Potassium Lower Blood Pressure

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.