Research appearing in the American Journal of Hypertension (published online Aug. 12, 2010) looked at the relationship between serum magnesium levels and carotid artery plaques. The subjects were 728 Japanese men and women with a mean age of 67. Low serum magnesium was found to be strongly associated with increased IMT (intima-media thickness) and carotid plaques.

This makes sense because magnesium influences vascular (blood vessel) tone and is a cofactor for acetylcholine-induced endothelium dependent relaxation (meaning it helps blood vessels relax). Other research that appeared in Magnesium Research (Volume 1, Number 1, February 2010) looked at magnesium supplementation and its effect on the health of the blood vessel lining. The subjects of the study were 60 elderly diabetic patients. Thirty of the subjects, mean age 71, received 368 mg of magnesium supplementation (given as 4.5 g of magnesium pidolate). The other 30 received no supplementation and acted as a control group. Endothelial (blood vessel lining) function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery at the start of the study and again after 30 days of intervention. Supplementation with magnesium resulted in a significant improvement in blood vessel lining function (ability to dilate after a period without oxygen – that’s a good thing).

Our “Calm” is our best selling magnesium formula and is a great magnesium supplement for people with cardiac and blood pressure issues, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, psychological stress, panic attacks and leg cramps. CALM contains 400 milligrams of magnesium per cap.

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Question: Hello,

My husband was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and I now need to confirm that none of the supplements he currently takes will aggravate or contribute to this condition.  Can you please let me know if ANY of the ingredients that are in your Liquid Power Ultra Complete Daily Multiple will increase blood pressure in users.  (Note: I had read that men who’ve had heart attacks should not take L-Arginine, – Liquid Power lists the amino acid Arginine – but I don’t know if that would also affect those with high blood pressure.)

Separately, we are trying to find natural remedies to help with his high blood pressure condition.  We’ve currently started a daily regime of CoQ10, OPC, Hawthorne and Garlic, which seems to have had some preliminary success in lowering his numbers.  Can you tell me if there is a specific product by CAOH that we might look at for his condition?

Sincerely,

A. Sandoval

Answer: AS,

Nothing in the Liquid Power will raise his BP. The only other supplement I would add is magnesium (very important). Start w/one a day and work up to two a day. Reason is that magnesium in some people can have a slight laxative effects a la Milk of Magnesia. I take 3 and have no problem, most people don’t until they get to 3 or 4.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Reply back: Dear Dr. Ettinger,

I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to send me your response below.  My husband and I are both very happy to hear that we can continue to use the Liquid Power product without interruption … and also, thanks to your recommendation regarding the magnesium, my husband’s BP numbers have been significantly reduced!  Thank you for that information.

Sincerely,

A. Sandoval

Q: Have there been reports of help with atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, or pulmonary hypertension? I appreciate all the details of ingredients on your website. Also, anything on results with rheumatoid arthritis? I’m investigating Mangosteen and/or Goji for these conditions. I’ve read mangosteen can prevent atherosclerosis, but am wondering if can help with a-fib, cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension – also rheumatoid arthritis which my son has. Also, can Mangosteen (and/or Goji) clear up plaque buildup in our arteries (that we probably don’t even know is there?) Thanks

A: Dear Gayle,

I haven’t read any studies directly relating Goji or Mangosteen in the treatment of those conditions. They do possess plenty of antioxidants which help the body protect and heal itself.

I have had PVC’s since 1995 and have kept them under control with 400IU d-alpha tocopherol, 120mg CoQ10 and 1tblsp wheat germ oil per day.

Read this book (Stop Arthritis – How I defeated it Naturally). It will give you valuable information on arthritis. ISBN 1-58939-426-7. I had the privilege of writing the forward for the book. Also check this out – “Responsibility”.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.