A recent US study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that a dual approach of reducing sodium intake while simultaneously increasing consumption of potassium-rich foods may offer a more effective strategy for lowering blood pressure and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to focusing solely on sodium reduction.

A recent US study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that a dual approach of reducing sodium intake while simultaneously increasing consumption of potassium-rich foods may offer a more effective strategy for lowering blood pressure and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to focusing solely on sodium reduction.

A recent US study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that a dual approach of reducing sodium intake while simultaneously increasing consumption of potassium-rich foods may offer a more effective strategy for lowering blood pressure and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to focusing solely on sodium reduction.

It is well known that reducing sodium (salt) intake can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Now, a new US study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that an even more effective approach may be to combine lower sodium intake with increased consumption of potassium-rich foods.

High blood pressure affects more than 1.28 billion people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. For years, health experts have advised people to cut back on salt to help control blood pressure. However, the new study suggests that increasing potassium intake may be equally important.

The report highlights growing evidence that potassium and sodium work together in the body. Yet, most people consume too much sodium, while potassium intake is often well below recommended levels in both developed and developing countries. Low potassium intake may increase the harmful effects of sodium and contribute to high blood pressure. According to the lead author, dietary advice should focus on both nutrients rather than on reducing sodium alone.

Potassium helps the body eliminate excess sodium through urine, relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Studies have also linked potassium-rich diets to better cardiovascular health. Good sources of potassium include fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, fish and dairy products.

“Dietary sodium reduction is a foundational strategy for hypertension prevention and management. However, new evidence supports a broadening of the current approach that focuses solely on sodium reduction and provides equal emphasis on increasing potassium intake,” the study authors concluded.

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