Fit to Print Volume 24 Issue 1 March 2015

E AT S M A R T ! By Rachel Ezelius, RD Good Carb, Bad Carb... Blood Pressure The Low Down on Carbs Evidence also points to lower insulin levels lowering a person's blood pressure. Insulin causes high blood pressure because it triggers sodium retention. With lower insulin levels, the kidneys shed excess sodium and release more water. Less water means a lower blood pressure. Lower blood pressure decreases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. ? A t some point in your life you may have considered eating low carb or you may even be following a low carb diet now. Although, studies have shown people eating a low carb diet lose more weight and lose it faster, studies also have shown a low carb diet is harder to stay on. Following a low carb diet can be strict and may leave you feeling very hungry and deprived. Eating low carb also increases the risk of constipation, bad breath, headaches, stress, and may leave you feeling weak or sad. This ultimately can lead to binging on carbs. However, if done smartly, a low carb diet can be very satisfying without the need to demonize a piece of

Fit to Print Volume 24 Issue 1 March 2015 | Page 10