New Delhi: Reducing salt intake while increasing potassium consumption could provide a more effective dietary approach to managing high blood pressure, according to a recent peer-reviewed report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Why the sodium-potassium balance matters

Hypertension affects more than 1.2 billion adults worldwide and remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While reducing dietary sodium has long been a key recommendation for controlling blood pressure, researchers say insufficient potassium intake also deserves greater attention.

The report’s authors argue that sodium and potassium should be considered together because the two nutrients interact within the body’s blood-pressure regulation systems. Excess sodium and inadequate potassium are both considered modifiable contributors to elevated blood pressure.

Potassium-rich foods can make a difference

Fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy products are among the foods that naturally provide potassium. Current American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidance recommends aiming for around 3,500–5,000 mg of potassium a day, preferably through a potassium-rich diet.

Research reviewed in the guidelines indicates that moderate potassium supplementation can lower blood pressure, with effects varying according to sodium intake, existing hypertension and medication use.

Salt reduction remains important

The researchers stressed that increasing potassium should complement, rather than replace, efforts to reduce sodium.

One possible approach is potassium-enriched salt, in which some sodium chloride is replaced with potassium chloride. However, such products are not suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease or those taking medicines that reduce potassium excretion may face a risk of dangerously high potassium levels and should seek medical advice before using them.

The report therefore calls for a broader public-health strategy that promotes less sodium and adequate dietary potassium, alongside an overall healthy eating pattern.