Potassium and Your Blood Pressure
If you aren’t getting enough potassium in your diet, now is the time to do so if you have high blood pressure. Eating foods that are rich in potassium can lower the effects of sodium by helping you lose it through your urine. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium leaves your body. It will also help relax blood pressure walls, which causes a lower blood pressure. The recommendation for potassium a 4,700 mg a day. For example, a medium banana has about 420 mg of potassium. Some examples of potassium rich foods are:
- Avocados
- Potatoes
- Greens
- Cantaloupe
- Raisins and dates
- Fat-free yogurt
- Halibut
- Peas
- Tomatoes
- Lima beans
- Spinach
- Oranges and orange juice
There is a possibility of having too much potassium in the body. Those with kidney disease, have less of an ability to remove potassium from the blood and this can cause potassium to build up. If you do have kidney disease, it is recommended to talk with your doctor about how much potassium to take in a day since too much potassium can be harmful for you. There aren’t many symptoms associated with high potassium levels, but symptoms to look out for are feeling sick to your stomach, a weak irregular pulse and fainting. If you are concerned you are getting too much potassium in your diet, always consult with your healthcare provider.
Sources:
How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure - https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure
A Primer on Potassium - https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/potassium
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