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Boosting Your Own Defenses Against Heart Disease

  • March 07, 2017

As reported by Science Daily, a new study shows that a protein in the heart plays a critical role in combating heart disease and recovering from a heart attack. Researchers said the protein “appears to promote the natural ability of heart cells to ward off stress-induced damage,” and could play a part in future treatment and prevention strategies for people at risk for heart disease.

Most recently, another finding provided a clue to other heart-healthy information, and that is the role that magnesium plays in a heart healthy routine. Magnesium is important to the heath of every cell and organ, playing a role in over 600 different reactions in your body. Research demonstrates the vital role magnesium plays in your cardiovascular health, reducing your risk for hypertension, stroke, heart attack and coronary artery calcification.

Although a mineral, magnesium also functions as an electrolyte, crucial in electrical activity throughout your body. Without healthy levels of electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium or potassium, electrical signals throughout your body aren’t sent and received properly, affecting your heart, brain and muscle function.

Findings now show that magnesium may be key to controlling your blood pressure, and since approximately 80 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium and 33 percent suffer from hypertension, balancing your magnesium levels may be the strategy you need to prevent the development of hypertension.

It’s also important to note that blood levels of magnesium are also associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC). You can optimize your magnesium with healthy dietary choices. Spinach, beet greens, Brussels sprouts, avocado, broccoli, kale, raw seeds and wild-caught Alaskan salmon are just a few magnesium-rich foods.