Potassium Reduces the Risk for Stroke

If there was a drug that prevented high blood pressure, reduced the risk for stroke, helped prevent type 2 diabetes, and also boosted bone health then you can rest assured it would be a blockbuster medication that would cost the health care system tens of billions per year. These are potassium’s credentials, readily available to any person willing to consume some.

The latest study shows that higher potassium intake lowers the risk of stroke by 21%¹. Potassium works in combination with magnesium to balance salt intake so that salt can be used appropriately for energy production.

The researchers conclude that “Higher dietary potassium intake is associated with lower rates of stroke and might also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and total cardiovascular disease. These results support recommendations for higher consumption of potassium-rich foods to prevent vascular diseases.”

Potassium-rich foods include many fruits, vegetables, milk and yogurt, whole grains, beans, fish, and red meat. Many Americans lack fresh fruit and vegetables in their diets, thus eating more of these a good way to boost up dietary potassium intake.  Most fruits are high in potassium, especially bananas, apricots, papayas, prunes, cantaloupe, and raisins. High-potassium vegetables include potatoes, squash, avocados, tomatoes, asparagus, and pumpkin.

Potassium intake is important in the summer, especially if you exercise a lot (potassium, magnesium, and zinc are lost in sweat) or are sensitive to the heat. Potassium supplements can also help boost your intake and may be taken before going out in the heat to improve heat tolerance. Potassium can also help smooth out the way your heart feels and sometimes is the remedy for tired or weak muscles.

It is pretty obvious that a lot of very dangerous drugs are given to people when the more fundamental reason for their problems is an imbalanced diet that is often lacking in potassium, magnesium, and other basic antioxidants.