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Potassium Lower Blood Pressure |
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Among the more common causes, common salt or sodium is
responsible for increasing your blood pressure. Sodium, individually
increases the blood pressure whereas potassium counteracts it and
lowers the blood pressure. Researches carried out in different
universities have found that the proper ratio of potassium and sodium
should be 5:1
How does potassium lower blood pressure?
Potassium works with sodium in your body to help the cells regulate the
exact amount of water. If you take more potassium, it will reduce the
extra sodium in your blood and in this way the volume of the blood and
blood pressure induced is reduced. It helps in proper functioning of
kidneys and removing excess of salt through urine. The right amount of
potassium in the body prevents stroke and kidney damage due to high
blood pressure.
Which foods contain high amounts of potassium?
Potassium is present in good proportions in foods like - apple juice,
avocado, apricots, legumes, pears, bananas, beets, carrots, cantaloupe,
oranges, sweet potato, salmon, raisins and watermelons. These foods are
considered a rich source of this mineral.
Newer evidence suggests that dietary potassium may play a role in
decreasing blood pressure to a great extent. Potassium is involved in
nerve function, muscle control and blood pressure. DASH (Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension) may be useful for lowering blood
pressure. The DASH diet is higher in potassium, magnesium and calcium;
and lower in total fat, saturated fat, and sodium than the typical
American diet.
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