Magnesium for the heart: benefits and use

Magnesium for the heart: benefits and use

I. The role of magnesium in the human body

Magnesium (MG) is a vital macroelent participating in hundreds of biochemical reactions necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the body. It is the fourth most extensive cation in the body and the second most previous intracellular cation after potassium. About 60% of magnesium is in bones, 27% in muscles, 6% in other cells, and 1% in extracellular fluid.

• Metabolism: Magnesium plays a key role in energy exchange, participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is necessary for the activity of enzymes that break down glucose and use it for energy production in the form of adenosinericfath (ATP). Magnesium also stabilizes the ATP, preventing its uncontrolled hydrolysis.
• Synthesis DNA and RNA: Magnesium is necessary for DNA replication and RNA transcription. It participates in the binding of DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase with DNA, as well as in the stability of the DNA and RNA structure.
• Protein synthesis: Magnesium is involved in broadcasting, the process of protein synthesis on ribosomes. It is necessary for connecting an MRNA with ribosomes and for the correct reading of the genetic code.
• Muscle function: Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle function, including muscle contraction and relaxation. It regulates the flow of calcium into muscle cells, which is necessary for reduction. Magnesium also helps to remove calcium from cells, which leads to relaxation.
• Nervous function: Magnesium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and supports the normal function of the nervous system. It blocks NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-ASPARTAT), preventing the overexcitation of nerve cells and protecting from neurotoxicity. Magnesium also participates in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Regulation of blood pressure: Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, relaxing blood vessels and improving their elasticity. He also participates in the regulation of sodium and potassium levels that affect blood pressure.
• Regulation of blood sugar: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity and contributing to the absorption of glucose cells. Magnesium deficiency can lead to insulin resistance and an increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Bone health: Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining bone health, participating in the formation of bone tissue and regulating calcium metabolism. It is necessary for the activity of osteoblasts (cells building bones) and osteoclasts (cells that destroy the bone).
• Antioxidant Protection: Magnesium is involved in antioxidant protection, supporting the activity of enzymes that neutralize free radicals. It also helps to protect lipids from oxidation, preventing damage to cell membranes.

II. Magnesium and heart health

Magnesium plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the heart and the cardiovascular system. Its deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing various heart diseases.

• Cardiac regulation: Magnesium plays a key role in maintaining a normal heart rhythm. It affects the electrical activity of the heart cells, stabilizing the membrane potential and preventing arrhythmias. Magnesium blocks calcium channels, reducing the flow of calcium into the heart cells, which reduces the excitability and probability of arrhythmias. Magnesium deficiency can lead to various heart rate disorders, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and ventricles.
• Reduced blood pressure: Magnesium helps reduce blood pressure, relaxing blood vessels and improving their elasticity. It also inhibits the action of angiotensin -converting enzyme (ACF), which plays a role in increasing blood pressure. Sufficient consumption of magnesium can reduce the risk of developing hypertension and its complications.
• Prevention of atherosclerosis: Magnesium is involved in the prevention of atherosclerosis, reducing the level of “poor” cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL). It also has antioxidant properties, protecting lipids from oxidation, which is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Magnesium also inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots.
• Improving the function of the endothelium: Endothelium is a layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels. He plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone and blood coagulation. Magnesium improves the function of the endothelium, increasing the production of nitrogen oxide (NO), which has a vasodilating effect. This helps to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Reduction of risk of heart failure: Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining the normal function of the heart muscle. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle and the development of heart failure. Magnesium improves energy metabolism in heart cells, providing them with a sufficient amount of energy for normal operation. It also protects the heart cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Reducing the risk of myocardial infarction: Magnesium can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, preventing blood clots and protecting the heart cells from damage caused by ischemia (lack of oxygen). It also helps to relax the coronary arteries, improving the blood flow in the heart.
• Improving recovery after a heart attack: Magnesium can improve recovery after a heart attack, reducing damage to the heart muscle and reducing the risk of complications. It also helps to improve blood flow in the heart and reduce inflammation.

III. Causes of magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesia) is a common condition that can lead to various health problems, especially in relation to the cardiovascular system. There are many factors contributing to the development of magnesium deficiency.

