The down side of your sweet and salty addiction

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Gordish, K. "The down side of your sweet and salty addiction: Rapid onset high blood pressure?." American Physiological Society. 5 April 2016. Retrieved from  www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160405175649.htm

Sweet and Salty Food Intake and Hypertension


The American diet was simulated in a lab to gain perspective on its effects on health.  The first week, the rats were fed a solution containing 20% fructose (since beverages consumed contribute to a large portion of their sugar intake), in which the control study received regular water. The second week, additional salt was added to the rat’s diet on top of the 20% fructose solution.   The article states “the specific combination of fructose and high salt introduced in the second week rapidly increased blood pressure, resulting in hypertension”.   Fructose is linked with hypertension in that it increases sodium retention.  The article also highlighted the fact that fructose, unlike glucose, has specific, harmful effects in the kidney.
            As a dietetic professional, I am stunned by this data.  The rats’ physiology changed so rapidly and reflected devastating effects of the American diet.  Within just two weeks, the rats had become hypertensive due to the combination of fructose and sodium.  This is scary seeing that this study reflected the normal American diet.   I can use this data in the future when looking at a client’s normal dietary intake.  I will assess both the amount of fructose sugars and sodium they are consuming.  This will help me in assessing risk for hypertension and possibly renal problems.  If they already have hypertension, I can use this data as a tool in explaining the effects of an American diet and the importance of  changing their dietary intake to a lower salt and fructose diet, even if it means just getting rid of soda one day a week.  

DG

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