More Potassium and Less Sodium Equals A Healthy Diet
By Tom Herrin
There are plenty of ways to look at diet. In many parts of the world, it is based on what kind of foods are available at an affordable cost. Even in more developed countries, cost is still a concern. Many people have to choose lower quality foods based on what they feel they can afford. A lot of these foods have been prepared using ingredients that are not as healthy as they might otherwise be because they are less expensive. Fast food restaurants tend to do the same. People often develop their taste for foods due what they have eaten. One of the ingredients that is really common is salt. Since salt generally contains sodium, people consume larger amounts of sodium than is considered healthy. The potential damage that may be done by too much sodium can be far more costly than the more expensive foods.
High Blood Pressure Is An Issue
Most people are aware of the potential problems with high blood pressure when people take in too much sodium or salt. There is more reason for the cravings for water when people eat salty foods than they realize. When higher levels of sodium are present, the body tries to dilute it by retaining water. The kidneys have to work harder to purify the blood. The heart has to work harder to pump the blood as well. This tends to make the blood vessels stiffen over time.
The Correlation Between High Blood Pressure And Sodium Is Strong
In studies, cultures in which the people have high sodium intake show higher blood pressure. In contrast, groups of people who have lower sodium intake have lower blood pressure, on average. In China, high blood pressure is the number one cause of preventable death. It is inferred that the Chinese have a high amount of sodium in their diets.
Increasing Potassium Can Be A Great Help
Higher amounts of potassium can help to remove sodium from the blood and relax the blood vessels. This can lower blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods are available in many forms. Some of the best are fresh fruits and vegetables. Increasing the supply of these in your diet can make a marked difference. The goal for just about anyone should be to reduce sodium and increase potassium. Choosing foods that help do this can produce the healthy diet we all seek.
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