Potassium - It's Role in Hypertension

[Guest guest]

Potassium - It's Role in Hypertension

JoAnn Guest

Apr 01, 2005 20:46 PST

===================================================================

 

Normal blood pressure is vital to the nutrition of our cells. When

the blood in the capillary beds becomes concentrated from the loss

of plasma, the blood protein (albumin) attracts tissue fluids that carry waste

into the blood vessels.

 

Thus, by virtue of the blood pressure, all tissues are constantly

bathed in fresh, nutrient-laden fluids. Also, the breakdown products

from worn-out cells are removed.

 

However, when larger amounts of oxygen and nutrients are needed,

the contraction of tiny muscles in the arterial walls causes the

pressure to increase--

and supplies to be pushed more quickly to the cells.

 

On the other hand, if few nutrients are required, these muscles relax,

the pressure decreases, and food is conserved.

 

As the blood pressure goes up, the heart muscle must work harder to

push blood throughout the body. Just as with other muscles in the body,

the heart can compensate for the extra work by getting bigger and

stronger, but over the years, the heart basically gets worn out.

 

Two things usually happen to the heart as a result.

 

First, hypertension accelerates atherosclerosis by stressing and

damaging the inside lining of the arteries, promoting plaque formation.

 

Since the heart is working harder, it requires a greater blood supply.

Too much " plaque " can slow or stop the supply to the heart,

resulting in a heart attack.

 

Second, hypertension damages the capillaries throughout the body,

including the heart muscle.

 

As a result, the muscle cells don't get the oxygen and nutrients they

need as easily, and the heart doesn't beat as strongly. Slowly the heart

chambers begin to dilate in an attempt to maintain

the blood pressure, but eventually this fails.

 

The heart becomes enlarged, floppy and ineffective in pumping blood,

and the result is congestive heart failure.

====================================================================

 

Importance of " Dietary " *Potassium* against Stroke.

 

A study by Kay-Tee Khaw, M.D. and Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, M.D.,

found that a high intake of dietary potassium protected people against

stroke and stroke-related deaths.

 

In fact, they found that " as little as one extra serving of a

potassium-rich food, such as a fruit or vegetable, may reduce the risk

of stroke death by up to 40 percent. "

 

These researchers based their findings on a study of 850 men and women

in an affluent community in southern California.

 

During the twelve years covered by their study, 24 stroke-related

deaths occurred. These individuals were all found to have significantly

lower potassium intake than survivors and individuals who died from

causes other than stroke.

 

They also found the relationship between dietary potassium and stroke

mortality was independent of blood pressure, as it also was of obesity,

cholesterol level, cigarette smoking, alcohol and blood sugar.

 

They found that a lack of potassium intake was the independent risk

factor in these stroke-related deaths.

One does not need to take a very big leap of logic to conclude that an

increased intake of potassium *lowers* the *risk* of stroke, and a

decreased intake raises the risk!

 

 

Sodium to Potassium RATIO

 

A one-year study headed by James C. Smith, Jr. Ph.D., a chemist at

the USDA's Agriculture Research service found that the 28 men and

women in their study ate too much refined table salt (sodium chloride)

and not enough potassium, exceeding the safe and adequate daily ratio

recommended by the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

 

That ratio is 600 mgs of sodium for 1,000 mg of potassium.

 

The adults in this study were consuming 1,300 mgs of sodium daily for

every 1,000 mgs of potassium.

 

Recommended Range - As a matter of general information, a teaspoon of

refined table salt contains about 2,500 mg of sodium.

 

The recommended range of potassium is between 1,900 mg and 5,600 mg

daily.

 

Vitamin and mineral supplements, by FDA regulation, are only allowed

to contain 99 mgs of potassium.

To take a higher amount you may need to include more potassium rich

foods and/or need a prescription. How silly this seems when a

medium-sized banana contains approximately 630 mg of potassium.

 

When people consume a *high level* of potassium in their diets, they

*excrete* more " sodium " in their urine.

 

But when the opposite is true, they " retain " excess sodium in fluids

surrounding cells in the body.

 

Urinalysis can determine if your potassium and sodium intakes are

out of balance, and if either is too high or low.

 

Monitor your potassium levels-

 

If you are using a diuretic (herbal or otherwise), or are on blood

pressure medication, you may need a physicians prescription for

extra potassium.

 

It would be wise to have your potassium levels monitored regularly.

Remember, when potassium is *lost* by a " diuretic " drug, so is

magnesium!! You may need to supplement this mineral also!

Magnesium is Critical and Essential!!

 

The Journal of the American College of Nutrition reported that

magnesium suppelements are essential for helping control the blood

pressure in people with hypertension.

 

The exact mechanism is not yet completely understood, but it is thought

that magnesium helps " drop " blood pressure by regulating the

*entry-exit* " process " of *calcium* in

the smooth muscle cells of the vascular network.

 

In combination, magnesium and calcium appear to help the blood vessels

contract and relax properly!

