An estimated 50% to 80% of Americans are lacking sufficient magnesium. Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzymes and over 3,750 magnesium-binding sites within proteins found in the human body. Therefore, the importance of magnesium for the heart and body is substantial.
The Importance of Magnesium for the Heart
One recent study found that the amount of magnesium you receive each day affects your blood pressure.
Dr. Yiqing Song and his team used 2,000 people to perform and gather data on 34 magnesium supplement clinical trials.
The researchers gave the participants magnesium supplements ranging from 240 mg to 960 mg. They found that the average amount of magnesium to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease was 368 mg for both men and women.
After 3 months, the participants who took more magnesium each day showed better blood flow than those who took less magnesium.
Sufficient blood flow helps to feed all crucial organs, such as the heart, with enough blood and avoid any clotting or problems from plaque buildup.
Out of all of your organs, your heart needs the most magnesium, especially the left ventricle. Magnesium helps to keep your heartbeat rhythm regulated and gets oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body.
Lack of Magnesium
A lack of magnesium can lead to muscle spasms. Many people tend to consume calcium-rich diets, which is all fine and well unless it is disproportional to the amount of magnesium received. Too much calcium creates muscle spasms while magnesium helps to prevent them.
Additionally, both are electrolytes that help your heart and brain function properly. Without enough magnesium, your brain can’t send or receive electrical signals sufficiently and your heart can’t pump blood like it needs to.
If your heart isn’t pumping enough blood or pumping fast enough, it may develop into a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. Realizing the importance of magnesium for the heart can save your life and prevent serious health complications.
Another study found that low magnesium levels increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasing dietary magnesium intake by 200 mg each day helped to lower the risk of fatal ischemic heart disease by 22%.
Receiving enough magnesium can even eliminate the need for heart medications. Magnesium naturally helps to thin blood, prevent blood clots, relaxes blood vessels and inhibits calcium uptake.
Eating a diet high in magnesium can help to balance out your electrolyte levels. It can also make sure that your heart and brain are working at their top capabilities.
Read: Heart-Healthy Sources of Magnesium
The importance of magnesium for the heart is something to take seriously. Do what you can to get enough of this mineral. If you can’t get magnesium through your diet, be sure to find a supplement that can give what you need. Lastly, talk to your doctor if you feel like you may be having heart complications or deal with high blood pressure.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/07/25/magnesium-for-heart-health.aspx