In the U.S., more than 63% of people do not ingest enough magnesium to meet minimum daily requirements. New research shows how insufficient magnesium intake contributes to the hypertension epidemic afflicting aging adults. Several conditions contribute to the development of high blood pressure, such as whether blood vessels are flexible ( constricted or relaxed), stress responses, and structural changes in the blood vessels themselves. Low level of magnesium impact all these conditions. Magnesium keeps blood pressure down by aiding blood vessel relaxation and dilation. Magnesium is a cofactor or ‘helper compound” in more then hundred reactions throughout the body . One of them leads to production of prostaglandin E1- important vascular relaxant. Magnesium also decreases the secretion of aldosterone, and aldosterone causes the kidney to hold water and sodium, which leads to increased blood pressure, so magnesium deficiency will contribute to this process.
Magnesium also helps us to relax by reducing the amount of catecholamines- mediators of Sympathetic nervous system that are up under the stress, so stress response is not so prominent- so blood pressure, heart rate will not be significantly increased.
Magnesium deficiency leads to low grade inflammation in the blood vessels walls, endothelial dysfunction which contributes to hardening of blood vessels and is predisposing factor for cardio-vascular events. One approach for ideal magnesium supplementation is to use a 2 -part supplement composed partly of magnesium citrate in a quick -release form and magnesium oxide in an extended -release form.Life Extension company offers this supplement, the dose of 500 mg a day will do the job.
If you have any questions, please, call me at 215-274-5344.
Dr. Natalie
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