Potassium And Low Sodium Diet
A low sodium diet is an excellent remedy of bringing down high blood pressure, but there are a few thing you need to know and take in account before you start diminishing the intake of salt/sodium.
I found out that sodium and potassium levels are closely connected: when the sodium level goes up, the potassium level goes down and a decrease of the sodium level results in an increase of potassium level.
No one tells you that and being unaware of it, you will probably add to your potassium level by eating bananas, potatoes and other potassium-rich foods. Taking a multi-vitamin will bump it as well, but the biggest culprit are the salt-substitutes!
These substitutes may contain no sodium, but their potassium content is extraordinarily. Before you know it, your potassium level is extremely high (this is also known as Hyperkalemia) which can cause all kinds of other physical problems.
Too much potassium can lead to Bradycardia (low heart rate) which can manifest itself by nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness and palpitations. The best thing to do at that point is lowering your potassium intake and drink at least 8 glasses of water to flush out your system.
It almost seems to create a no win situation, but a well balanced diet given by a nutritionist may not be a bad idea. That way, you at least know you are not at risk of getting too much or too little of anything. You will get everything you need.
It is a great comfort that God knows exactly what is needed when it is needed and He will provide. Having faith, at least we can rest assured that we will never have to do without!
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I found out that sodium and potassium levels are closely connected: when the sodium level goes up, the potassium level goes down and a decrease of the sodium level results in an increase of potassium level.
No one tells you that and being unaware of it, you will probably add to your potassium level by eating bananas, potatoes and other potassium-rich foods. Taking a multi-vitamin will bump it as well, but the biggest culprit are the salt-substitutes!
These substitutes may contain no sodium, but their potassium content is extraordinarily. Before you know it, your potassium level is extremely high (this is also known as Hyperkalemia) which can cause all kinds of other physical problems.
Too much potassium can lead to Bradycardia (low heart rate) which can manifest itself by nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness and palpitations. The best thing to do at that point is lowering your potassium intake and drink at least 8 glasses of water to flush out your system.
It almost seems to create a no win situation, but a well balanced diet given by a nutritionist may not be a bad idea. That way, you at least know you are not at risk of getting too much or too little of anything. You will get everything you need.
It is a great comfort that God knows exactly what is needed when it is needed and He will provide. Having faith, at least we can rest assured that we will never have to do without!
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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