New Study Finds Boosting Potassium Intake More Effective Than Cutting Sodium for Blood Pressure

University of Waterloo research introduces a mathematical model revealing the potassium-to-sodium ratio's role in blood pressure regulation, with notable sex-specific differences.

The study highlights that increasing dietary potassium, found in foods like bananas and broccoli, may reduce blood pressure more effectively than reducing sodium alone.
A novel mathematical model developed by researchers quantifies the impact of the potassium-to-sodium ratio on blood pressure regulation.
The research identifies sex-specific responses, showing men are more prone to high blood pressure but benefit more from an improved potassium-to-sodium ratio compared to premenopausal women.
Findings suggest modern diets, high in sodium and low in potassium, contrast with evolutionary dietary patterns, potentially contributing to widespread hypertension in industrialized societies.
Mathematical modeling offers a cost-effective and ethical method for studying dietary impacts on health, advancing public health strategies for managing chronic diseases like hypertension.