Potassium Protects the Heart A
ccording to the American Heart As- sociation, heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability in this country. A recent study sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in addition to cutting dietary so- dium to improve heart health, Americans should increase consumption of a key mineral found in many fruits and vegeta- bles: potassium.
The study of more than 12,000 adults reported that people eating a diet high in
sodium and low in potassium have a 50 percent increased risk of death from any disease than average and about twice the risk of death from heart attacks. Sodium, a key component of salt, raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease. Potassium has been found to offset sodium’s impact on blood pressure. Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend an adult daily potassium intake of 4,700 milligrams and a maximum sodium intake of 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt); or less than 1,500 milligrams for people age 51 and older, African-Americans or those that suffer from hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.
The CDC reveals that the average American adult consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, about 80 percent from processed or restaurant foods. To achieve a healthier sodium-potassium ratio, the CDC recommends a diet that emphasizes fresh, unprocessed foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Foods high in potas- sium include sweet and white potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and bananas, as well as orange and prune juice, dates, plain yogurt and fish.
To keep the body in good health is a duty...
otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha
A
REGULAR BEDTIMES MAKE KIDS SMARTER
ccording to re- search presented at the 24th annual
meeting of the Associated Profes- sional Sleep Societies, children that get adequate sleep score higher on a range of developmental assess- ments. The researchers emphasized that having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive developmental outcomes at 4 years of age.
Scores for receptive and expres- sive language skills, awareness of sound-word structure, literacy and early math abilities were higher in chil- dren whose parents maintained rules about going to bed at a prescribed time. Having an earlier bedtime further supported higher scores for most devel- opmental measures.
The study involved a nationally representative sample of approxi- mately 8,000 children that completed a direct assessment at 4 years of age. They were part of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort.
Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine
natural awakenings February 2012
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