Understanding the Golo Diet and Its Effect on Blood Pressure
The Golo diet has grown in popularity over the recent years as a weight loss program that emphasizes regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production through nutritional management rather than counting calories. The three main components of the diet are consuming 1,300-1,500 calories per day from whole, unprocessed foods, taking the Golo Release supplement, and 30 minutes of metabolic exercise per day.
The Golo Release supplement aims to help manage blood sugar and insulin levels by providing key nutrients like zinc, chromium, banaba leaf extract, and Rhodiola rosea. However, some people have questions around whether the Golo diet or its Release supplement may affect blood pressure levels.
How the Golo Diet Works
The Golo diet is intended to be followed in three phases:
- Phase 1: Jumpstart - 3-6 weeks of strict adherence to the diet by consuming only Golo approved foods. The Release supplement is started in this phase.
- Phase 2: Transition - Slowly reintroducing non-approved foods back while continuing the Release supplement and exercise.
- Phase 3: Maintenance Long-term lifestyle adherence focused on maintaining new habits and weight loss.
By regulating blood sugar and insulin, the Golo diet claims to help the body burn stored fat for fuel rather than continually storing excess calories as fat. The Release supplement provides key nutrients meant to support the bodys metabolic processes related to blood sugar, insulin, and energy production.
Is There a Link Between the Golo Diet and Blood Pressure?
There is no evidence that directly links the standard Golo diet or Release supplement to negative impacts on blood pressure. However, as with any diet program, there are some factors to consider related to blood pressure:
- Rapid weight loss Losing weight too quickly can sometimes negatively impact blood pressure. The Golo diet encourages gradual progress so this should not be an issue.
- Nutritional deficiencies Diets that are too restrictive or one-dimensional can lead to nutritional gaps which may negatively affect blood health markers over time. The Golo diet focuses on whole foods so adequate nutrition should be maintained.
- Medication interactions - The Rhodiola rosea ingredient found in the Release supplement can theoretically interact with some blood pressure medications. Anyone on medication should discuss the diet and supplement use with their doctor.
Golo Diet Release Supplement Ingredients Related to Blood Pressure
While the standard Golo diet itself should not cause blood pressure concerns when followed appropriately, the Release supplement contains some ingredients that have been studied for their potential impacts on cardiovascular health:
Rhodiola rosea
This herb has shown possible ability to help regulate heartbeat rhythm and blood pressure levels. However, it may also interact with some blood pressure medications so should be discussed with a doctor if taking prescription medication.
Zinc & Chromium
These minerals are essential for blood sugar control and metabolism which provides an indirect benefit for heart health. However, excessive intake beyond nutritional needs can potentially cause adverse health effects.
Banaba Leaf Extract
Also known as Lagerstroemia speciosa, this ingredient may provide blood sugar and cholesterol lowering effects which could support cardiovascular system health. More research is still needed on this botanical ingredient though.
Who Should Be Cautious With the Golo Diet Relating to Blood Pressure?
As with adopting any new dietary program, there are some groups who should take extra precautions with the Golo diet with regards to potential blood pressure interactions or impacts:
- Individuals taking blood pressure medication - Due to the potential interactions between Rhodiola rosea and some anti-hypertensive drugs, the diet should only be started under medical supervision for those patients.
- People with clinically low blood pressure - Since improving metabolic processes is a key aim of the diet, it could theoretically worsen already low blood pressure in some cases.
- Anyone with a heart condition - As with major diet changes even in healthy individuals, adopting such an intensive program should be discussed with a doctor first for those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- People taking supplements or medication with similar ingredients - To prevent adverse impacts from excessive doses, additional supplemental intakes of ingredients like Rhodiola, zinc, chromium or banaba leaf should be minimized or avoided.
Tips for Starting the Golo Diet Safely
The Golo diet program does not have to inherently carry major blood pressure risks if followed sensibly. Here are some tips for maximizing safety if adopting the diet:
- Check with your doctor - Especially if taking any prescription medications or if you have a health condition, medical supervision is advised when starting any intensive diet plan.
- Monitor your blood pressure - Tracking your levels will allow you to spot if any issues arise once beginning the diet and supplement.
- Stay hydrated and minimize alcohol - Getting adequate water and restricting alcoholic drinks supports blood pressure maintenance.
- Include blood pressure friendly foods - Incorporating ingredients like berries, lentils, yogurt and pumpkin seeds may provide extra benefit for your cardiovascular system.
The Potential Benefits of Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Though more research is still needed, the key concept behind the Golo diet of focusing on blood sugar and insulin regulation rather than strict calorie restriction may offer legitimate health advantages. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels provides extensive benefits throughout the body and for overall metabolic function.
Additionally, the Release supplement contains a thoughtful combination of ingredients that may support processes related to glucose control in the body. Minerals like zinc and chromium, for example, are clearly tied to healthy insulin activity and related mechanisms.
By keeping blood sugar stable, the downstream impact could plausibly include balanced blood pressure levels for many people as well. However, those already on hypertension medication or with underlying health issues should take necessary precautions and work with their healthcare provider before adopting any extremely low calorie dietary regimen like the Golo plan.
Summary: A Well-Formulated and Reasonable Diet, But Medical Supervision Advised for Some
In conclusion, when followed sensibly under appropriate medical guidance if necessary, the popular Golo diet should not inherently present any dire blood pressure-related issues for most healthy individuals without pre-existing conditions. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and strategic supplement combinations aimed at improving metabolic processes related to blood sugar control, positive impacts would actually be more likely for many who adopt the protocol.
Still, key precautions around aggressive or rapid weight loss, contraindicated ingredient interactions, and existing health and medication statuses should be kept in mind by certain groups. Under a doctor's supervision, the Golo diet may offer a reasonable and beneficial approach for long-lasting weight management and overall wellness.
FAQs
Does the Golo diet raise or lower blood pressure?
The Golo diet is not inherently expected to directly cause blood pressure changes in most otherwise healthy individuals. By supporting healthy blood sugar and insulin regulation, it may plausibly provide an indirect cardiovascular benefit for some. However, those with medical conditions or on medication should take precautions.
Are there any risks of the Golo supplements for high blood pressure?
The main potential consideration is that the Rhodiola rosea ingredient may interact with some blood pressure medications. Anyone taking prescription anti-hypertensive drugs should first discuss adopting the Golo diet and supplements with their doctor to ensure safety.
Can I take Golo Release if I have low blood pressure?
Those with a history of clinically low blood pressure may want to use some caution and consult their doctor before starting the Golo supplement. Improving metabolic processes is a goal of the ingredients, so hypotension could possibly be exacerbated in some cases.
What blood tests should I get before/during the Golo diet?
Checking biomarkers like blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, liver enzymes, and electrolytes can help monitor your health status. Kidney function tests are also wise to ensure adequate hydration and nutrient status while following any intensely low-calorie diet protocol.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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