Cut Down Salt, Increase Intake of Potassium to Reduce Risk of Stroke

Research in the British Medical suggests that the best way to lower blood pressure levels and the risk of stroke is by increasing the intake of potassium in one's diet and reducing the intake of salt, reports BBC.

According to the experts, millions of lives around the world could be saved every year if only people reduce the intake of salt and consume more fruits and vegetables, which are a rich source of potassium.

In order to prove the hypothesis, the researchers analyzed a dozen studies that focused on salt, potassium and high blood pressure. They also noticed that high intake of potassium didn't have an adverse effect on the functioning of the kidney or hormone levels. But low levels of potassium have been associated with high blood pressure.

According to the guidelines set by the World Health Organization on the intake of potassium, adults should consume more than 4g of potassium per day.

In a study focusing on salt intake, researchers at Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary, and University of London examined 34 trials that involved 3,000 people, reports BBC.

They observed how modest salt reduction affects blood pressure, hormones and lipids.

They noticed a significant drop in blood pressure with a modest reduction of salt for four or more weeks. This was noticed in people with normal and high blood pressure, and in both men and women as well as in different ethnic groups.

Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Wolfson Institute, Barts and London Hospitals, was quoted in Express.co stating: "These studies show it is absolutely vital the Government forces the food industry to gradually reduce the amount of salt they add to our food. Eighty per cent of our salt intake is already hidden in food, so most consumers have no choice."

Researchers observed similar results in the second part of the study that involved 56 studies. They noticed moderate evidence in kids: those who had reduced intake of salt, had low blood pressure.

The third study evaluated potassium intake and health from 33 trials that involved 128,000 healthy participants. They noticed that excess of potassium intake dropped the blood pressure in adults and had no negative effect on hormone levels, kidney function and blood lipid, reports Zee News.

Excess of potassium intake in adults was linked to 24 percent reduced risk of stroke.