High Blood Pressure And Potassium Deficiency

By Christian Goodman

Almost all people know that high blood pressure can be caused by high sodium. But how many people know high blood pressure can also caused by low potassium? The effects of sodium is blunted by potassium and this helps the body to normalize blood pressure.

Frank K. Wood says "When it comes to lowering blood pressure, potassium packs a powerful punch," in Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines That Work Better Than Dangerous Drugs or Risky Surgery. "Scientists began studying the effects of potassium on high blood pressure as early as 1928. Now a major study of 300 nurses shows that potassium can lower your blood pressure even if it's in the normal range. Good sources of potassium are dried apricots, avocados, dried figs, acorn squash, baked potatoes, kidney beans, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, and bananas. You can also buy potassium supplements. If you're taking a diuretic, your body is getting rid of potassium along with fluid."

Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, in A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health explains "Since potassium is necessary to the healthy functioning of nerves, cells, and membranes, it is an important electrolyte to monitor," "Low potassium is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmia; diuretics for the treatment of high blood pressure or congestive heart failure may interfere with potassium absorption and excretion. Although potassium supplementation is usually not necessary, individuals on diuretics or laxatives or who have excessive diarrhea may require extra potassium."

"Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high blood pressure and death from stroke. Increasing the amount of potassium-rich foods in the diet can lead to a reduction in high blood pressure. The ratio of sodium to potassium in the diet appears to play an important role in the development of high blood pressure. The typical Western diet is low in potassium relative to sodium." this has been pointed out by Nicola Reavley about the role played by potassium in controlling high blood pressure in the New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs.

The best way to get more potassium in your diet is to eat more potassium-rich foods such as apples, apricots, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, prunes, spinach, squash, and watermelon.

It seems foods that contain high potassium is suppose to be vegetables and fruits. It is always better to avoid processed food that are rich in sodium while eating fruits and vegetables. A large amount of sodium can be found in a can of soup. It is always advised to read food labels.

Increasing the intake of fiber and reducing the food based on fat and cholesterol will also lower your blood pressure. Blood pressure can be lowered naturally by eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed food.

People who have high blood pressure should follow a regular exercise routine. You need not to hit gym. Alternatively you can start a simple exercise program in your home. This will actually lower blood pressure.

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