Connection Between Potassium Deficiency and High Blood Pressure

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

"Scientists began studying the effects of potassium on high pressure as early as 1928. Now a major study of 300 nurses shows that potassium can lower your 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." Frank K. Wood says "When it comes to lowering blood pressure, potassium packs a powerful punch," in Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines That Work Better Than Dangerous Drugs or Risky Surgery.

"Low potassium is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmia; diuretics for the treatment of high 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,"

In the New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs, Nicola Reavley also points out the important role of potassium in controlling high blood pressure: "Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high 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."

The best way to get more potassium in your diet is to eat more potassium-rich foods such as 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 pressure.

People who have high pressure should follow a regular exercise routine. Alternatively you can start a simple exercise program in your home. You need not to hit gym. This will actually lower pressure.

Blue Heron Health News is a well known publishing company in the field of natural health. Their natural health publications include a detailed note to naturally lower blood pressure.

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Foods That Fight Iron Deficiency

Anemia is one of the most common disorders in young people and children today.  Anemia, in common terms, iron deficiency, is caused by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, in the blood.  When these hemoglobin cells are lacking oxygen, fatigue, dizziness and a lack of stamina might be the result.  In cases of severe anemia you might suffer from shortness of breath, or even heart problems.  This is why it is vital for young people to have a sufficient amount of iron in their bodies at all times.

The most common type of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia.  One of its main causes is a reduced production of red blood cells which often leads to a deficiency in nutrients and oxygen to the blood.  The problem with iron deficiency is that our bodies take a long time to replenish iron, and if it is not a staple in our regular diet it may take years to reach healthy iron levels.  Having low iron levels may lead to more serious problems like malnutrition because of a poor diet, and lack of vital nutrients and minerals.  Children are far more susceptible to iron deficiency because of their growing bodies, and sometimes their poor diets.  This is why feeding your children foods which are rich in iron is as important as ever.

To counteract iron deficiency a diet of more iron rich foods is absolutely necessary.  Iron rich foods will increase iron in the blood, which will lead to better absorption in the tissues.  The most common forms of iron we digest are iron from meat sources and iron absorbed from plant sources.  Meats have an excellent amount of available iron, and provide the necessary amount to sustain proper iron levels.  Iron from meat sources is more easily absorbed than that obtained from plants.  Also calcium and vitamin C can increase your iron levels, as they help the body absorb iron better.

One of the best sources of iron is raisins.  One cup of raisins alone contains almost 5 milligrams of iron, which is outstanding.  Raisins are also rich in potassium and high in electrolytes as well.  People who live in colder climates like Aspen use a lot of raisins in their food to supplement for the lack of natural iron in their diets.  Spinach is also a great source of iron.  Spinach is filled with high iron levels and vitamin C. It is also an excellent source of potassium.  Other foods that are high in iron are foods like cereals, oatmeal, as well as dried fruits such as apricots and peaches.  Pasta can be a good source of iron as well as carbohydrates. 

It is important to choose the right foods for your diet that are not only desirable, but vital to the body as well.  Feeding your kids in Aspen, LA, or anywhere in the country, high amounts of iron will help their bodies to grow and sustain them well into adulthood.  If you are an adult and have a low iron diet, it is time you rethink what you have been eating and start trying more iron rich foods today.

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