High Blood Pressure And Potassium Deficiency

Most people know that high sodium contributes to high blood pressure (hypertension), but did you know that low potassium can also contribute to high blood pressure? Potassium blunts the effects of sodium and helps the body to normalize blood pressure.

“When it comes to lowering blood pressure, potassium packs a powerful punch,” writes Frank K. Wood 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.”

“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.” 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,”

It 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 “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.

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

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

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.