(NaturalHealth365) Has your doctor ever told you have hypertension or prescribed you a medication to lower blood pressure? If so, you’re probably well aware of the common side effects of antihypertensive medications including lightheadedness, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.  But, did you know that an essential mineral can help you avoid the need for toxic drugs?

To be clear, maintaining good blood pressure is essential, since it reduces your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.  But while no one should stop or start any medication without consulting their physician, we do believe the 75 million Americans living with hypertension deserve to know about one natural hypertension solution – magnesium.

In fact, this mineral offers many health benefits, as you’ll soon see.

Want to lower blood pressure naturally? Try this essential mineral

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure.  Meanwhile, at least 1 in 2 Americans are deficient in magnesium.

This essential mineral is involved in over 300 different physiological processes in your body.  And, yes, everyone needs sufficient amounts of this mineral for optimal wellbeing.

Here’s just a few reasons why you want to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet, whether you have hypertension or not:

• A 2017 meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “magnesium supplementation significantly lowers [blood pressure] in individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or other noncommunicable chronic diseases.” The meta-analysis included over 540 subjects between 11 randomized controlled trials. Why is this mineral so beneficial for heart health? Because magnesium improves nerve function, helps blood vessels relax, and supports a steady heart beat.
• Getting enough magnesium may help you reduce or come off blood pressure drugs – which is good for your wallet and your wellbeing.  As we’ve reportedly previously, certain types of blood pressure medications may increase your risk for heart attack.  And several anti-hypertensive drugs made headlines because they were found to be contaminated by carcinogenic chemicals. As if the side effects of hypertension drugs weren’t bad enough!
• In addition to improving blood pressure, magnesium also helps your body absorb vitamin D, maximize bone and immune health, produce energy, support muscle function, optimize sleep and mood, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Wondering if you’re lacking in magnesium? Here are deficiency signs to look out for: fatigue, insomnia, weakness, muscle cramps and tremors, heart palpitations (a fluttery feeling in the chest), numbness and tingling, loss of appetite, impaired coordination, low blood sugar, and hyperactivity.

These are the top sources of magnesium (plus the recommended dose) so you can enjoy all its health benefits

We know magnesium is important. But how much do you need for optimal function and health?

The studies referenced in the above-mentioned meta-analysis featured magnesium doses ranging from 365 to 450 milligrams (mg) per day. And according to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 420 mg/day for men ages 50+ and 320 mg/day for women ages 50+.

You may need more depending on your age, health status, and other factors.

If you do take a high quality magnesium supplement, opt for one that features magnesium in its more absorbable forms (magnesium glycinate or magnesium citrate). Also, introduce your supplement slowly – too much can lead to diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Fortunately, you can also get magnesium from healthy foods, as well.  For your heart health, add these goodies to your shopping list: organic dark leafy greens, lentils, mackerel and other fish, figs, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, and almonds.

Editor’s note: The NaturalHealth365 Store offers the finest quality magnesium supplement on the market.  Click here to learn more.

Sources for this article include:

Harvard.edu
Medlineplus.gov
Medlineplus.gov
Sciencedaily.com
Lifeextension.com
Academic.oup.com
Healthline.com
CDC.gov