High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is an issue that is not immediately recognizable because it does not show any significant outward symptoms. This is precisely why high blood pressure is so dangerous and the biggest risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as strokes or heart attacks. Hypertension can also lead to dementia, kidney, and heart failure.
High blood pressure is hereditary, but is also caused by poor nutrition, insufficient exercise, stress, and a magnesium deficiency.
High blood pressure can be hereditary, but can also have to do with the wrong diet. Too much salt, too much fat, and too much sugar – this combined with a lack of exercise can lead to increased blood pressure. Above all, a salt-intensive diet is dangerous for patients who are prone to hypertension. In addition, the so-called salt sensitivity increases with age.
Studies have observed that people who do not suffer from high blood pressure experience a significant increase in blood pressure due to an additional salt intake in their daily eating habits. Furthermore, there are indications that a high salt consumption can lead to a decrease in bone density (more on this here).
Stress can also lead to an increase in blood pressure. Doctors recommend a change in lifestyle and diet if you are already suffering from high blood pressure, but also for prevention.
The optimal blood pressure should not exceed the lower (diastolic) value of 80 mmHg and the upper (systolic) value of 130 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is between 120 and 129 mmHg of the maximum value and between 80 and 84 mmHg of the minimum value. If these values are exceeded, this is called hypertension.
What influence does magnesium have on high blood pressure?
Various studies have shown that patients suffering from high blood pressure often suffer from a nutrient deficiency. This is a side effect of antihypertensive drugs. This can lead to a magnesium, potassium, or zinc deficiency as well as a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D also has a proven antihypertensive effect (more on this here). It has also been shown that magnesium deficiency can be a factor in the development of hypertension.
A daily intake of 370 mg magnesium lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in studies.
A meta-analysis of British researchers at the University of Hertfortshire examined 22 studies for a link between magnesium intake and blood pressure. Data from a total of 1,173 patients were analyzed, with successful reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure observed. This effect was most evident at a dose of 370 mg magnesium per day.
The researchers also noted a decrease in daily average magnesium intake from 500 mg/day in 1900 to only 175 mg/day today. An interesting connection, if one considers the explosive increase of certain diseases in the same period.
According to Swedish researchers, 100 mg of additional magnesium reduced the risk of stroke by 8%.
This is an important finding, especially in conjunction with a previous analysis by Swedish researchers. At the National Institute of Environmental Medicine in Stockholm, they examined a total of seven studies with over 6,000 strokes from over 241,000 participants. The result: an increase in magnesium intake of 100 mg/day resulted in an 8% reduction in the total risk of stroke.
What opportunities arise from the intake of magnesium?
Thus, the intake of magnesium is of great advantage both for prevention as well as for drug and non-drug treatment of hypertension. Overall, the antihypertensive effect of magnesium reduces the need for other drugs, which is an added benefit for patients. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is also recommended. If you are already suffering from high blood pressure, it is worth taking a look at your magnesium levels.
The targeted intake of magnesium is therefore not only a side-effect-free and cost-effective therapy option, but also offers other far-reaching health benefits such as in the fight against diabetes, migraines, or to increase happiness and quality of life.
Other nutrients such as potassium and especially omega-3 fatty acids can also help to lower blood pressure as complementary treatments. Vitamin D can also play an important role in regulating blood pressure. In any case, it is advisable to consult a physician.
