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K-Factor in Diets and Its Importance in Controlling High Blood Pressure
 Although blood pressure is the result of different factors, the common denominator isextreme salt and the improper balance of potassium and sodium. These two are the majorelectrolytes of the body in the production of energy, nerve conduction, cell integrity, toname a few. They are the producers of the body's electricity. The balance of proportionbetween sodium and potassium is known as K-factor in diets.Every tissue and organ has body cells composed of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calciumand chloride which are submerged in fluid. The intracellular fluid contains more potassiumthan sodium while it is the other way around in the extracellular fluid.The cells will function properly if there is the accurate balance of sodium and potassium orK-factor in diets which is important in controlling high blood pressure.The instinct to pull the hand immediately from a hot oven and the normal beating of theheart are examples of the proper ratio of potassium and sodium in the body. If there isdistortion, this can be life threatening.The correct ratio is about three parts of potassium to one part of sodium, K-factor ratio(potassium divided by sodium), which is also applicable to animals. Plants do not require thisbut helps in balancing excess sodium because of their ratio of about 10 to 20 parts of potassium to one part of sodium.The importance of K-factor in diets to control high blood pressure can be exemplified whenthere is an oversupply of sodium in the extracellular fluids. To return everything to normal,the kidneys will initially expel the excess sodium.
 
However, if the kidneys fail to emit the sodium from the blood, the peripheral vascularsystem will constrict and the resistance to blood flow will increase, the result is high bloodpressure. The blood pressure rises because the kidneys are excreting plenty of sodium.In order to control this, the medical profession introduced diuretics to treat high bloodpressure. In diuretics, more fluid is expelled from the body together with sodium chloride.This is effective in the early stage of high blood pressure.However, the kidneys are also required to emit potassium, hence the deficiency inpotassium. As a remedy, doctors prescribe potassium supplements and drinking of plenty of water as replenishments.Since potassium and sodium are almost present in the foods we eat, it is best to increasepotassium and decrease sodium in our diet.In order to remember this, here are some dietary guides:1. Except breakfast, eat one to three types of fresh vegetables. Never add salt if boiled,steamed or stir-fried. Examples of fresh vegetables are spinach, potatoes, carrots, etc.2. During breakfast, eat cereals like unsalted cereal, oatmeal, puffed rice and wheat germtogether with a soy beverage or a low-fat milk.3. Eat peas, beans and whole grains but not black beans.4. Keep away from eating processed foods due to its salt content. In you can't resist thecravings, look for the label which has 2 times more potassium than sodium.5. Try to avoid salt in every food. Instead, use hot pepper sauce as substitutes.6. Always eat fresh fruits. Ice cream, sherbet and ice milk can be eaten but refrain frompies, cakes or baked products.7. Buy a cookbook with emphasis on low-sodium diet.
 
These dietary changes may be different from your current way of life. If following the K-factor in diets will become a habit, you will realize its importance in controlling high bloodpressure which will lead to a better health.
Remarks: You can access the website by clicking on the links aboveRecommendation:
 
 About the author:
 Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies andhighblood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure forgood using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medicationsor drugs. Visit his site now athttp://www.minusbloodpressure.com
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