We often hear about the effects too much sugar and salt has on our health. They both can cause an increase in our blood pressure as well as heart disease. How can these substances increase our stress levels? Too much of either of these can increase anxiety, acne, bloating and weight gain.
The average American diet yields approximately 3400 milligrams of sodium daily. If you eat what most people eat, this is what the American Heart Association indicates your diet consists of. The AHA recommends that we consume less than half, about 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day. Some people add salt to their food before they taste it. This is a dangerous habit as it can cause your blood pressure to become out of control. This creates stress on the heart which makes the heart work harder. This can also cause water retention which has the potential to cause congestive heart failure and a stroke.
The AHA indicates that Americans consume approximately 77 grams of sugar a day. It is recommended that women consume 25 grams a day and men 36 grams of sugar per day. Too much sugar can cause one to become dizzy, have headaches, as well as become diabetic.
When the body is overloaded with sugar, the pancreas which is your natural insulin, is unable to regulate the body to return to homeostasis (balance). The arteries and the heart becomes overworked which increases stress on the heart. In turn, has the potential for a heart attack or stroke.
How do we reduce the amount of these substances daily?
Most of the packaged food and drinks we purchase from the grocery stores have a "Nutrition Facts" label on the back or side of the product. This information will provide you with the serving size or amount you should eat from each product. This will assist you with how much you should or should not eat daily. This simple habits of reading labels on the foods and drinks you consume will arm you with the knowledge you need to help you reduce the stress levels in your life.
Preparing your food at home will also allow you to control what you consume. If a recipe requires 2 teaspoons of salt or sugar, cut it in half. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much flavor your creation still has as well as how much better you feel as a result of reducing your intake.
Increase your exercise routine so you can sweat! This will assist your body to get rid of access toxins. Exercise will increase your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure, naturally.
Drinking more water and less sugary drinks will assist your body to eliminate toxins from your system.
These simple habits of reading labels of the food you consume will arm you with the knowledge you need to help you reduce the stress levels in your life.
Create a healthier lifestyle for you and your family.
Pat Pointer
Certified Massage Therapist
COTA
Wellness Coach
Consultant
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body#:~:text=When%20you%20eat%20excess%20sugar,%2C%20heart%20attacks%2C%20and%20strokes. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/bloating-causes-and-prevention-tips
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