Sodium / Potassium

loadsandloads

Did I read somewhere on here about the level of potassium intake in relation to sodium in order to help flush out the sodium? I am trying to reach a balance and was just curious. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Erica27511

I don't know about on here, but I read that in a Better Homes and Garden magazine over the weekend. It said to offset sodium intake to eat a banana with potassium.

yarwell

http://www.harvardschoolofpublichealth.org/nutritionsource/salt/sodium-potassium-balance/

It's all about a balance, which is why I cringe when I see potassium salts being used as "healthy" or "lo salt" sodium replacers - going from one extreme to the other.

loadsandloads

http://www.harvardschoolofpublichealth.org/nutritionsource/salt/sodium-potassium-balance/

It's all about a balance, which is why I cringe when I see potassium salts being used as "healthy" or "lo salt" sodium replacers - going from one extreme to the other.

This is informative but doesn't really answer what I'm asking. Is there a "balance" between sodium/potassium that will help flush out the sodium?

Thanks

DesignGuy

When your body gets rid of sodium, it also loses potassium.

Therefore, if your body is low in potassium, it will try to reduce the flushing of sodium to hold onto the potassium. And that's the roundabout reason why getting more potassium is good, because your body will be A-ok with dumping the sodium.

Also, potassium can help counter *some* of damage sodium does. The higher your sodium/potassium ratio is, the more likely you are to have health issues, die, etc.