Posted on 02/26/2024 8:58:33 PM PST by ConservativeMind
While reducing salt intake has been the focus of dietary advice to control high blood pressure (hypertension), a study suggests that upping your potassium intake can be at least as important.
Researchers analyzed data from The George Institute's large-scale randomized trial, the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS), which involved 20,995 participants followed for five years. The study showed clear reductions in the risk of stroke (14%), major cardiovascular events (13%) and premature death (12%) from switching regular salt for potassium-enriched salt.
The researchers based their analyses on the "gold standard" measure of sodium and potassium in the urine of trial participants.
They found that the supplementary potassium accounted for between 61% and 88% of the blood pressure lowering effects recorded in the trial. In every case, the results indicated that the majority of the blood pressure fall was attributable to the increase in dietary potassium rather than the fall in dietary sodium.
Potassium is an essential mineral found in a variety of whole foods, including legumes, nuts, leafy green vegetables and fruits such as bananas, kiwis and dates. High levels of potassium are one of the reasons fresh fruits and vegetables are so good for you.
Current dietary guidelines recommend a potassium intake of more than 3.5 g/day, but a recent study found global mean potassium intake was just 2.25 g/day, with only 35% of the global population estimated to achieve this target.
"Salt substitutes are particularly interesting in this regard, because most people can make the switch to potassium-enriched salt without much difficulty—in our SSaSS trial more than 90% of participants assigned to use the salt substitute were still using it five years on."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
The research for that figure was highly questionable. For any who are curious, this video is long but a great video on the changing blood pressure rules:
“Blood Pressure: How High is Too High and How Do I Lower it Safely?” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j314amPw4RQ
From University of California Television (UCTV) in 2019.
Kidney damage from high blood pressure is worse the higher the pressure, and worse the more time one is at a higher pressure.
It’s not an on/off switch at some high pressure level.
Evidence? What is the structural design of our arteries?
I’ve asked before and no one has ever shown me any evidence or study OTHER THAN ASSOCIATIONAL STUDIES.
Is “oil pressure” bad for an engine? If too high or too low, yes. But what is that number?
Again, high blood pressure caused by clogging of the arteries is associated with a lot of bad things. But what if the arteries are not clogged?
“Again, high blood pressure caused by clogging of the arteries is associated with a lot of bad things. But what if the arteries are not clogged? “
Clogged arteries are not required for high blood pressure. I have high blood pressure and my arteries are not clogged.
Arteries and veins are not like an oil gallery drilled in the block. They are living tissue and they expand and contract on their own.
https://www.healthline.com/health/vasoconstriction#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
I take Nattokinase pills.
Dr. Berg
Why Does Potassium Work for Hypertension? High Potassium Foods for High Blood Pressure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFHdl8B0_AI
Yes, high blood pressure can be caused by stiffness in the artery wall. Is that then linked by any evidence to kidney damage or heart attacks?
That is my point. They say high blood pressure causes things, but in reality it is ASSOCIATED with things. But there are multiple causes of high blood pressure. I grant high blood pressure CAUSED BY clogged arteries will do bad things. But is there any indication high blood pressure due to arterial stiffness (separate from interior calcium or plaque build-up) causes anything bad to happen?
“Damaged kidney arteries don’t filter blood well. Kidneys have small, finger-like nephrons that filter your blood. Each nephron receives its blood supply through tiny hair-like capillaries, the smallest of all blood vessels. When the arteries become damaged, the nephrons don’t receive the essential oxygen and nutrients. Then the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and regulate the fluid, hormones, acids and salts in the body. “
The analogy that the circulatory system is like a hydraulic sytem or oiling system is incorrect.
I’d say it is more like a chemical reaction catalytic system, where, if the converter substrate is damaged, (nephrons) the exhaust gases don’t get reacted properly.
I upped my potassium intake too high and began to crave salt—could not get enough salty popcorn and chips. That stopped when I adjusted the supplement level downward.
Potassium salt reminder bump - thanks!
Again: I agree damaged arteries are an issue. But there are other causes of high blood pressure. Are those other causes ALSO damaging to kidneys? If so, what is the evidence?
Friends who shop at Costco bring me frozen Alaskan Salmon Burgers. Really delish and about $20 for a package of 12. Fish from the Atlantic are not worth eating, water too dirty in most parts that ocean. Someone just gave me a few pounds of shrimp from the Atlantic and I couldn’t wait to get rid of it.
As for veggies, I cook them in a steamer, very easy and preserves nutrients. My veggie resistant friend who comes for dinner now and then really likes them.. I put a little green goddess salad dressing from Trader Joe on them, and he’s delighted.
Thanks!
bfl
“Just to verify - 3.5 g is 3500 mg?”
This is the Metric System: it’s impossible to make a missteak...
If natto helps, then the active ingredient, called nattokinase, just might help too...
You can buy it in pill form on Amazon.
NOTE: It is _very_ important not to take too much Potassium, but a balanced amount is clearly vital.
> I’ll pass on the fruits and veggies.
Please try some apples, at least. Kiwi are also a good source of Potassium.
Veggies on the grill are not too bad if not over-cooked...try it some time and you might be surprised.
Didn’t your mother teach you that you had to have at least *some* vegetables? :-)
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