After eating salty, our body claims – and that’s quite normal – to drink. However, rather than having a glass of water, some people accompany a snack (such as chips) or a salty meal (such as industrial pizza or fries) by another type of drink. A bad idea, according to two cardiologists questioned by the magazine Parade.
Drinking a sweet drink is a bad idea
According to them, this appreciated combination would be one of the most aggressive for the heart, especially in the hour following a salty meal. Indeed, according to Dr Joyce Oen-Hsiao, cardiologist at Yale Medicine, it is a mistake not to make.
“”After eating salty, you have to help the body eliminate salt. And it is certainly not by drinking a sweet drink, but by drinking water “ she insists.
For what ? Simply because sugar causes insulin thrust, which will accentuate sodium retention already caused by salt. “”It is a double penalty for the arteries“Warn Dr. Marschall Runge, cardiologist and dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Michigan.
A harmful combination for the heart, confirms our dietician
Questioned, dietician Alexandra Retion also confirms this information. “This kind of diet like very salty dishes in McDo, rich in fats and nutrients, has a direct impact on health. And if we add a soda, we add a good dose of sugar, which is catastrophic for the heart”.
Sugar, like salt, acts on key parameters: sugar increases blood sugar, salt increases blood pressure. “”It is precisely this combination that is particularly harmful “ she adds.
What is really going on in your body with this duo
Dr. Runge details the process: “Drinking a soda or any other sweet drink triggers an insulin response which further promotes sodium retention, which increases vascular pressure “. Result: the tension increases, the walls of the vessels suffer and the risks of hypertension explode, especially in people predisposed or suffering from prediabetes.
But that’s not all. The combined effect of salt and sugar causes increased inflammation and damages the endothelium, this thin layer of cells that line the inside of the arteries.
“”Salt retains water, increasing blood volume. Sugar, he widespread this phenomenon. Together, they greatly increase vascular stress“Summarizes Dr. Runge.
An opinion shared by Alexandra Retion. “”Take sports drinks: you put a little bit of salt there so that they are isotonic, to help carbohydrates to enter the cells. But here, we are talking about a massive excess of salt and sugar, which creates a deleterious cocktail. This kind of association promotes the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, even inflammatory and even diabetes “diseases.
Reflexes to adopt after a too salty meal
Fortunately, there are simple and effective gestures to counterbalance the deleterious effects of a salty meal. The two cardiologists notably recommend:
- Drink two to three glasses of water. “”Water supports the renal function and helps to evacuate sodium in excess“Explains Dr. Oen-Hsiao. If water tires you, add lemon or cucumber;
- Consume food -rich foods. “”Potassium counterbalances the effect of sodium and helps to relax blood vessels“Underlines Dr. Runge. Opt for a banana, sweet potato or lawyer;
- Walk 15 to 20 minutes. A walk after the meal stimulates traffic and regulates blood sugar, facilitating the elimination of salt;
- Avoid coffeeinated drinkslike iced teas or caffeine sodas, which can accentuate dehydration.