Studies show those who maintain a high sodium and low potassium diet run the risk of high blood pressure; which can trigger a stroke, heart disease or heart failure. In contrast, eating high potassium foods assists in relax blood vessels, releasing sodium, thus decreasing blood pressure.
Your body demands more potassium than sodium. Unfortunately, your diet most likely is the opposite. On average you take in about 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day while only getting about 2,900 milligrams of potassium. By making simple changes to your diet as it relates to both, you can easily modify this pattern; increasing potassium and reducing sodium.
Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, which are naturally high in potassium and low in sodium—eat less bread, cheese, and processed foods, which are high in sodium and low in potassium. The following items are particularly higher in potassium and may be a good place to start: bananas, mushrooms, avocados, plain yogurt, acorn squash, fish (such as salmon), white beans, raw spinach and dried apricots.
Now, to reduce the salt you eat each day, try herbs and spices to add variety while decreasing sodium and adding essential antioxidants to your diet. There is a wide range allowing you to add savory flavors to your daily favorites. Start off with small amounts to find out which ones you like. Common substitutions are: allspice, dill, curry, cilantro, garlic, cumin, ginger, basil, parsley, rosemary, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, cayenne and chili pepper. Mix these up and use them often to reduce or eliminate added salt in your diet.
Remember, to drink your daily allowance of water or other hydrating liquids in conjunction with reducing your use of salt. Your heart and body will thank you!
We are glad you joined us this week as we kicked off A Wellness Affair series. Follow us next week as we explore new daily healthy habits to build a better you. Experience the Meliora difference; experience our pursuit of better. Visit us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/meliora-technology-llc