 

The " interaction " of magnesium and calcium gives the calcium the ability

to get where it has to in the cells.

 

Then, magnesium " facilitates " calcium in getting to the right place

where it has a relaxing effect.

 

Hypertensives were shown to have significantly *less* magnesium in their

cells than normal people!

 

The British researchers reported their findings in the " Proceedings

of the National Academy of Science., " They noted that previous

studies had shown magnesium supplementation to be an effective

hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) agent in various types of blood

pressure.

 

 

Intakes of potassium and vitamins A and C were also lower in people

with higher blood pressures, while cholesterol intake was not

consistently different. These researchers, who reported their study

in " Science " , concluded that diets that restrict the intake of

calories, sodium or cholesterol may also reduce the intake of

calcium and other mineral nutrients which may be protective against

hypertension.

 

Calcium should be balanced with magnesium. (Note: Some researchers say

the ratio should be equal. Watch for further studies related to this.)

And of course, potassium must be taken for additional benefits.

 

You should include a complete mineral formula which provides:

 

Selenium, zinc, copper, chromium, iodine, boron, manganese,

potassium and vitamin E. It would also be important to include a

complete " stress " vitamin B-complex. You should check the potencies

of your vitamin and mineral formulas to see if they are adequate.

 

Note: Refined salt is deficient in natural minerals, which are depleted

during the refining process. This makes it much more problematic than

sea-salt. Use Celtic sea-salt for maximum health benefits.

http://www.topica.com/Herbalwisdom

 

A growing body of evidence indicates that low levels of potassium are

associated with high blood pressure and therefore deserve more

attention!

The association may be especially strong when the sodium to

potassium ratio is high.

 

Some researchers feel that in some cases, low potassium may play a

more significant role in hypertension than high sodium does.

 

Potassium may prove to be of value to the cardiovascular system in

other ways as well.

In one animal study, rats were given stroke - inducing diets.

The group that was supplemented with potassium suffered a 2 percent rate

of fatal strokes, as compared with the 83 percent rate of the

unsupplemented group.

In another animal study,potassium supplementation was able to protect

against the kidney damage resulting from hypertension.

 

Potassium is essential for maintaining the " fluid balance " in our

cells, and is required for the enzymatic reactions taking place

within them.

 

Potassium is used to convert Glucose into Glycogen for storage and

later release. It is also used for nerve transmission, muscle

contraction, hormone secretion and other functions

 

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Potassium deficiency symptoms include nausea, vomiting, which can lead

to further potassium losses, listlessness, feelings of apprehension,

muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and cramps, tachycardia, (rapid

heartbeat) and in extreme cases, heart failure!

 

There is no Reference Daily Intake for potassium, but it has been

estimated that the average American Diet contains from 2 to 6 grams

per day. Potassium deficiency can result from severe malnutrition,

alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, vomiting or diarrhea or from illnesses

that seriously interfere with appetite.

 

Potassium may be depleted following severe tissue injury due to

surgery, or burns, and during prolonged fevers. The excessive use of

steroids, laxatives, and some diuretics also

encourages potassium loss. If a person already has heart disease, low

potassium can worsen the picture!

 

In the body potassium must exist in " balance " with sodium.

 

Although sodium may be an important dietary determinant of blood

pressure, variations in the potassium to sodium ratio in the diet

affect blood pressure under certain circumstances.

 

So when considering potassium levels, we must consider sodium levels

as well and watch out for high sodium foods, including canned goods,

luncheon meats, sausages, and frozen foods.

--

Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2003 7:53 pm

Post subject: High Potassium Diets reduce the Risk of Stroke

--

 

Potassium - Food Sources:

 

Potassium is found in a wide range of foods. Organic meat and cold-water

fish are good sources. Legumes, fruits, vegetables

and organic whole grains are respectable sources.

 

People who are taking diuretics for the treatment of high blood

pressure are frequently advised to eat fruits such as bananas, oranges

and organic tomatoes for their potassium content.

It would take an enormous amount of bananas per day to provide the

recommended amount of potassium for a patient taking diuretics!

Physicians often prescribe higher-dose potassium supplements for

these patients. However it is doubtful that the potassium ratio is

restored to optimal levels, considering the large amounts that are

flushed out of the body with these powerful drugs!

 

Bear in mind, too, that potassium is lost through cooking, although

the amount of potassium lost varies according to the cooking method

used. A boiled potato may have lost up to 50 percent of its original

potassium content. A steamed potato, only 3 to 6 percent.

 

Since potassium is so widely available in fresh foods, most people do

not require a potassium supplement. Rather, most people should be

advised to reduce sodium intake so that a sodium-to-potassium ratio

of 1 to 1 is achieved! If however, you wish to take a supplement, the

Optimum Daily Intake of potassium is: 99-200 mgs for men and women.

 

Your physician may suggest higher levels of potassium if you are

taking certain diuretics, or if you are trying to lower your blood

pressure.

Keep in mind though, that large amounts of this nutrient should be taken

only under " professional guidance " . If you have a medical condition,

please consult your physician before taking supplements.

