High blood pressure: Potassium intake shown to reduce high blood pressure in multiple studies.
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HIGH blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is easily reversed by making lifestyle modifications. According to research, of all the dietary minerals that can help to lower a high reading, "the strongest data exist for increased potassium intake".
High blood pressure means your blood pressure is consistently too high and means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body. This can put an extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, which subsequently raises your risk of having a heart attack. Fortunately, the condition can be reversed by making healthy lifestyle modifications.
According to research published in the European Heart Journal, potassium has a proven track record of reducing high blood pressure.
"Of the dietary mineral nutrients, the strongest data exist for increased potassium intake, which reduces BP [blood pressure] and stroke risk," the article states.
It cites a meta-analysis which found that for a 1.7 gram increase in potassium intake, there was a 3.5/2.5 mmHg drop in blood pressure for hypertensive
High blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
What's more, in a meta-analysis of 32 trials, potassium supplementation was associated with a fall in blood pressure of 3.1/2.0 mmHg.
The effect was more pronounced in
"A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort. If your heart can work less to pump, the force on your arteries decreases, lowering your blood pressure."
According to the health body, aerobic activity can be an effective way to control high blood pressure.
Generally, aerobic activity will raise your heart rate, and make you breathe faster and feel warmer.
Examples include brisk walking, water aerobics and riding a bike.