5 Electrolytes That Boost Heart Health

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Physicians Regional Healthcare System

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Physicians Regional

Posted on

Jul 18, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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When we think of electrolytes, it’s often in the form of a bottle of a sports’ energy drink after a hard workout or drinking a rehydration beverage when we’re sick. Those are great methods for hydration, but keeping your electrolytes balanced is also a way to support your heart’s health and well-being.

Here are five electrolytes that have been shown to boost heart health—no blue liquid required:

  1. Calcium regulates and maintains heart rhythm and blood pressure. Foods high in calcium include dairy, dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, beans, seeds, whole grains, canned fish, and fruits and vegetables like oranges, figs and broccoli.
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  3. Chloride prevents irregular heartbeat and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke. Additionally, chloride helps to maintain fluid balance in the body, which can help reduce the risk of fluid retention and swelling. Additionally, it aids digestion and helps absorb other electrolytes like calcium and potassium. Good sources of chloride include seaweed, olives, celery, tomatoes, lettuce and kelp.
  4.  
  5. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, heartbeat, and inflammation. Additionally, magnesium helps keep arteries flexible, preventing damage to their walls and helping to prevent clots. Foods rich in magnesium include dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocados, bananas, yogurt, salmon, and dark chocolate.
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  7. Potassium helps regulate heart muscle and nerve function. Potassium reduces the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is also thought to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of arrhythmias. Potassium is found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, fish and whole grains. Also, it can be taken as a supplement or added to foods and drinks. To get enough potassium in your diet, include foods rich in this mineral daily. Good sources of potassium include bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, avocados, tuna, salmon, lentils and low-fat dairy.
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  9. Sodium. While that may sound counterintuitive to heart health, salt in moderation has some benefits. This electrolyte helps maintain healthy cell and nerve function, regulates the amount of water stored in the body and can improve circulation. It is important to maintain a healthy balance of sodium intake by consuming foods naturally rich in sodium, such as celery, olives, beets, seaweed and nuts. Remember, too much sodium can increase blood pressure and put you at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Just remember to talk to your physician before starting any new supplements.

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Physicians Regional Healthcare System

Hospitals 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, Florida, 34119

Physicians Regional Healthcare System's two Naples hospitals provide quality care to the Naples and the greater Southwest Florida community with the objective of offering more options and improved access to healthcare for all citizens and visitors. Our two Naples hospitals and more than 300 physicians are recognized within their fields, offering advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, including programs in 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, research, orthopedic care, spine care, neurosurgery, and women's services.Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard and Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge are conveniently located near where you live and work.Service Offerings Include:(Click a service to learn more)Bariatric Weight Loss ServicesCancer CareColorectal CareCritical Care MedicineDermatology ServicesDigestive HealthEmergency ServicesEndocrinologyGastroenterologyHeart CareInfectious Disease CareKidney DisordersLaboratory ServicesNeurologyOrthopedic ServicesPain ManagementPrimary CarePulmonology CareRadiologyRehabilitation ServicesRheumatologyStroke CareSurgical ServicesUrologyVein Care CenterWomen's HealthWound CareTo see which medical center or hospital is closest to you, CLICK HERE, to view all locations!

Physicians Regional Healthcare System

Physicians 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, Florida, 34119

Physicians Regional Healthcare System's two Naples hospitals provide quality care to the Naples and the greater Southwest Florida community with the objective of offering more options and improved access to healthcare for all citizens and visitors. Our two Naples hospitals and more than 300 physicians are recognized within their fields, offering advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, including programs in 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, research, orthopedic care, spine care, neurosurgery, and women's services.Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard and Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge are conveniently located near where you live and work.Service Offerings Include:(Click a service to learn more)Bariatric Weight Loss ServicesCancer CareColorectal CareCritical Care MedicineDermatology ServicesDigestive HealthEmergency ServicesEndocrinologyGastroenterologyHeart CareInfectious Disease CareKidney DisordersLaboratory ServicesNeurologyOrthopedic ServicesPain ManagementPrimary CarePulmonology CareRadiologyRehabilitation ServicesRheumatologyStroke CareSurgical ServicesUrologyVein Care CenterWomen's HealthWound CareTo see which medical center or hospital is closest to you, CLICK HERE, to view all locations!