Sugar vs. Salt: What’s Worse for Blood Pressure?

1. Salt:

- Consuming too much salt, especially in people who are salt-sensitive, can directly lead to an increase in blood pressure by causing fluid retention in the body. This increased fluid volume puts more pressure on the blood vessel walls, leading to elevated blood pressure levels.

- High sodium intake also interferes with the body's ability to regulate blood pressure by affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that helps control fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

2. Sugar:

- Added sugars, found in many processed and sugary foods, contribute to weight gain and obesity. Carrying excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure.

- Sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body becomes less sensitive to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance can indirectly contribute to high blood pressure by altering the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

- High sugar intake can also lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which can contribute to long-term changes in blood pressure regulation.

In summary, while salt has a more direct and immediate impact on blood pressure, excessive sugar intake can also indirectly contribute to high blood pressure, particularly in the context of poor overall diet and lifestyle habits.

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