 

Potassium toxicity is seen when daily intakes exceed 18 grams, an

amount that is unlikely to be ingested through foods.

 

Toxicity usually occurs only through the uneducated use of supplements,

or when an individual has kidney failure.

 

=====================================================================

Preventative Potassium

 

By Alan R. Gaby, MD

 

Healthnotes Newswire (February 10, 2005)—Scientists have long known that

eating a diet high in potassium is associated with a reduced risk of

stroke. The potassium–stroke connection has now been strengthened by a

study showing that potassium " inhibits " the function of blood platelets

(Hypertension 2004;44:969–73), an effect that would be expected to

protect against stroke.

 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Western

societies.

 

The most common type is caused by a blockage of one of the arteries

that supplies oxygen to the brain, usually as a result of hardening of

the arteries (atherosclerosis).

 

Risk factors for stroke are similar to those for other types of

cardiovascular disease: high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol

levels, cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise.

 

Eating more potassium has been shown in both animal and human studies

both to lower blood pressure and to reduce stroke risk.

 

Blood platelets appear to be a key factor in stroke development.

 

Platelets are blood cells that play a role in normal blood clotting.

Through a complex process, platelets can also promote the development of

atherosclerosis, especially if they are “overactive,” as they are in

some people with heart and blood vessel disease.

 

In the new study, a group of healthy men and women supplemented their

usual diet with potassium for three days, in the amount of 2,340 mg per

70 kg (154 pounds) of body weight per day. That amount of potassium is

similar to the level in a typical diet. After three days, there was a

significant decrease in platelet activity.

 

The results of the new study suggests that increasing potassium intake

(by eating more fruits, vegetables, raw nuts, and whole grains) may be a

simple way to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

 

Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the

White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby

served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National

Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of

Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of

The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Three Rivers Press,

1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes,

Three Rivers Press, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2

(Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima,

1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health

Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of

Nutrition.

 

0_3.htm & title=Healthnotes+Newswire%3A+Preventative+Potassium & description

 

 

 

 

How do I know if I am getting enough potassium?

--------------------------------

Since potassium is essential for the conversion of blood sugar into

glycogen--the storage form of blood sugar found in the muscles and

liver, a potassium deficiency will usually produce great fatigue and

muscle weakness as the first symptom.

 

A potassium deficiency is also characterized by mental confusion,

irritability, and heart disturbances.

 

Dietary potassium deficiency is typically caused by a diet low in

fresh fruits and vegetables and high in sodium.

 

Even more common than dietary potassium deficiency is deficiency due

to excessive fluid loss (sweating, diarrhea or urination) or the use

of diuretics, laxatives, aspirin, and other drugs.

 

The FDA restricts the amount of potassium available in potassium

supplements to a mere 99 mg per dose because of problems associated

with high-dosage potassium salts (potassium chloride) that are

available by prescription.

 

The estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake of

potassium is 1.9g to 5.6g. Most people can handle an excess of

potassium. The exception is people with kidney disease.

 

Individuals with kidney disorders usually need to restrict their

potassium intake and follow the dietary recommendations of their

physicians.

 

--

 

 

Here's what you need to know about potassium — how much you need,

whatit does for your body, good food sources, cautions and side effects.

 

 

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): RDAs have not been established

and potassium deficiency is rare, except for certain circumstances.

 

Maximum daily intake (from all sources) unlikely to pose risk of

side effects for adults: None established.

 

Food sources include: Citrus fruits (such as oranges), apples,

bananas,apricots, cantaloupe, organic potatoes (especially with skin),

organic tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, unprocessed beans and peas.

 

What it does: Potassium is one of the minerals responsible for

maintaining the electrical stability of the cells of your heart and

nervous system.

 

It also falls under the category of an " electrolyte " .

Potassium is important for cell and muscle growth, and it plays a major

role in maintaining normal fluid balance.

 

What the research says: Most people get all the potassium they need

from eating a balanced diet. Potassium deficiency is rare, but your

doctor may recommend potassium supplements if you don't get enough

because of a medical condition or certain medications.

 

For example, some high blood pressure medications (diuretics) increase

" urination " , which could lead to a potassium deficiency.

 

Some studies indicate that low potassium may contribute to high blood

pressure and that increasing your potassium intake through diet may

prevent or help treat hypertension. Some studies

indicate that increased potassium intake is linked with a " lower risk "

of stroke.

 

Related Information

Using vitamin and mineral supplements wisely-

 

Vitamin A (retinol)

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin D (calciferol)

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Beta carotene

Calcium

Folic acid/folate (vitamin B-9)

Iron

Magnesium

Niacin (vitamin B-3)

Potassium

Selenium

Zinc

 

© 1998-2003 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

(MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be

reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. " Mayo, " " Mayo Clinic, "

" MayoClinic.com, " " Mayo Clinic Health Information, " " Reliable

information for a healthier life " and the triple-shield Mayo logo are

trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

-

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html