Magnesium Reduces Heart Disease Risk

 Every cell of our body needs Magnesium, which has hundreds of crucial functions in the body, starting from energy production, muscle relaxation, to proper nerve function, and most importantly, is a part of many processes related to the heart.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the US. It is true that the major heart disease risk factors are high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which makes the widespread magnesium deficiency among the US population a commonly overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Magnesium deficiency is dangerously common, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. According to studies, consuming the recommended amount of magnesium in your diet can lower the rate of heart disease by 40 percent, of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by 77 percent, and of all-cause mortality by 40 percent.

Magnesium is extremely critical for tissues that have electrical or mechanical activity, such as muscles (including the heart), nerves, and blood vessels, meaning even a moderate magnesium deficiency can have a huge impact on how your heart, blood vessels, blood cells, intestinal tract, and other tissues function. Experiencing a life-threatening emergency like a stroke or heart attack because of your lower intake of magnesium does not need to happen. This blog will provide you necessary information on ways you can protect yourself from untoward cardiac emergencies.

Need for magnesium for a healthy heart:

1.      Regulates heart rhythm- The mineral functions as an electrolyte, which is integral for all electrical activity in your body, which is what leads to the electrical signals being sent or received, thus enabling the heart to pump blood.

2.      Keeps high blood pressure in check- High blood pressure is the leading heart disease risk factor and adequate levels of magnesium means your blood flows more freely.

3.      Calcium blocker- Magnesium keeps a tab on the amount of calcium that can (and should) enter the heart muscle cells. Without this mineral, calcium can flood the heart cells and cause hyper contraction of the muscle cells, thus increasing the risk of angina or a sudden heart attack.

4.      Limits complications (increased blood pressure and risk of arrhythmia) of congestive heart failure.

5.      Reduces incidence of prediabetes and diabetes and improves insulin resistance.

It is advised that you stay mindful of symptoms of magnesium deficiency, including high blood pressure, acid reflux, muscle cramps, fatigue, migraines, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, kidney stones, and constipation, since you may not be aware about your low magnesium levels which also aren’t usually tested for.

For men and women, the recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 340 mg and 310 mg, respectively, which you can easily achieve by eating a magnesium-rich diet, which is a simple healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Still many people are found to be magnesium-deficit, it is best to talk to your doctor who might prescribe magnesium supplements to tide over the deficit. But healthy diet is the key to filing your magnesium gap. Other natural sources of magnesium that can reduce your risk for a deficiency include unsalted nuts, all green leafy vegetable, seeds, tuna fish, dark chocolate, berries, tofu, bananas, and whole grains.

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