Although soda ingredients differ in measurements based on brand and type, there are three specific components of soda that can elevate your blood pressure. The caffeine, fructose and caloric amounts of soda can have an elevating effect on your blood pressure.
Caffeine's Effect on Blood Pressure
Even if you do not have a history of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, caffeine can cause a short and dramatic increase in your blood pressure. According to an article published in the May 2005 issue of the "Journal of Hypertension," those who drink caffeine regularly have a higher average blood pressure than those who do not drink caffeine. Although sodas do not contain as much caffeine as coffee, soda's caffeine content can range from 5.2 mg/12 oz. up to 55.8 mg/12 oz., depending on brand and type. A good rule of thumb is to keep daily caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Fructose Intake and Uric Acid Levels
Most sodas contain fructose in a syrup form. Studies have suggested that high fructose intakes may be associated with elevated blood pressure. Fructose consumption results in an increase in the amount of uric acid in your body. According to an article published in the June 2009 issue of the "The Journal of Pediatrics," elevated amounts of uric acid may raise your systemic blood pressure. The article also states that high fructose intakes can decrease sodium excretion through the urine, which can also cause short-term high systolic blood pressure. High fructose intakes from soda can result in higher uric acid levels in your body, which may result in elevated blood systolic blood pressure.
Soda Intake and Obesity
Obesity is linked to many health conditions, including hypertension. Regular soda provides liquid calories that are referred to as "empty calories," with no nutritional value. Regular soda provides high amounts of liquid calories due to its high sugar content. It is easy to consume large amounts of soda and can result in large weight gains. One pound is equal to 3,500 calories. If you are eating at or above your caloric maintenance levels and you consume two extra 12-oz. cans of a soda a day at 150 calories each without otherwise changing your diet or amount of physical activity, you can gain 1 lb. of fat a week. Overconsumption of regular soda can result in weight gain and may result in high blood pressure
Drinking Soda
When drinking regular soda, apply the moderation rule. Limiting soda with caffeine can prevent a possible result of high blood pressure. Limiting regular soda can also help reduce risk of weight gain, which could result in high blood pressure in the long run.
References
- "Journal of Hypertension"; Blood Pressure Response to Chronic Intake of Coffee and Caffeine: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials; M. Noordzif, et al.; May 2005
- "The Journal of Pediatrics"; Sugar Sweetened Beverages, Serum Uric Acid, and Blood Pressure in Adolescents; S. Nguyen, et al.; June 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Does It Affect Blood Pressure?; Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.; November 2009.
