NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam 2025 - Free Personal Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

Potassium intake is vital for individuals with hypertension primarily because it plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure. This nutrient helps to counteract the effects of sodium in the body. High sodium levels can lead to increased blood pressure, and potassium assists in balancing sodium levels by promoting sodium excretion through urine. Adequate potassium intake supports vascular health and can help relax blood vessel walls, which further contributes to lower blood pressure levels.

Additionally, a diet rich in potassium is often recommended as part of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH diet), which emphasizes the importance of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This approach not only focuses on reducing sodium intake but also on increasing potassium, magnesium, and calcium intake to support optimal blood pressure management.

In contrast, while sodium, cholesterol, and calcium have their roles in overall health, they do not have the same direct impact on hypertension management as potassium does. Sodium is often restricted in hypertensive diets due to its role in increasing blood pressure, cholesterol primarily relates to cardiovascular health, and calcium benefits bone health more directly rather than directly mitigating hypertension.