How Carb-Loading Negatively Impacts Heart Health

Carbohydrate loading (aka carb-loading) is often used by athletes to maximize the amount of fuel stored in muscle and readily available for use during competition.

Researchers from Vanderbilt and the University of Alabama at Birmingham studied the impact of an acute carbohydrate load in the form of a 264-calorie shake on the production of the hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). ANP works in the body to eliminate excess salt and lower blood pressure.

Those who are obese produce less ANP. This contributes to more issues with salt retention and high blood pressure.

The study included 33 individuals with normal blood pressure levels. Prior to completing the study, participants followed a standard diet for a couple days to prevent dietary variability from impacting results. Their blood levels of ANP were then analyzed for twenty-four hours after consuming the 264 calorie carbohydrate shake.

There are 4 calories per 1 gram of carbohydrate. A 264 calorie shake equals 66 grams of carbohydrates.

A 20-ounce bottle of Coca Cola contains 65 grams of carbohydrates.

Researchers found the carb-loading to suppress levels of ANP in circulating blood. They found a 27% decrease in ANP over a period of several hours after consuming the high carbohydrate shake.

When you consume a shake high in carbohydrates, blood glucose levels rise. The body releases insulin from the pancreas to move this excess glucose into fat cells for storage and return blood glucose levels to normal.

Researchers note this increase in glucose appears to be tied directly to the drop in ANP levels via decreased production of miR-425 molecules. The miR-425 molecules appear to inhibit the production of ANP.

If you are obese, you are already producing less than the desired level of ANP. Add in high-carb shakes… your ANP levels drop that much more.

Now, this study only included 33 participants. More research is needed to fully understand the carbohydrate impact on ANP levels. For example, we don’t know if athletes have the same ANP response when carb-loading.

Use this information to take action on what you already know…foods high in sugar and low in nutrients should not be a regular part of a heart healthy diet.

For guidance on steps you can take to lower blood pressure, access the free e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure at http://lowerbloodpressurewithlisa.com.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Health Pro for HealthCentral

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