need for medications.

What can I do?
If you have increased blood pressure or have been told that you have 'borderline' blood pressure, then lay off the soda/juice/sugar beverages and stick to water!  Keep a healthy diet without any extra added salt, and check your blood pressure frequently on your own, keep a log, and discuss your diet and blood pressure changes with your HCP.  And note any changes that occur when you decrease your sugary beverage intake, and hopefully your blood pressure will adjust to within a good range!

Yours in Good Health
B