Can High Blood Pressure Be Caused by Sugar?

High blood pressure or hypertension is when the blood's systolic pressure is at or above 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mmHg. It is a well-known fact that salt is dangerous to those with high blood pressure, but for some, the intake of sugar may actually bring on high blood pressure.

High Sugar Intake Increases Insulin Production

• Sugar rich food reaches the intestinal tract instantly, prompting the pancreas to produce insulin, which can lead to high blood pressure levels.

Sugar and Triglycerides

• When sugar ends up being excess calories in your body it is often converted to fat, also known as triglycerides. Triglycerides increase blood pressure.

Possibilities

• A diet high in sugar may increase blood pressure by causing your body to retain water and fat, according to Dr. Harry G. Preuss from Georgetown University Medical School.

Watch Your Sugar Intake

• A diet high in the sugar known as fructose is closely associated with high blood pressure. Those who consumed about 74 grams of fructose or more daily, were 60 percent more likely to suffer from increased blood pressure, according to Dr. Diana Jalal and researchers at the University of Colorado.

Hidden Sugars

• Besides sweets, candies and sweetened beverages there is also sugar in foods like breads, ketchup, canned fruit and regular fruits like mangoes, dates and grapes. White starches like white flour and pasta are also recognized by the body as sugar.