Most people know that consuming less sodium helps lower blood pressure, but the important role of potassium is often overlooked. Potassium relaxes the blood vessels so that blood flows through them more easily, with less pressure. Also, the more potassium you consume, the more sodium your body will excrete in urine.
A review of the scientific literature published in Advances in Nutrition in 2014 shows that, in people with high blood pressure, the sodium-to-potassium ratio is more strongly associated with blood pressure levels than either sodium or potassium alone. Our modern diet is higher in sodium from processed foods and dining out, and lower in potassium due to consuming far less fruits and vegetables than recommended.