Hypertension, sodium and potassium

I was reading a couple of articles about the effects of low sodium diet on hypertension. It is quite well known that many people with hypertension have to watch their sodium intake. I also found out that maintaining a healthy sodium/potassium intake ratio (1:1 or 2:3) is also important. When our bodies have an overabundance of sodium, potassium acts as a cleaning agent, and helps to flush our system of excess sodium.

Good sources of potassium include bananas, citrus juices (such as orange juice), avocados, cantaloupes, tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, flounder, salmon, cod, chicken, and other meats.

Also, an increase in potassium in the diet has been shown to decrease blood pressure in people who were deficient.

You can read an extensive article on the effects of potassium on your health at http://www.emedicinehealth.com/low_potassium/article_em.htm