Magnesium truly is miraculous! It is responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions and is found in all the body’s tissues. According to the journal “Magnesium Research” (an ENTIRE journal related to magnesium!), “Magnesium intake is inadequate in the western diet.” Magnesium is a mineral that has potential health benefits for many health conditions including diabetes, hormones and gastrointestinal health. Today, I will focus on the benefits of magnesium for blood pressure.
In the case of blood pressure, magnesium functions to alter the contraction and dilation of blood vessels. More contraction and stiffer vessels= higher blood pressure. More dilated and relaxed blood vessels= lower blood pressure. Research has shown that magnesium can support the ability of the blood vessels to dilate, and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. With this in mind, how do you know if you have enough magnesium?
First, look for other signs and symptoms of deficiency. Anything that twitches, cramps, or spasms may be a sign of low magnesium status. Another way to look for magnesium levels is by checking intracellular magnesium or RBC magnesium. This is a good way to gauge if your magnesium supplementation is doing the job to raise your tissue concentrations. The amount of magnesium supplementation depends on the individual and their health concerns and is just one step in finding the why for high blood pressure.
Photo: http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-deficiency/need-more/
Resources:
Yogi A, Callera GE, Antunes TT, Tostes RC, Touyz RM. Vascular biology of magnesium and its transporters in hypertension. Magnes Res. 2010 Dec;23(4):S207-15. doi: 10.1684/mrh.2010.0222. Epub 2011 Jan 4.
Sanjuliani AF, de Abreu Fagundes VG, Francischetti EA. Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients. Int J Cardiol. 1996 Oct 11;56(2):177-83.
Book: The Magnesium Miracle, by Carolyn Dean, ND, MD
