Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, causes weak arteries that make it harder for the heart to pump blood. This can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer, because it usually has no symptoms. Research suggests that increasing your magnesium intake can have beneficial effects on hypertension.
Identification
Magnesium is a mineral that's found in every organ in the body. It plays a crucial role in bone health, energy production and enzyme function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Furthermore, magnesium might help lower blood pressure in hypertensives. Magnesium can be found in foods such as beans, nuts, green vegetables, halibut, oysters and soy milk, and is available in supplement form.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Scientists from the National Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan examined the impact of magnesium supplementation in patients with high blood pressure. For eight weeks, participants randomly received magnesium supplements or a placebo. At the end of the treatment, which was published in the August 1998 issue of the journal Hypertension, lead author Dr. Yuhei Kawano and researchers observed that the magnesium group experienced decreases in blood pressure compared to the placebo group. Scientists suggest that magnesium reduces blood pressure by improving blood vessel function.
May Decrease Blood Pressure
In research reported in the May 2009 issue of the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, researchers from Pusan National University in Korea investigated the effects of magnesium supplementation on participants with high blood pressure and normal magnesium levels. Lead investigator S. Lee and colleagues discovered that participants who received 300mg magnesium for 12 weeks lowered their blood pressure compared to those receiving a placebo.
Side Effects and Interactions
Excess magnesium can cause side effects, including upset stomach and diarrhea. In addition, people with kidney problems and kidney disease should not use magnesium supplements. Furthermore, magnesium can interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
