Researchers found 8 common food additives linked to High Blood pressure and Heart DiseaseResearchers found 8 common food additives linked to High Blood pressure and Heart Disease
Health and Healing Dealing with Trauma and Addictions
Mike D discusses research linking eight common food additives to higher risks of high blood pressure and heart disease, especially in the context of ultra-processed foods. He shares personal dietary changes and encourages choosing whole foods, reading labels and using self-discipline as part of a broader path to health and healing.
12:15•16 Oct 2026
Are Food Preservatives Silently Raising Your Blood Pressure?
Episode Overview
- A large study of over 112,000 people found that higher intake of common food preservatives is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- Eight specific additives, including potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrate and ascorbic acid, were linked to greater rates of high blood pressure and heart problems.
- Minimising ultra-processed foods and prioritising whole foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices may reduce preservative exposure and support heart health.
- Reading food labels, practising self-discipline with taste-driven choices and monitoring children’s sugar intake are emphasised as practical steps towards better health.
- Diet change is presented as part of a broader healing journey, connecting physical health, trauma recovery and addiction work through everyday food decisions.
“What you put in is what you're going to get out. You put in junk, junk can definitely come out.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this episode of *Health and Healing Dealing with Trauma and Addictions*, host Michael D. (Mike D) shifts the focus from alcohol and drug use to what’s quietly sitting on your plate: ultra-processed foods and their additives.
Drawing on a large study that followed more than 112,000 people over seven to eight years, Mike walks you through how eight common food preservatives were linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. He reminds you that these conditions are "the number one killers in America, especially among people of colour," making food choices a serious part of recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Mike breaks down each additive in everyday language, from potassium metabisulfite and sodium nitrate to citric acid and extract of rosemary, explaining how often they’re used and why they may pose a risk. He points out that people with the highest intake of certain preservatives had a 29% greater risk of hypertension and a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with ascorbic acid specifically linked to heart issues.
You’ll also hear his own story of changing his diet, including pushing past childhood allergies to fruit and leaning more into whole foods like veggies, nuts, seeds, herbs and whole grains. Throughout, he connects these practical food tips back to health, healing and self-discipline — key themes for anyone working through addiction or trauma.
The episode finishes with a clear challenge: read labels, cut back on ultra-processed foods, teach kids to love foods that aren’t loaded with sugar, and remember, "what you put in is what you're going to get out." If you’re curious how everyday foods might be affecting your heart and your recovery, this one’s worth your time — what small change could you make to your next meal?
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