Potassium-rich diet cuts blood pressure meds
Increasing the dietary potassium intake reduces the need for antihypertensive medication.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Potassium intake increased without changing sodium excretion or body weight
Many assume potassium works by reducing sodium or weight loss, but this study shows it works independently of these factors.
Practical Takeaways
Add potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes to your diet if you have hypertension
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Potassium intake increased without changing sodium excretion or body weight
Many assume potassium works by reducing sodium or weight loss, but this study shows it works independently of these factors.
Practical Takeaways
Add potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes to your diet if you have hypertension
Publication
Journal
Annals of internal medicine
Year
1991
Authors
A. Siani, P. Strazzullo, A. Giacco, D. Pacioni, E. Celentano, M. Mancini
Related Content
Claims (6)
Processed foods are typically low in potassium, which normally aids sodium excretion and vascular relaxation, exacerbating hypertension when combined with high sodium and refined carbs.
For people with controlled high blood pressure, eating more potassium-rich foods lets them take much less blood pressure medicine after a year—only a quarter of what they started with, compared to 60% for those who didn't change their diet.
People with controlled high blood pressure who ate more potassium-rich foods were more likely to manage their condition with less than half their original medication dose after a year—81% compared to 29% in those who didn't change their diet.
People with controlled high blood pressure who ate more potassium-rich foods experienced fewer side effects or discomfort after a year compared to those who kept their usual diet.
For people with high blood pressure, eating more potassium-rich foods leads to higher potassium levels in their bodies after a year, as measured by food records and urine tests.