COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Potassium maintenance for healthy blood pressure.
Potassium is an essential nutrient that quietly plays important roles in the body. Though it’s in the limelight far less than other minerals, like magnesium or calcium, potassium supplementation is fairly simple, in that adequate intake can usually be obtained through the diet.
Potassium is needed for cellular communication, which is important for balance of other minerals, such as sodium. Poor diets often disrupt this balance, causing blood vessels to dilate. This means, clinically, potassium plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure [2, 3]. Those suffering from high blood pressure need to incorporate plenty of potassium-containing foods into their diet. Athletes may experience significant potassium loss through sweat, which can lead to muscle cramps. Compensate by packing snacks that contain potassium to eat before and after workouts.
Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, avocados, beets, cantaloupe, kiwi, milk, oranges and orange juice, raisins, spinach and prunes [1]. In fact, it’s hard to pick a fruit or vegetable that does not contain some potassium. By eating foods high in this mineral, you’re also getting protection against heart disease and cancer from the countless other beneficial nutrients.
Certain blood pressure medications may actually deplete potassium. These include diuretics, or “water pills,” such as furosemide (brand name Lasix) and thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide). Patients on these medications should consider monitoring potassium levels to ensure they don’t drop too low. Some other blood pressure medications (notably, the ACE inhibitors that end in “pril”) can raise potassium levels. Obviously, this can get confusing, so anyone starting a blood pressure medication should ask their doctor how it affects potassium.
Kidney failure affects the body’s ability to excrete potassium, allowing levels to escalate quickly if not treated. Those with kidney failure should not supplement with potassium unless specifically advised to do so.
Blood tests may reveal that potassium levels in the blood are low. This could be due to inadequate potassium intake through diet, losses through sweat or because of medications. Often potassium supplementation is prescribed. Dosage usually starts at 200-300 mg daily. Note that magnesium can help the body absorb potassium. By adding some extra magnesium, potassium levels often respond when prior supplementation yielded poor results.
Keep in mind that getting enough fruits and vegetables now, may lessen the need for blood pressure medication in the future; yet another reason to pack your day full of produce.
References:
1. National Institutes of Health Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/factors/supls.htm
2. Guyton and Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology. Ninth edition. Page 207.
3. Cappuccino, F.P., et al. (1991). Does Potassium Supplementation lower blood pressure? A meta analysis of published trials. J Hypertension, 9:465-473.