• Insufficient consumption with food: A modern diet often contains an insufficient amount of magnesium. Processed products, refined carbohydrates and high fat consumption can prevent the absorption of magnesium. Sources of magnesium – whole cereals, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables and legumes – are often excluded from the diet.
• Violation of absorption in the intestines: Some diseases and conditions can violate the absorption of magnesium in the intestines, such as the disease of the crown, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable intestinal syndrome (SRK). The intestines can also lead to a decrease in magnesium absorption.
• Increased loss of magnesium in urine: Some drugs, such as diuretics (diuretics), proton pump inhibitors (IPP) and some antibiotics, can increase magnesium excretion in urine. Kidney diseases, such as renal failure, can also lead to increased magnesium loss.
• Chronic stress: Chronic stress can deplete magnesium reserves in the body. During stress, the body emits stress hormones, such as cortisols, which increase the excretion of magnesium in urine.
• Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can lead to a deficiency of magnesium due to several factors: a decrease in magnesium consumption with food, violation of magnesium absorption in the intestines and increased excretion of magnesium in urine.
• Diabetes sugar: In people with diabetes mellitus, magnesium deficiency is often observed due to increased excretion of magnesium in urine. Insulin resistance, which is often found in type 2 diabetes, can also contribute to magnesium deficiency.
• Elderly age: In older people, the risk of developing magnesium deficiency is higher due to a decrease in the consumption of magnesium with food, deterioration of magnesium absorption in the intestines and increased excretion of magnesium in urine. In addition, elderly people often take drugs that can affect the level of magnesium.
• Taking some drugs: As already mentioned, diuretics, IPPs and some antibiotics can increase the excretion of magnesium in urine. Other drugs that can affect the level of magnesium include cyclosporine, takrolimus and some antitumor drugs.
• Hypertreenineosis: Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function) can lead to a deficiency of magnesium due to increased excretion of magnesium in urine.

IV. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can be diverse and often non -specific, which complicates the diagnosis.

• Muscle cramps and spasms: Magnesium plays an important role in relaxing muscles, so its deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, spasms and ticks. Cramps in the legs are especially common, especially at night.
• Fatigue and weakness: Magnesium is involved in energy exchange, so its deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness and a sense of exhaustion.
• Insomnia: Magnesium plays a role in the regulation of sleep, so its deficiency can lead to insomnia, difficulties with falling asleep and maintenance of sleep.
• Irritability and anxiety: Magnesium is involved in the regulation of mood, so its deficiency can lead to irritability, anxiety, nervousness and depression.
• Headaches: Magnesium can help relax blood vessels in the head, so its deficiency can lead to headaches, including migraine.
• Arrhythmias: Magnesium deficiency can lead to various heart rate disorders, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and ventricles.
• Increased blood pressure: Magnesium deficiency can help increase blood pressure.
• Nausea and loss of appetite: Magnesium deficiency can lead to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
• Numbness and tingling in the limbs: Magnesium deficiency can affect the nervous function, leading to numbness, tingling and weaknesses in the limbs.
• Osteoporosis: A prolonged deficiency of magnesium can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, as magnesium plays an important role in maintaining bone health.

V. Diagnosis of magnesium deficiency

Diagnosis of magnesium deficiency can be difficult, since the level of magnesium in blood serum does not always reflect magnesium reserves in the body. Most of the magnesium is inside the cells, and not in extracellular fluid.

• Blood test for magnesium: The determination of the level of magnesium in the blood serum is the most common method of diagnosing magnesium deficiency. However, this analysis has limited sensitivity, since it reflects only a small part of magnesium in the body. The normal level of magnesium in the blood serum is usually 0.75-0.95 mmol/l. The level below 0.75 mmol/l is considered a deficiency of magnesium.
• Urine analysis for magnesium: Determining the level of magnesium in the urine can help evaluate the excretion of magnesium in urine. A high level of magnesium in the urine may indicate increased loss of magnesium, for example, due to taking diuretics or kidney diseases.
• Magnesium load test: This test consists in the intravenous administration of magnesium and the subsequent measurement of its excretion in the urine. In people with a deficiency of magnesium, the excretion of magnesium in the urine will be reduced, as the body will try to maintain magnesium.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG can identify heart rhythm disturbances, which can be associated with magnesium deficiency.
• Anamnesis and physical examination: The doctor will collect an anamnesis to identify risk factors for magnesium deficiency, such as insufficient consumption with food, taking drugs and the presence of diseases that violate the absorption of magnesium. A physical examination can help identify symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as muscle cramps and cramps.

VI. Sources of magnesium

There are many foods rich in magnesium. The inclusion of these products in the diet can help maintain a sufficient level of magnesium in the body.

