But that’s not really true.
High blood pressure—also called hypertension—is actually a symptom. It’s a warning sign that something deeper is going on inside your body.
And here’s the surprising part: up to 90% of high blood pressure cases have no known cause. At least that’s what many people are told.
But what if the cause is known, and we’ve just been looking in the wrong place?
Insulin Resistance: The Real Reason Your Pressure Is High
Inside your blood vessels is a special lining. It’s called the endothelium.
That lining has tiny receptors for insulin. When those insulin signals are working, they help your arteries relax and stay flexible.
But if you have insulin resistance, those receptors stop working. They get damaged. Your blood vessels tighten up. And your pressure goes up.
Worse still, insulin resistance pushes too much calcium into your cells. That causes more tension in your arteries. That’s why some people are given calcium channel blockers.
But the root problem? It’s not calcium. It’s insulin resistance.
Your Body’s Natural Armor: The Glycocalyx
There’s another layer of protection on the inside of your arteries. It’s called the glycocalyx.
Think of it like the non-stick coating on a frying pan. It keeps the inner walls of your blood vessels safe from damage.
But sugar—especially from processed carbs and fructose—breaks down that coating fast. It’s like acid rain wearing down metal.
When your glycocalyx gets damaged, inflammation kicks in. You get small holes in your arteries. That leads to clotting, calcium buildup, and—you guessed it—high blood pressure.
Nutrients That Help Heal from the Inside Out
To fix this, it’s not just about avoiding sugar. You need to support your body with the right nutrients.
Here are a few that really help:
- Vitamin D3 (10,000 to 30,000 IU per day, depending on your needs)
- Magnesium glycinate (helps calcium go where it belongs and calms your arteries)
- Potassium (lowers pressure by relaxing smooth muscle)
- Sulfur-rich foods (like eggs and grass-fed beef, to rebuild the glycocalyx)
These nutrients work together. For example, vitamin D and magnesium help each other work better. They also help calm stress hormones that can raise pressure.
Fix Your Food First
Changing what you eat makes a big difference.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Sugar
- Starches
- Seed oils
- Hidden carbs in processed foods
And here’s what to focus on:
- Low-carb vegetables
- Quality protein (like eggs and red meat)
- Healthy fats from whole foods
Some people think red meat and eggs are bad for blood pressure. But actually, they contain the sulfur and nutrients your arteries need to heal.
Fasting and Stress: Two Overlooked Causes
If your blood pressure is stuck, even with better food, look at your daily habits.
Intermittent fasting helps lower insulin and gives your body time to heal.
Stress is another big factor. It affects your nervous system, especially the top blood pressure number (systolic). To manage stress:
- Walk daily
- Get enough sleep
- Try calming supplements like ashwagandha or magnesium at night
When you take care of your whole body, your pressure starts to improve—naturally.
Watch What Happens When You Track It Daily
Don’t rely only on clinic visits.
Get a home blood pressure monitor. Check your numbers in the morning and again in the evening.
You might notice the bottom number (diastolic) drops first. That’s a good sign. The top number may take more time and often relates to how stressed your nervous system is.
Be patient. Healing takes time—but it happens.
Final Thoughts
High blood pressure is common, but it doesn’t have to be your future.
If you focus on fixing insulin resistance, healing your arteries, and reducing stress, you’re tackling the real problem—not just covering it up.
And that’s a change worth making.