The WHO ranks hypertension the leading global risk factor for disease, specifically, cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure is higher in westernized populations consuming sodium-rich processed foods compared to isolated societies consuming potassium-rich natural foods. Evidence suggests that lowering dietary Na⁺ is particularly beneficial in hypertensives who consume a high Na⁺ diet. Nonetheless, numerous population studies demonstrate a relationship between higher dietary K⁺, estimated from urinary excretion or dietary recall, and lower blood pressure regardless of sodium intake. Interventional studies with potassium supplementation suggest it provides a direct benefit; K⁺ may also be a marker for other beneficial components of a "natural" diet. Recent studies in rodent models indicate mechanisms for the potassium benefit: the distal tubule Na⁺- Cl^- cotransporter (NCC) controls Na⁺ delivery downstream to the collecting duct where Na⁺ reabsorbed by epithelial Na⁺ channels (ENaC) drives K⁺ secretion and excretion through K⁺ channels in the same region. High dietary K⁺ provokes a decrease in the NCC activity to drive more K⁺ secretion (and Na⁺ excretion, analogous to the actions of a thiazide diuretic) whether Na⁺ intake is high or low; low dietary K⁺ provokes an increase in NCC activity and Na⁺ retention, also independent of dietary Na⁺. Taken together, the findings suggest that public health efforts directed towards increasing consumption of natural potassium rich foods would reduce blood pressure and, thus, cardiovascular and kidney disease.