• Green sheet vegetables: Spinach, cabbage kale, Romen salad and other green sheet vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds are rich in magnesium.
• Whole cereals: Brown rice, oatmeal, cinema and buckwheat contain magnesium.
• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas and soy are good sources of magnesium.
• Avocado: Avocado is rich in magnesium and other useful nutrients.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of at least 70%) contains magnesium and antioxidants.
• Fat fish: Salmon, tuna and macrel contain magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids that are healthy heart.
• Bananas: Banans contain magnesium and potassium necessary to maintain the normal function of muscles and nerves.
• TOF: Tofu is a soy product that contains magnesium and protein.

VII. Magnesium additives

In some cases, when the insufficient consumption of magnesium with food or violation of absorption may be required to receive magnesium additives. There are many different forms of magnesium additives, each of which has its own characteristics regarding absorption and tolerance.

• Magnesium oxide: Magnesium oxide is one of the most common and cheap forms of magnesium additives. However, it has a relatively low bioavailability, that is, it is poorly absorbed in the intestines. It more often causes side effects from the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea.
• Magnesium citrate: Magnesium citrate is a well -absorbed form of magnesium, which is often used to treat constipation. It has a laxative effect, so it can cause diarrhea in some people.
• Magnesium glycinate: Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium associated with amino acid glycine. It is well absorbed and does not cause a laxative effect. Magnesium glycinate can also help improve sleep.
• Malat Magnesium: Magnesium Malat is a form of magnesium associated with apple acid. It is well absorbed and can help reduce muscle pain and fatigue.
• Taurat Magnesium: Taurat magnesium is a form of magnesium associated with amino acid taurin. It is well absorbed and can be especially useful for the health of the heart.
• Magnesium tronate: Magnesium tronate is a new form of magnesium, which is believed to penetrate the brain well. It can improve cognitive functions and memory.
• Magnesium sulfate (English salt): Magnesium sulfate is used to receive baths. He can help relax muscles and reduce muscle pain. However, it is not intended for oral administration.

The recommended daily dose of magnesium is about 400 mg for men and 310 mg for women. However, the needs for magnesium can vary depending on the age, gender, state of health and medication. Before taking magnesium additives, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and the form of the additive.

VIII. Precautions and side effects

Taking magnesium additives is usually safe if you follow the recommended dosages. However, in some cases, side effects may occur.

• Diarrhea: High doses of magnesium, especially magnesium oxide and citrate, can cause diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting: In some people, the use of magnesium additives can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain: Taking magnesium additives can cause abdominal pain.
• Low blood pressure: High doses of magnesium can reduce blood pressure.
• Slow heart rhythm: High doses of magnesium can slow down the heart rhythm.
• Confusion: In rare cases, high doses of magnesium can cause confusion.

People with kidney diseases, heart problems or taking certain drugs should consult a doctor before taking magnesium additives.

IX. Magnesium and other drugs

Magnesium can interact with some drugs, so it is important to inform the doctor about all the drugs taken before starting to take magnesium additives.

• Antibiotics: Magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and chinolons. It is recommended to take magnesium at least 2 hours before or after taking these antibiotics.
• Bisphosphonates: Magnesium can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates, drugs used to treat osteoporosis. It is recommended to take magnesium at least 2 hours before or after taking bisphosphonates.
• Levothyroxine: Magnesium can reduce the absorption of levotiroxin, thyroid hormone. It is recommended to take magnesium at least 4 hours before or after taking a levotiroxin.
• Diuretics: Some diuretics can increase the excretion of magnesium in urine, which can lead to a deficiency of magnesium. The doctor may recommend taking magnesium additives to compensate for losses.
• Proton pump inhibitors (IPP): Long -term use of IPP can reduce magnesium absorption, which can lead to a deficiency of magnesium. The doctor may recommend taking magnesium additives to compensate for the deficit.

X. Conclusion

Magnesium is an indispensable mineral necessary to maintain the health of the heart and the whole organism. Sufficient consumption of magnesium with food and, if necessary, with the help of additives, can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, maintain normal heart rhythm, reduce blood pressure and improve the function of the endothelium. It is important to remember the risk factors of magnesium deficiency and consult a doctor in a timely manner for diagnosis and treatment.

XI. Research and links

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Important! Due to the restrictions on the length, the layout of structure and content is presented here. To comply with the requirement of 100,000 characters, it is necessary to significantly expand each section, add details, examples, clinical cases and a deeper analysis of the existing scientific data. It is also necessary to enable relevant keywords for SEO optimization. It should also be considered the addition of sections devoted to specific heart diseases and the role of magnesium in their treatment and prevention (for example, magnesium for arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertension, etc.). It is also necessary to add a table indicating the content of magnesium in various foods.