The American Heart Association indicated the number of U.S adults diagnosed with high blood pressure is 74.5 million. If not treated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stoke and be fatal. Potassium and sodium also play in important part in overall body growth and maintenance.
What are Salt Levels and Why are They Important?
Table salt and processed foods contain sodium. The average American consumes between 2,900mg and 4,300mg of sodium per day. The recommended intake is less than 2,300mg of salt per day.What are the Sources of Salt and Sodium?
Ingredients with the words “salt” or “Na” contain sodium. Salt has 40 percent sodium in it. Other sources with sodium in them are: MSG, baking soda and baking powder.
Avoid or minimize the following for healthy salt levels:
- Snacks that are salty
- Frozen or prepared fish, battered or canned
- Deli meats, hotdogs, sausages
- Canned items with salt
- Commercial foods: meat pies, hash, frozen dinners
- Cheese, buttermilk
- Seasoning salts, MSG
- Ketchup, mayo, salad dressings and sauces
About Potassium Levels and Blood Pressure
Potassium is important to body function and lowering blood pressure. It can also help prevent bone loss and reduce risks of developing kidney stones.On average, most people do not get enough potassium in their diets. Those who have too much potassium in their bodies develop a condition called hyperkalemia. Symptoms of hyperkalemia are tingling sensation in extremeties, muscle fatigue and even temporary paralysis. Abnormal heart rhythm is a serious complication associated with hyperkalemia and can cause cardiac arrest.
Food Sources of Potassium
Some of the best foods to get potassium from are fruits and vegetables. Some potassium-rich foods are also high in calories. If weight control is an issue, potassium supplements may be necessary.Foods with high levels of potassium are:
- Bananas
- Melons like cantaloupe and honeydew
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Tomato and prune juice
- Prunes
- Molasses
- Potatoes
How Potassium and Sodium Work Together
The positively charged ions in the fluid of inner cells is made of potassium. The fluid on the outside of cells is mainly composed of sodium. According to The Linus Pauling Institute, potassium levels are about 30 times higher on the inside versus outside of cells. On the same note, sodium levels are ten times lower inside cells than outside.The difference in concentration between potassium and sodium makes up what is called membrane potential. When at a good level, this membrane potential promotes proper nerve impulse transmission along with muscle contraction and proper heart function.
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