Too much Sodium, Too Little Potassium Linked to Higher Risk of Death in U.S.

Many Americans consume too much sodium and too little potassium each day - this imbalance leads to an increased risk of death according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, an online medical journal. The study, which included researchers from the Centers for Disease Control, Emory University and Harvard University, concluded that:

• a diet high in sodium increases risk of death from all causes


• increasing potassium intake reduces risk of death from all causes


• too much sodium and not enough potassium increases risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease by nearly 50%; it also more than doubles the risk of death from heart attacks
  

  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/230866.php

So, what does this mean to you?

• reduce your sodium intake by decreasing processed foods, convenience foods and restaurant foods


• limit your portions of foods that you know have higher sodium but you just can't live without


• read labels for sodium - choose the lower sodium content choice


• aim for 1,500mg sodium per day, especially if you have heart-disease risks


• increase potassium intake by eating more potassium-rich foods such as avocadoes, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, oranges, lima beans, edamame, tomato sauce, salmon, winter squash, cantaloupe, yogurt and others