Magnesium also dilated the endothelium-impaired vessels or preconstricted vessels with vasospasmogens. These results support the use of magnesium therapy in treating delayed cerebral ischemia or vasospasm following SAH.
Increased intracellular levels of magnesium result in decreased intracellular free calcium concentration promoting vasodilation [10]. The action of magnesium as a calcium channel blocker may also help to reduce the release of calcium and thus reducing vascular resistance.
Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and has been suggested to modulate vasomotor tone and peripheral blood flow. Preclinical studies demonstrated a protective role of magnesium on vascular calcification,8, 9 which may in turn lead to reduced arterial stiffening.
Magnesium. Magnesium helps regulate hundreds of body systems, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and muscle and nerve function. We need magnesium to help blood vessels relax, and for energy production, and bone development.
Low magnesium has been linked with cardiovascular risk factors such as: high blood pressure, arterial plaque build-up, calcification of soft tissues, cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.
Magnesium supplementation can inhibit atherosclerotic plaque formation in animals on high-fat diets. More recent human studies have revealed strong associations between low magnesium levels and higher heart disease risks. This demonstrates that magnesium can be a powerful protective measure to maintain heart health.
Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to slow blood clotting. In theory, taking magnesium might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them. Some research suggests that this and Omega-3's anti-inflammatory effects may improve the function of the cells inside blood vessels, encouraging proper dilation.
Magnesium glycinate is a good option as it is well absorbed and bioavailable. This makes it ideal for those needing to correct a deficiency.
Magnesium-induced vasodilation and endothelium
The main action of magnesium on vascular smooth muscle is thought to decrease intracellular calcium through the inhibition of calcium influx and the blockage of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (Altura et al., 1987).
Magnesium is vital for overall health, but it won't reverse or repair venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Magnesium is found in many foods, including whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, shellfish, and baked potatoes.
Magnesium also indirectly affects vascular contractility by inhibiting the release of catecholamines both from the adrenal medulla and peripheral adrenergic terminals resulting in decreased vasoconstriction.
Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to slow blood clotting. In theory, taking magnesium might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. In addition, the magnesium in supplements can interact with some types of antibiotics and other medicines.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E improves blood circulation by widening blood vessels to allow for unimpeded blood blow. Vitamin E is also required in the production of red blood cells and prevention of clotting. Foods rich in vitamin E include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
Niacin is a B vitamin best known for its ability to raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. But niacin is also a valuable tool to dilate blood vessels and enhance microcirculation.
Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing. As a result, blood flows more easily through the vessels.
Nitric oxide is a very powerful vasodilator, and you can get this by nitrate, flavonoid and L-arginine rich foods. Foods like leaf lettuce, beets and spinach are packed with nitrate.
Antibiotics: Taking magnesium supplements may reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and nitrofurantoin (Macrodandin). Magnesium should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking these medications. Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics include: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Magnesium glutamate and aspartate -- Avoid these two forms of magnesium completely. Glutamic acid and aspartic acid are components of the dangerous artificial sweetener aspartame, and both of them become neurotoxic when unbound to other amino acids.
Mg is essential in the metabolism of vitamin D, and taking large doses of vitamin D can induce severe depletion of Mg.