Fructose and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Studies show a linkage between dietary fructose and hypertension. Learn more, with recommendations from Dr. Mercola, a leading expert.

Science has discovered that diets high in fructose are correlated with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Hypertension is a leading cause of stroke and cardiac disease.

The Prevalence of Fructose in the American Diet

Over the past forty years high fructose corn syrup has become ubiquitous in processed and packaged convenience foods and beverages, and in the same time period the incidence of hypertension in the US has skyrocketed.

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, more calories in the American diet now come from fructose than any other single source, and one study has shown that consuming the amount of fructose in two and a half soft drinks a day raises the risk of high blood pressure by seventy seven percent. Since the average American does consume this much fructose, the consequences for our collective and individual health and wellbeing need to be understood.

Fructose and Uric Acid

When fructose breaks down and is digested, it produces uric acid, a substance which can be dangerous in elevated amounts. As Dr. Mercola again notes, studies have repeatedly shown a correlation between high levels of uric acid and elevated blood pressure. High uric acid levels are also associated with other maladies, such as renal disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and unhealthy weight gain. Thus, unfortunately, the risk of hypertension is not the only concern raised by over-consumption of fructose.

Not everyone is equally sensitive to the potentially harmful effects of fructose, but because the potential damage it can cause may be severe, Dr. Mercola recommends having uric acid levels in the blood checked. Determining the amount of uric acid in the blood can be a useful diagnostic tool in understanding one’s personal fructose-related health risks and susceptibilities.
Fructose and Whole Fruits

Although natural fruits also contain fructose, consuming natural fruits, and especially those with relatively low amounts of fructose like cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, prunes, kiwi and blackberries, is probably healthier than consuming fructose which has been added as a sweetener to highly processed and refined foods. Whole fruits offer nutritional benefits and valuable antioxidents not found in refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup and the fructose in whole fruits tends to be less concentrated.

However, if one knows that one has high blood pressure or may be at special risk of developing it based on weight, family history, or other factors, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor and monitor and limit the intake of natural fruits as well. Again, Dr. Mercola recommends a uric acid test to determine one’s personal sensitivity to fructose.

Fructose is by no means the sole culprit behind hypertension. But given the emerging evidence of the critical role it can play, awareness of the risks it poses can be empowering and contribute to more conscientious and healthful choices.

First published Jul 29, 2010 Scott Calef

Source: The Hidden and Pervasive Cause of High Blood Pressure by Dr. Joseph Mercola http://www.mercola.com/