As of this writing, a staggering 120 million American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension).
That’s nearly half of us!
Even more alarming, hypertension isn’t just an adult issue anymore—it’s on the rise among young adults and even children.
Currently:
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About 23% of young adults (ages 18–39) have high blood pressure.
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Among children 8 to 19 years old, 8.7% have elevated blood pressure, and 5.4% have full-blown hypertension.
I’m old enough to remember when high blood pressure in kids was virtually unheard of. Now, it’s becoming the “new normal.”
So what’s going on? Why are blood pressure levels in the U.S. spinning out of control? Let’s take a closer look.
A Big Boost Overnight
The number of Americans considered to have hypertension got an “overnight boost” back in 2017, when the blood pressure threshold was lowered from 140/90 to 130/80.
That single change sent the percentage of adults with hypertension soaring from 32% to nearly 46%!
(I’m sure the execs at Pfizer celebrated that day.)
Is Salt Really the Villain?
Salt often gets blamed for high blood pressure because it causes the body to retain water, which increases blood volume and pressure. That’s why most doctors recommend a low-sodium diet.
But here’s the twist—salt is also essential for good health.
It helps:
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Normalize blood pressure and stabilize irregular heartbeats
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Remove excess acidity from your cells
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Balance blood sugar (especially important for diabetics)
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Support nerve and muscle function
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Aid in nutrient absorption
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Act as a natural antihistamine
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Strengthen bones and prevent cramps
So salt isn’t the villain it’s made out to be—it’s all about the source and the amount.
The real danger comes from ultraprocessed foods and fast foods, which are loaded with excessive sodium.
👉 The takeaway: Eat real, whole foods and skip the drive-thru. Then, season your meals with a pinch of natural sea salt without worry.
The Forgotten Factor: Too Little Potassium
Here’s something you rarely hear about: not getting enough potassium can also raise your blood pressure.
Potassium and sodium work hand in hand in the sodium-potassium pump, which creates electrical charges in your cells. These charges control muscles, organs, and calcium levels.
When potassium is low, calcium levels rise—causing your artery walls to tighten and blood pressure to spike.
Add potassium-rich foods like:
🥑 Avocados
🥬 Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, and green beans
🥔 Sweet potatoes
🍌 Bananas
🍗 Chicken and salmon
🍖 Roast beef
🥥 Coconut and prunes
The Sneaky Player: Sugar
For decades, salt took the blame—but sugar may be the real culprit behind our blood pressure crisis.
Here’s why:
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Sugar contributes to obesity, a major hypertension risk factor.
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High sugar intake triggers arterial inflammation, which directly raises blood pressure.
Our ancestors ate only 3–4 pounds of sugar per year, mostly from fruits and vegetables.
Today, the average person consumes 150–170 pounds annually!
And just like with salt, most of that isn’t from your sugar bowl—it’s from ultraprocessed foods and sodas.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), in particular, is everywhere—from ketchup and salad dressings to granola bars, breads, and even cough syrup.
Research shows that consuming more than 74 grams of fructose per day increases your risk of blood pressure above 160/100 mm Hg by 77%.
(You’ll hit 74 grams with just two cans of soda!)
👉 Bottom line: Eat real food and ditch the soda—your arteries will thank you.
Natural Ways to Keep Your Blood Pressure Healthy
Here are four proven, natural ways to help control blood pressure:
1. Get Enough Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
A high-quality supplement like VitalMega-3 delivers 1,200 mg of Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) in every 2-capsule serving—supporting both heart and brain health.
2. Move Your Body
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure—no fancy gym required.
Take a daily walk, join a class, or work out at home. Just get your doctor’s OK first and move consistently.
3. Get Enough Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels are linked to high blood pressure due to their effect on inflammation.
You can support healthy levels by getting 20 minutes of sun daily and supplementing with a formula like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B—which combines vitamin D3, K1, K2, and boron for powerful cardiovascular support.
4. Reduce Stress
Stress and high blood pressure go hand in hand.
Try:
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Regular exercise
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Deep breathing or meditation
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Spending time with loved ones—or even adopting a pet!
In fact, studies published in Circulation found that pet ownership (especially dogs or cats) can improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
Now you know the truth about what’s driving America’s blood pressure epidemic—and, more importantly, how to take control of yours naturally.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
