Your blood pressure is something you probably don’t think much about. In fact, having high blood pressure typically slips completely under the radar—until something catastrophic like a heart attack or stroke happens. But the condition (also called hypertension) is a lot more common than you probably think, especially for men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50% of adult men in the U.S. have high blood pressure. That means it’s worth doing everything you can to keep it in check.
Maybe you already know to lay off the salty foods and be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Another habit worth having is making sure you’re getting enough magnesium and considering a supplement if you’re actively trying to lower your blood pressure. Upping your intake of the mineral can directly support your heart.
How magnesium supports blood pressure
When it comes to heart health, most of the focus is on
omega-3s,
fiber, and
potassium. But magnesium plays a crucial role too. Menka Gupta, MBBS, a functional medicine doctor at Nutranourish, says that magnesium helps control the muscles around blood vessels. She explains that when magnesium is low, the body produces more of the substances that constrict blood vessels and cause fluid retention, which can then cause blood pressure to go up.
Cheryl Marsland, DCN, RDN, a registered dietitian and faculty member in the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Department at Saybrook University, says that magnesium supports the endothelium (which are blood vessels’ inner lining) and helps produce nitric oxide, which allows the vessels to relax and dilate properly.
How to use magnesium to lower your blood pressure
