Help! One of my NSVs was bringing my blood pressure down to normal range. So, I have been low carb for 7 years or so, mostly ketogenic for the last 5. Never “cheat” although occasionally overeat keto treats or too much protein. Im 5’2", had gone from a high point of 205-210, down to low of 135. For the past year, I’ve been in the 155-160 range but plateaued. Btw, Im in a size 8-10. The old me would have thrown up my hands, and ate whatever and put it all back on! I’ve kept calm and ketoed on! I blame the upward weight flux on stress of a new job (started exactly a year ago), and maybe some normal leveling off. Lately blood pressure has been creeping up, was high at my physical 6 months ago *150/100, recheck a month after brought it just below level of concern, but checking it at pharmacy it’s like 134/92 or so. Do you all think it’s the weight or the salt? I’m supplementing with salted bone broth before hot yoga, several days per week, and not shy about adding salt to food. The obvious thing would be to reel it back in and get that weight off, but the job stress isn’t going away. Plus, I host meals with new trainees and travel. I already fast when I can. What else can I do? Anybody experience this? Could it be caffeine?! Any advice would be appreciated!
Blood pressure creep
Sorry you are facing these issues. I would question the weight gain. Is there any chance that your thyroid is at the root? I understand that hypothyroidism can impact b.p. and many, many other things.
Salt does not raise blood pressure in most people (there are always exceptions). Most people on keto need more salt not less.
They checked thyroid I’m pretty sure at my physical…and although calories aren’t supposed to count, I eat alot! I’m sure that’s root of weight gain. I practice yoga 5-6 days a week and walk the dogs daily a bit over a mile. But, im a stress eater, and i love food, esp keto food. Dont feel deprived at all.
I know it’s shouldn’t but you hear the salt thing in relation to blood pressure, and the salt shot I do before yoga is alot of salt.
You also hear about “healthy whole grains”. Just cause folks say it does not make it true. It’s anecdotal but I feel better after upping my salt.
If you think it is ‘too much food and/or too much salt’, why not try reducing one of those things for 2 weeks and see if it makes a difference? No difference, then switch to the other.
Adding salt to food can cause water retention thus increase blood pressure. I’m not a doctor, but I think salt is important. I would keep using salt. Insulin can cause increase in blood pressure. Most people with high BP is caused by high insulin.
You have to try really hard to eat too much salt. And even if you manage to your kidneys remove it with zero issue. Assuming normal kidney function.
That makes total sense. Maybe a person could retain a bit of extra fluid very temporarily but that should be all.
Too much salt = easily fixed by body.
Not enough salt = issues as your body will scavenge it from itself.