Magnesium and Health Issuesby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 04 Jul 2008 07:29 AM Magnesium is an essential mineral for good health. Research has suggested that it may play a role in managing major health issues!
- Magnesium and blood pressure: a clinical study called DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) found that high blood pressure could be lowered with a diet heavy in fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy. That kind of diet is high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It's hard to see the effects of magnesium alone -- it is often present in foods that are high in fiber and potassium, too. But the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure feels that there's enough evidence out there to support the connection between sufficient dietary magnesium and a beneficial effect on blood pressure.
- Magnesium and diabetes: magnesium is critical to carbohydrate metabolism -- turning carbs into energy. Research suggests that magnesium can influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes often have low levels of magnesium in the blood (also known as hypomagnesia). Hypomagnesia can make insulin resistance worse -- and insulin resistance is a condition that often precedes full-on diabetes. Studies have suggested that improving magnesium levels in older adults can help improve insulin response.
- Magnesium and heart disease: magnesium is important in blood pressure regulation. Observational studies have linked high blood levels of magnesium with lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Low stores of magnesium may influence the risk of abnormal heart rhythm and complications after heart attack. More studies that will look at the link between magnesium and heart disease are underway.
- Magnesium and osteoporosis: we know a lot about calcium and vitamin D behind essential for bone health. Recent evidence suggests that magnesium also be involved in bone health for postmenopausal women. Magnesium deficiency can alter calcium metabolism and affect the hormones that regulate calcium in the body. More studies are needed to confirm the role of magnesium in preventing osteoporosis.
blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, minerals, magnesium
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