How does potassium affect the levels of blood pressure?

There is a delicate balance between the levels of sodium and potassium in the body. Potassium is good for people with high blood pressure since it can help counter the effects of sodium. Dieticians recommend an average potassium intake of 4700 milligrams per day. Studies conducted on adult volunteers showed that a potassium rich diet comprising fruits and vegetables can reduce blood pressure. However, potassium alone cannot help reduce hypertension. Make sure that your diet contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grains, fish, meats, beans, seeds, unsalted nuts. This will ensure a good supply of all essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, all these foods are rich sources of potassium. Potassium is found in abundance in foods like sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, oranges, bananas, cantaloupes, prunes, dates, and yogurt. In general, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and pulses can supply your daily requirement of potassium. It is best to bake, roast or stem the vegetables instead of frying or boiling since this destroys the nutrients. If you plan to take potassium supplement, discuss it with your doctor. High levels of potassium can be dangerous for the body since it affects the fluid balance in the body. Sometimes, the kidneys may not be able to process the excess salt, leading to complications. Some medications can also interact negatively with potassium supplements so always take them under the guidance of a doctor.