Given that heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, it should come as no surprise that one of the most crucial nutrients for cardiovascular health happens to be deficient in the majority of the world’s population. In this article, I will be going over the benefits Magnesium for heart disease, as this nutrient appears to be a saving grace for many cardiac-related issues.
Magnesium plays a vital role in more than 300 processes in the body. Some of which include cardiac muscle contractility, nerve conduction, and insulin sensitivity. Magnesium also plays a crucial role in the metabolism of vitamin D, another commonly deficient nutrient.
In clinical studies, supplementation with magnesium has resulted in:
– A reduction in arrhythmias
– A reduction in blood pressure via nitric-oxide independent induction of vasodilation (opening of arteries).
– A reduction in insulin resistance.
– Reduced occurrence of sudden death from cardiac causes.
What most people don’t realize is that much like the cramps we get in our calf muscles, the heart also cramps (angina). The same way we treat muscle cramps with potassium and magnesium, the heart requires the very same nutrients to function correctly.
Unfortunately, routine cardiac care has not yet adopted the use of magnesium for treating heart disease. Given the vast amount of research, even a non-medical person can recognize the need for this vital nutrient. In fact, patients taking diuretics require magnesium even more, since their bodies are constantly depleted of it via increased urinary excretion.
Magnesium can either be supplemented or consumed in your diet.
Foods rich in Magnesium are:
- Dark Chocolate
- Avocado
- Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, and other nuts
- Lentils
- Black Beans
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Spinach
- Kale
If you choose to use supplements, keep in mind that there are several forms of magnesium (malate, glycinate, citrate, etc). A holistic doctor can determine which one is right for you. It is crucial to use this nutrient under proper medical supervision in order to avoid drug interactions and misuse.
Clinical trials:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11105328/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1729866/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12160191/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20826254/
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(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)
by Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright © 2019
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