Biggest Rise in Blood Pressure Comes from This Small Indulgence (avoid this)

I’m a big believer in taking the easy way out. I choose tiny changes that deliver the greatest results.

And the coin flips both ways. So, I avoid the smallest indulgences that cause the most harm to my health.

According to a new study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, there is one small indulgence that you may not even enjoy that much, that skyrockets your blood pressure.

You should absolutely avoid this … even if it may be tempting in the moment.

Holiday season is coming up. And chances are that during that season, you tend to partake in many different foods and come out of it plumper than before.

So, what’s the big deal, you ask?

Well, those extra pounds might spell big trouble. The study shows that those extra pounds can take a huge toll on your blood pressure.

Even a 5- to 7-pound weight gain can affect your blood pressure drastically.

The Mayo Clinic study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks. Sixteen healthy participants between the ages 18 and 48 took part in the study. In the beginning of the study, their blood pressure was measured using a 24-hour monitor.

The participants were then fed 400 to 1200 extra calories every day with a choice of treats like a chocolate bar, health drink or energy shake. The idea was to increase their weight by about 5 percent.

At the end of the study period, their blood pressure was monitored once again. A 5 to 11 pound weight gain didn’t have a significant effect on the levels of cholesterol, insulin or blood sugar.

But it did cause a serious increase in blood pressure.

On average, participants who gained weight showed an increase in systolic pressure from 114 mm/Hg to 118 mm/Hg. Those who gained more weight around the abdomen showed a higher rise in blood pressure.

You may think that a 4-point rise in blood pressure isn’t too much of a concern. But remember that we’re only talking about eight weeks. Blood pressure usually sneaks up gradually. So, if the study participants keep the weight gain, most likely their blood pressure will keep on rising till it reaches a dangerous level.

This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight consistently. Even skipping a few gym sessions or indulging in your favorite treat once too often will make your blood pressure sneak up!

Even more importantly, if your blood pressure is already over 120/80, you absolutely must bring it down. The easiest, most effective methods I know to bring blood pressure down are these three easy exercises…

And if you need to shed a few pounds, here is absolutely the easiest way I know to do that. This one ingredient literally forces your body to lose weight…