Sodium and Potassium form an electrolyte partnership that regulates blood & fluid volume in our body. Where potassium helps maintain fluid content inside cell walls, sodium is necessary for fluid regulation outside cell walls. This difference in pressure gives rise to an important process that conducts electricity between cells, enabling everything from controlling muscles to sending nerve messages.

The average adult requires only 200 milligrams of sodium a day, compared to 4,700 milligrams of potassium. However, with processed and convenience foods and more meals eaten outside, our diets have inverted that ratio and we tend to eat far more sodium than we need, and in multiples more when compared to potassium. Researchers have shown that this excess sodium level results in high incidence of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart attack. Additionally, there is mounting evidence of the negative impact of excess sodium on bone health and the need for greater balance of potassium levels.

In all, it’s a good idea to cut the salt. Look out for some of these potassium-rich foods to balance the scales.