Research reveals that exposure to both “fine particulate matter” air pollution (what’s in car exhaust and burning fuel, for example) and “coarse particulate matter” air pollution (like dust from roads and construction sites) can increase blood pressure in both adults and children. In 2022 (when the latest data is ailable), 99 percent of the global population lived in places where air quality didn’t meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
A study led by University of Michigan researchers found that even short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can affect blood pressure in healthy adults. The change in high blood pressure was similar to what a person might see if they gained about 5 or 10 pounds, the researchers said in a news release.
A separate meta-analysis by researchers at the National Institutes of Health successfully demonstrated how to lower blood pressure simply by filtering the air. The research looked at 10 trials with more than 600 participants and found that filtering air with personal air cleaners can help lower your systolic blood pressure. Exercise can also lower high blood pressure, even in places where pollution levels are high, a 2020 study found.
In addition to car pollution, traffic noise has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure.
Members only 5. Black licorice overdose
Eating too much black licorice — we’re talking the real deal, not just licorice-flored candy — can be a health hazard, and not just because of its sugar content. The candy contains the compound glycyrrhizin, derived from the licorice root, which can cause your body to hold on to lots of salt and water, thereby driving your blood pressure up. Eating black licorice can also lead to low potassium levels and abnormal heart rhythms. And if you already he some preexisting conditions, like low potassium or hypertension, you could be even more sensitive to glycyrrhizin.
So be careful how much black licorice you eat. A 2024 Swedish study concluded that eating 100 milligrams of black licorice every day, which the WHO established in 2005 as safe, for two weeks was enough to raise blood pressure by about 3.1 mm Hg.
What is high blood pressure? Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure Normal