The study "Modulation of blood pressure by dietary potassium and sodium: sex differences and modeling analysis" by Anita Layton suggests a shift in how we manage hypertension. Instead of drastically cutting sodium (Na+) intake, people can maintain normal sodium levels while increasing potassium (K+) intake to help lower blood pressure—especially in men.
Hypertension has become one of the most common health conditions globally. Its prevalence is rising due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet (moving from traditional foods to more Western diets), reduced physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
The real danger of hypertension is not just high blood pressure itself, but its long-term complications: heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and premature death. Populations exposed to sodium-rich diets with minimal intake of fresh fruits and vegetables—key sources of potassium—are particularly vulnerable.
Hypertension is strongly linked to high sodium intake, while potassium intake helps counteract it. Multiple research studies have confirmed this relationship.
A recent study from the University of Waterloo, Canada, led by Anita Layton and published in the American Journal of Physiology, explains the mechanism:
High potassium intake alters kidney function by reducing sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule.
This leads to lower water retention and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), helping bring blood pressure down.
Thus, instead of completely cutting sodium, patients can be encouraged to increase potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and broccoli to better manage hypertension.
Although the overall kidney electrolyte balance mechanisms are similar between the sexes, there are notable differences:
In healthy females, sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule is naturally lower than in males.
As a result, in women, potassium supplementation lowers blood pressure by about 5–10 mmHg.
In men, because they reabsorb more sodium, potassium intake can lower blood pressure by 7–14 mmHg—a more substantial effect.
Layton’s study also highlights that potassium's impact is strongest when individuals consume normal to high sodium diets. High potassium intake not only reduces blood pressure but can also bring it below baseline.
Nishiyama, Akira, Tomohito Gohda, and Hirofumi Hitomi. “Modulation of Blood Pressure by Dietary Potassium and Sodium: Sex Differences and Modeling Analysis.” American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology (2024). Accessed April 25, 2025. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2024.
MSN News. “Bananas over Salt? Study Finds Potassium More Effective at Lower Blood Pressure.” MSN, 2025. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/bananas-over-salt-study-finds-potassium-more-effective-at-lower-blood-pressure/ar-AA1CYWd3.
Cleveland Clinic. “16 Potassium-Rich Foods.” Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Accessed April 25, 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/potassium-rich-foods.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. J Anisha Ebens/MSM)
