Quote:
Originally Posted by brutus77  I have high BP and take meds for it. The doctor, and every resource I've read advises against salt consumption in all it's forms including potassium. Yet, bananas are recommended as a beneficial high BP food because of their high potassium content. What am I missing? |
Brutus,
Our bodies need potassium. It's an essential mineral for our cells, tissues, organs and all of the bodily functions. It is found is many food sources. We simply must have it in order to function.
Salt in any shape or form is bound to draw in fluids and retain them, therefore worsening or contributing to high blood pressure as there's more liquid coursing through the arteries and a greater workload for the heart to handle.
Reduction in potassium levels happens mainly through the use of diuretics and can lead to salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. (Of course, there are other causes as well). This is why the doctors like to check the potassium levels often.
Some of the blood pressure medications INCREASE the levels of potassium in the bloodstream, and that is just as bad! There's a potassium-sparing diuretic, some ARB's, ACE inhibitors, such as Ramipril. Having high levels of potassium is extremely dangerous and can be deadly.
Most diuretics DECREASE the potassium levels. It's important to consume foods rich in potassium as the levels in our bodies should optimally be neither too high nor too low.
Flowergirl
P.S. The potassium-sodium connection:
Potassium levels change depending on the levels of sodium in the body - if sodium is up, potassium levels decrease, and vice versa.
Linear Mode
