Originally published November 10 2005
Alternative medicine experts say magnesium can help reduce hypertension
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Yam Cher Seng discusses research done by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee, which provides evidence that a diet high in magnesium can help prevent high blood pressure and hypertension.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the problem is further compounded by poor compliance to prescribed anti-hypertensive medication.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and measurements less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered ideal, a reading of less than 140/90 mm Hg is considered normal, but blood pressure over 140/90 is diagnosed as hypertension.
There are two types of high blood pressure and 90 per cent of all cases are primary or essential hypertension where the cause is unknown, unlike secondary hypertension with identifiable causes that are treatable or reversible.
However, a higher intake of sodium (salt), alcohol and proteins have been linked to increased blood pressure, along with other risk factors such as obesity and lack of regular physical activity.
The good news is that diet modifications, exercise, stress management and the use of nutritional supplements can help in reducing elevated blood pressure.
The American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee recommends a diet low in saturated fat, high in complex carbohydrates (adding fruits and vegetables) and restricted in salt intake.
Such a diet is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Food rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium are Chinese cabbage, carrots, cucumber, spinach, celery, sprouts, mushrooms, mung beans, potatoes, avocados, broccoli and most fruits.
Calcium, on the other hand, is required for the contraction of muscles and that is why these minerals are usually found in combination.
Apart from lowering blood pressure, regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, raises good HDL levels, thins the blood, fights off the excess weight and imparts a general sense of well-being.
The effects of stress can deplete your body of magnesium and this probably explains why chronic stress raises normal blood pressure.
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