New studies have just been released proving that a diet high in salt and low in potassium can significantly increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Doctors have long warned their patients against consuming high levels of sodium because of the harmful effects it can have on your body, including high blood pressure. Fortunately, it now appears that people who balance a moderate sodium intake with above average potassium levels can prevent some of the damages of too much salt.
For people over age 50 or those with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease, it is recommended not to consume more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. While it may sound like a lot, this amount is equal to only a half teaspoon of table salt each day.
Keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure a healthy heart for years to come:
1. Skip the junk food. Most pre-packaged foods found in your grocer’s snack aisle or freezer case are loaded with extra sodium. Meals coming from fast food restaurants are also notorious for containing extra salt: one Big Mac alone has 1,040 mg of salt! Make sure fast food and pre-packaged items are occasional indulgences and not part of your regular routine.
2. Hide the salt shaker. If you have already added salt to a dish as an ingredient while you are cooking, take the salt shaker off of your dinner table so you are not tempted to add more salt before eating.
3. Offset salt with potassium. While bananas are most commonly known for being high in potassium, there are many other natural sources of this substance. Apricots, milk, chocolate, almonds, potatoes, avocados and soybeans are all packed with potassium, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Focus on including more of these items into your diet to offset some of salt’s harmful effects. 
For questions about heart health and aging, contact a local cardiologist today.
