The Connection Between High Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance
Dec 30, 2022High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the arterial walls is too high.
This increased pressure can damage the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
High blood pressure and insulin resistance are two common health problems that are often linked. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between these two conditions and how they can affect your overall health.
Heart disease is a leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 30% of disease related deaths. Commonly accused culprits include cigarette smoking, alcohol, dietary cholesterol, lack of exercise, and too much belly fat.
Having excessively high blood pressure dramatically increases the likelihood of developing heart disease. As a pressure in your blood vessels increases, your heart has to work even harder to move blood adequately throughout the body and it's all its tissues. The heart can only meet the strain for so long, if it's not treated, the ultimate result is the heart failure.
Medications may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure. These may include:
- Diuretics: These medications help the body get rid of excess salt and water.
- Beta blockers: These medications help to relax and widen blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors: These medications help to relax blood vessels and reduce the production of a hormone that can cause blood vessels to narrow.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications help to relax and widen blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
But there's not much focus on insulin resistance. Some acknowledge it as “the piece of the puzzle”, but the truth is that insulin resistance and cardiovascular disorders are one in the same.
Insulin Resistance Connection
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, the body produces more insulin in an attempt to lower blood sugar levels, but this can lead to higher than normal levels of insulin in the bloodstream. High levels of insulin can contribute to the development of high blood pressure.
When the cells are resistant to insulin, the body may produce more insulin in an effort to lower blood sugar levels. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure, as the extra insulin can constrict the blood vessels and increase their resistance to blood flow. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension. This is because high levels of blood sugar can cause the blood vessels to become stiff and narrow, which can increase blood pressure.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure and insulin resistance, including obesity, lack of physical activity, and a diet high in salt and unhealthy fats. These factors can lead to an excess of fat in the body, particularly around the abdominal area, which can increase the risk of both high blood pressure and insulin resistance.
Lower Blood Pressure Naturally with the Feel Great System
Managing high blood pressure and insulin resistance is achievable through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. The Feel Great System, featuring two science-based products—Unimate yerba mate drink and Unicity Balance fiber matrix—can help you achieve these goals. These products work synergistically to boost energy levels, support healthy blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and control hunger, cravings, mood, and weight loss.
Improving these conditions can enhance overall health and lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
To sum up, insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels can lead to high blood pressure by damaging blood vessels and increasing insulin production. By maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and managing insulin resistance, you can reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Ready to take control of your health? Get started on the Feel Great System today!
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