Alcohol can rob the body of magnesium and lead to cardiovascular dangers, including congestive heart failure. Magnesium is vital to heart health because it’s necessary for proper blood flow.
Alcohol abuse results in magnesium deficiency,
according to the National Institutes of Health.
Magnesium is necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. The mineral maintains a steady heartbeat, regulates blood glucose level, and is involved in energy production.
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Magnesium prevents and manages heart-related disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Magnesium is an anti-stress mineral that people lose when drinking alcohol,
writes Dr. Carolyn Dean, a member of Nutritional Magnesium Association's medical advisory board, which is ironic since one reason people often drink alcohol is to destress.
"Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxin that causes damage to issues throughout the body," says Dean.
Alcohol interferes with normal digestion, preventing the proper absorption of nutrients such as magnesium. People who drink too much usually have poor diets, which further depletes the body of necessary magnesium,
writes Jody Braverman at Livestrong.
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are dangerous to heart health while moderation could have heart benefits. Drinking seven to eight alcoholic beverages a day for more than five years could lead to congestive heart failure because of cardiovascular dysfunction,
according to Life Extension.
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Moderate drinking could reduce the risk of heart failure. Moderate drinking means two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. However, alcohol can still interfere with magnesium absorption.
Magnesium deficiency is already common among most Americans, so adding alcohol consumption, especially in excessive quantities, can multiply the risk factor of congestive heart failure.
Dietary sources rich in magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, fish, seafood, whole grains, milk, and soy products.
Magnesium supplements can replenish the mineral, however, consumers should consult a doctor before use.
Even if prescribed, supplements should never exceed the recommended dose to compensate for alcohol consumption.
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