Blood Pressure isn’t only about sodium

Blood Pressure isn’t only about sodium”- In a Chinese study, people who ate fresh fruit had lower systolic blood pressure ( top number )than those who rarely did. Potassium may be the key to why. This mineral, an essential one needed by all tissue in the human body, helps recruit molecules that return sodium to your blood, so you flush out more sodium as a result. This usually leads to lower blood pressure, says Dr. Alicia McDonough, Ph.D., USC Science.

Top potassium sources include avocado, squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, salmon, and bananas. Get your blood pressure checked before meals and a few hours after to monitor the effects that certain foods have on your heart and blood pressure. Listen to your body, and get quarterly to annual health checkups. Prevention is the best cure. It will save your life!