Mother Nature's Minerals

The population of Americans who experience hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is growing daily. High intake levels of sodium, one of the Earth’s natural minerals, can exacerbate this risky condition.

Recent studies indicate that there are three other minerals that regulate hypertension in addition to sodium.

Considered by experts to be the “good” minerals in relation to blood pressure are potassium, calcium and magnesium. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends consuming adequate amounts of each in order to combat the negative effects of ingesting hidden sodium in processed foods that can lead to hypertension.

Fortunately, these natural healing elements provided by Mother Nature can be found in many dietary supplements. The recommended dose for calcium is one gram, or 3,000 milligrams, one half of a gram of magnesium and three grams of potassium.

With so much processed food available at our fingertips, it can be difficult to avoid eating too much sodium.

To help lower your sodium intake levels try using coarse salt in your table saltshaker. Also, find a saltshaker with smaller shaker holes. This can give you the feeling of satisfaction that you have added salt to your meal, but with less actual sodium content.

Regulating your blood pressure is important in helping prevent dangerous conditions like stroke and heart attacks.