3 Important Minerals for Healthy Blood Pressure
Medical practitioners sometimes refer to high blood pressure as “the silent killer”. This is because people can have elevated blood pressure for years and not necessarily know it.
Over time, high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can cause blood vessels to lose their elasticity, which increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Many factors can influence a person’s blood pressure. Some of the best known include exercise, diet, and family history.
But there are also three important minerals that impact blood pressure. They are calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Following is a look at how these three minerals work separately and together to support healthy blood pressure.
Calcium
For many people, bone health is what comes to mind when thinking of calcium. But what most people don’t know is that calcium is also vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Specifically, calcium helps to control how your blood vessels contract and relax, which directly impacts your blood pressure.
Low levels of calcium can make your blood vessels constrict, making it harder for blood to flow through them. When blood flow is restricted, blood pressure increases. A calcium deficiency can also disrupt the balance of other electrolytes within your body (such as sodium and chloride), which has the potential for further aggravating hypertension.
Calcium can be found in dairy products, leafy greens, and calcium-fortified foods. It can also be taken in supplement form if what you get from diet alone is insufficient.
Magnesium
Magnesium promotes the dilation of your blood vessels by relaxing the smooth muscles that line them. This dilation reduces the resistance to blood flow.
Studies have shown that individuals with low magnesium levels are more likely to experience high blood pressure, and they are at an increased risk for having complications to their cardiovascular health.
Magnesium-rich foods include nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. Magnesium can also be taken via supplement if you don’t get enough from diet alone.
Potassium
Potassium has many important functions within the human body. Among other things, it helps to modulate fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
And it also supports healthy blood pressure.
Potassium’s primary job when it comes to maintaining healthy blood pressure is sodium regulation.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in potassium is associated with lower blood pressure levels and a reduced risk for having complications related to hypertension.
Fruit, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products are all excellent sources of potassium. Potassium supplements can also be taken if you aren’t able to get enough potassium from your diet.
Good Separately…Better Together
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium work independently and together to provide important benefits to your cardiovascular health.
Are you getting enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium in your diet? Renew Youth can test your levels and provide supplement recommendations if needed. To learn more, call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form.
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