Delicious Diet Secret Drives Down Blood Pressure
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 9, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Every 90 seconds. That’s how often another woman in the United States has a heart attack.
Because the reality is heart attacks don’t just happen to men. Nearly one out of two adults in the United States has high blood pressure.
And heart disease is one of the biggest health risks we ALL face in life, regardless of gender.
Unfortunately, your conventional doctor likely won’t keep you from developing these killer conditions. He’ll try his best, of course. But in the end, his mainstream medicine blinders will cause him to just prescribe risky drugs and push impossible diets.
Fortunately, there’s an easy, all-natural way to dial down your blood pressure reducing your risk for heart complications. And lucky for the ladies, it’s downright delicious.
It may sound bananas, but new research published in the European Heart Journal reveals that simply eating potassium-rich foods can improve your heart health.
The long-term study followed almost 25,000 British men and women over nearly 20 years. Participants completed questionnaires, had their blood pressure measured, and gave urine samples.
After crunching the numbers, the research team calculated that for every gram of potassium the women in the study ate, there was a 2.4 mm/Hg (point) drop in blood pressure.
The researchers didn’t find the same link in men for reason not fully understood yet. So we will need some more research to sort that out.
But what we DO know is that getting enough potassium isn’t only good for blood pressure. Healthy potassium levels are also associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
The trouble is most of us aren’t getting nearly enough potassium. In fact, according to researchers, less than three percent of us are reaching the “adequate intake” levels established by the Institute of Medicine for this heart-healthy mineral. Diuretics and avoiding salt can lower your levels even further.
Taking pills to raise potassium doesn’t work very well. It’s better to bump up your levels with your diet.
Bananas contain a good amount of potassium. But avocados and salmon are some of the best sources of this heart-supporting mineral. Other good sources of potassium include spinach, swiss chard, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lentils, chicken, and beef.
P.S. Bet you’ve been told salt harms your heart health and sends your blood pressure soaring. But the science says different. Click here to discover the truth about the salt myth.
Source:
“Sex-specific associations between potassium intake, blood pressure, and cardiovascular outcomes: the EPIC-Norfolk study,” European Heart Journal, Volume 43, Issue 30, 7 August 2022, Pages 2867–2875, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehac313
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...