According to new research conducted at the Institute of Publish and Preventive Health at Georgia Health Sciences University, people who are stressed retain sodium in their bodies’ equivalent to a small portion of salted chips. This is said to be a significant cause of high blood pressure and the prevalence of cardio vascular disease.
The research examined the impact of stress on the nocturnal blood pressure of African Americans. It was reported that 30 percent of the individuals were categorised as sodium retainers which meant that their bodies retained around 160 milligrams of salt when they experienced stress during the day.
The increased sodium in the bodies of stressed individuals was reported to have increased the nocturnal systolic blood pressure readings. The systolic reading reports the pressure of each beat of the heart. The increase indicates that the heart has to beat harder in order to counter the increased sodium in the body.
The research indicates that stress is particularly destructive as it increases blood pressure over night when the body should be resting and recovering from the events of the day.
Mindfulness has been shown to significantly reduce stress and blood pressure. Mindfulness is learning to pay attention to the present moment in a state of non-judgemental awareness. It has been shown in numerous clinical trials to significantly reduce stress levels and blood pressure significantly decreasing chances of developing heart disease or stroke.
