MOST DOCTORS will tell you
that too much salt causes high blood pressure. They’ll tell you that it can
increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. And the mainstream media loves
to scare you into thinking that “salt” causes all sorts of health problems.
It is true that Americans
consume too much sodium. In fact, the average person consumes about twice the
recommended daily allowance (RDA) of sodium. But the real problem is not about
salt. It is a lack of potassium that should really concerns us.
The average American
consumes only about half the recommended amount of potassium. And most experts
believe the RDA for this essential mineral is already too low. That means we’re
not getting nearly the amount of potassium we need.
Potassium is essential for
nerve transmission. It helps to regulate the fluid balance in your body. It is
critical for both voluntary and involuntary muscle function. It assists protein
and carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps to regulate your blood pressure.
But even more important than
consuming the right amount of sodium and potassium is the relative ratio
between the two. This ratio is so important it has been called the “vitality
ratio.”
A recent study looked at the
effects of sodium and potassium on our health.1 The researchers analyzed over
12,000 adults. Then they followed up with them for nearly 15 years.
The results were published
in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that a high ratio of
sodium to potassium is associated with heart disease. It’s also associated with
a significant increase in death from all causes.
The American Medical
Association (AMA) found the results to be so compelling that they issued a
statement in support. The AMA urged the government to issue new public health
recommendations. According to the AMA, these recommendations “should emphasize
the simultaneous reduction in sodium and increase in potassium intake.”
Researchers from Johns
Hopkins performed another study. They looked at the results of 33 different
studies. Each one was related to potassium and blood pressure. They found that
optimal potassium levels are clearly associated with healthy blood pressure
levels.
Another review of studies
appeared in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. This study showed a link
between potassium and a healthy heart. Those who got the most potassium in
their diets had the healthiest blood pressure levels. They also had the least risk
of heart disease. (Natural Health Dossier)
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