Sodium: Optimising Your Sodium and Potassium Levels with Potensium Could Help You Control High Blood Pressure

Most of us are aware that we have too much salt in our diet. Even if we take care not to add salt to our food, it is difficult to avoid consuming it if we buy pre-cooked or convenience food. But while we know about the general health dangers of having too much salt in our bodies, we may not aware that we do need more potassium in our diet.

Sodium (from salt) and potassium play a vital role in the healthy and balanced life of every cell in our bodies. Together they are responsible for the mechanisms by which glucose, amino acids and other nutrients are taken into the cells.

Biochemical processes in the cell membrane, called the sodium/potassium pump removes sodium from cells and replaces it with potassium. The action of these 'pumps' - of which there can be millions in a single cell membrane - creates energy as well as keeping the cell healthy by regulating sodium levels and enabling cells to feed.

However, for the sodium/potassium pumps to work properly, there needs to be enough potassium in the blood. If your pumps arent working properly, too much salt is left in your blood. Too much salt and too little potassium are major factors leading to high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to cardiac failure, kidney failure, the narrowing and clogging up of arteries, and strokes. 

A brand-new supplement released this summer called Potensium, is claiming to be able to play a major role in redressing the vital balance between sodium and potassium needed for good health.

Lowering your salt levels lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease

First, lets talk about salt. Experimental studies have shown that excess sodium intake is associated with higher blood pressure.1 The strength of the relationship between salt and blood pressure also increases with age.2

The results of one study, involving more than 10,000 men and women in 32 countries, made it possible to calculate that a decrease in salt intake over a lifetime would lead to a reduction in the rise of blood pressure between the ages of 25 and 55.  At the age of 55, this figure could be equivalent to a reduction in mortality of 16 per cent for coronary heart disease, 23 per cent for strokes and 13 per cent for deaths from all causes.3

Various studies have demonstrated an inverse ratio of blood pressure to dietary potassium.4-6 The combination of low salt intake and high potassium intake is associated with the lowest blood pressure levels and consequent reduction in health risks.7,8 Even if salt consumption is controlled, it is important to increase potassium intake.9  

Increasing your potassium can have positive effects on hypertension

A significant way to control hypertension is to optimise the sodium/potassium ratio. Salt ingestion and potassium intake are among the major factors involved in hypertension. Other factors include consumption of saturated fats and alcohol, smoking, and stress.  It is interesting to note that populations that consume a lot of potassium and little sodium do not have high incidences of high blood pressure.

Addressing the sodium/potassium balance may make it possible to avoid or reduce the need for conventional drug treatment.10 Naturally, any decisions regarding drug treatment should be taken in conjunction with your doctor. 

Potensium is not like a regular potassium supplement

Potensium is different from regular potassium supplements in a number of ways. The manufacturer, Arkopharma, produces Potensium by using 'cryo-grinding' (or freezing and grinding) techniques that optimise bio-availability, meaning that more of the potassium gets taken up and used by the body.

Also, Potensium contains potassium in the form of potassium carbonate - the form of potassium found naturally in vegetables which the body finds easiest to assimilate.

In short, Arkopharma is claiming that this is the best and most efficent way to get the right levels of potassium.

What to take for best results

Potensium capsules (60 per box) contain 250mg of potassium bicarbonate. The recommended dose is two 250mg capsules per day. It is recommended to complement Potensium with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and low in salt.
 
Contraindications: If you take drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), NSAIDs, beta-blockers, or an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure or angina, consult a doctor first. Combining any of these drugs with potassium can lead to hyperkalem (a seriously low level of potassium).

1. J Hum Hypertens 1997,11: 789-94
2. Br Med J 1991;302: 811-5
3. Hypertension 1991;17(Suppl. 1): 1017-20
4. JAMA 1997;277: 1624-32
5. Br Med J 1988;297: 319-28
6. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol Suppl 1992;20: 43-52