Connection Between Potassium Deficiency And High Blood Pressure
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.
“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.” 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.
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.”
In the New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs, Nicola Reavley also points out the important role of potassium in controlling high blood pressure: “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.”
To add more potassium it is best to add foods that contain more potassium in your diet. Such foods are apples, apricots, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lima beans, oranges, potatoes, prunes, spinach, squash, and watermelon.
Notice a pattern here? Foods high in potassium tend to be wholesome fruits and vegetables. While eating more fruits and vegetables, you should avoid processed foods which are typically high in sodium. Even a “healthy” can of soup can have outrageous amounts of sodium. Be sure 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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