Foods that are high in potassium can reduce excessive sodium levels and lessen tension in blood vessel walls. But is potassium good for your heart in other ways?
Eating bananas, which are the most potassium-rich staple, or a potassium-rich diet can help manage high blood pressure. By making nutritional changes, combined with other lifestyle habits, you can improve your wellness and keep your heart healthy.
How potassium can help your heart
First of all, what exactly is potassium? Potassium is an important mineral that assists our bodies in functioning properly. It is needed by all the tissues in our bodies.
Potassium carries electrical charges that activate a variety of nerve and cell functions. Its most important job is to make sure the fluid inside our cells stays at a normal level.
Studies show that foods with high levels of potassium can reduce excessive sodium levels and lessen tension in blood vessel walls. Potassium-rich foods can also help manage high blood pressure.
Overall, consuming the recommended amount of potassium can lead to fewer serious conditions, like heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure and strokes. Eating more potassium not only helps in preventing complications, but it can also assist people with hypertension problems by improving their current blood pressure levels.
Foods that are high in potassium
So, what is the recommended amount of potassium? It is 4,700 milligrams a day. And luckily, there are many yummy foods rich in potassium you can easily add to your diet to help you reach that daily amount.
Potassium-rich foods include:
- Bananas
- Avocados
- Fat-free yogurt
- Greens, including spinach
- Potatoes, especially sweet potatoes
- Raisins
Can I eat too much potassium?
Although including more potassium in your diet is good for your heart health, consuming too much can be harmful. This is especially true for those with health conditions such kidney problems.
As with all foods, small, gradual adjustments to your diet are encouraged. Also, before making any major diet changes, you should always consult with your health care provider.
Learn about the nutrition services as well as the primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
6 Comments
Post a CommentPatricia Hudson
Did not know banana had potassiu., new they were good for you ,patriciaNANCY HILLMAN
Bananas are high in sugar if you are diabetic.Renee
You have to eat a lot of bananas to keep your potassium regulated. And bananas has natural sugars. They do not control my leg or feet cramps. What should I do?Mercy Health
Hi Renee, if you're having cramps in your legs or feet, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Let us know if you need help finding one in Ohio or Kentucky!Betty Whitlock
My Cardilogist practice at Merry St Vincent but recently (about 6 mths ) my PCP moved his practice to a different city. I am searching for a great PCP. Can you help? Thank youMercy Health
Hi Betty, we can absolutely help with that! One of the best ways to do this is through our online search: 1. Visit https://www.mercy.com/find-a-doctor and click find a doctor 2. On the search tab, enter Primary Care Provider 3. On the left-hand column, enter your location. You can also enter other information that is important to you, such as insurance, gender, language etc. We hope you find something you'll like in the results! If not, don't hesitate to give us a call at 513-952-5000.