Potassium and salt are important elements involved in a variety of bodily functions and maintenance of chemical reactions in the body that do everything from providing us energy to keeping our heart beating. While too much salt or potassium in the body can prove harmful and can lead to bloating and heart disease, both are nutrients that provide benefits to the body and to overall health and development. Finding the right ratio of salt and potassium is the key to benefiting health and wellness.
Cardiac Health
"The Journal of the American Medical Association" published results that determined a strong link between potassium to heart health. Optimal potassium intake is recommended at 4,700 mg of potassium a day, and double that of sodium or salt, which should average about 2,300 a day. Potassium can be found in high amounts in foods like bananas, potatoes, spinach, raisins and orange juice.
Bone Health
People who eat potassium-rich foods like potatoes, melons and bananas reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis. Lower salt intake also helps promote and maintain bone health, preserving stores of calcium in the bones.
Lower Blood Pressure
Sodium or salt is important in the processing and absorption of nutrients into the body and also helps to regulate blood pressure and enhance nerve and muscle function. However, too much salt in the blood can lead to high blood pressure if the kidneys can't filter out excess amounts of sodium in the body. Increased amounts of potassium help reduce excess amounts of sodium in the blood, lowering blood pressure. Eating foods that are low in sodium or salt while high in potassium helps the body achieve the right balance between the two. Such foods may include but are not limited to sweet and white potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, dark green leafy vegetables and fish such as tuna, trout and cod.
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