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Magnesium is an overlooked mineral that can help you prevent kidney stones and boost renal health. However, magnesium supplements should never be taken without medical supervision.
Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent kidney stones.
When we think of kidney health, common concerns like hydration, sodium intake, or blood pressure often come to mind. But there’s another silent hero that plays a pivotal role in supporting renal function: magnesium.
According to Dr. Bhanu Mishra, Consultant Nephrologist at BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi, “Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, from nerve signaling to blood sugar control, but one of its most overlooked roles is supporting kidney function.”
How Magnesium Supports Kidney Health
Our kidneys are responsible for filtering waste, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. Magnesium plays a vital role in all three.
“Magnesium regulates healthy blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and supports vascular function, all of which are imperative for optimal kidney performance,” explains Dr. Mishra. It also aids the kidneys by supporting enzymes that help manage mineral balance and waste elimination: functions that are essential for long-term renal health.
How Magnesium Prevents Kidney Stones
One of the more well-documented benefits of magnesium is its protective role against kidney stones, especially calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type.
“Magnesium binds with oxalate in the gut, reducing its absorption and thereby preventing the formation of stones within the kidneys,” Dr. Mishra notes. “Magnesium deficiency can leave individuals more vulnerable to recurring kidney stones.”
Emerging research also suggests a strong association between low magnesium levels and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“Hypomagnesemia, or low blood magnesium, is known to worsen insulin resistance and increase vascular calcification and oxidative stress, all key players in the development of CKD,” says Dr. Mishra. “Patients with CKD frequently show irregular magnesium metabolism, which makes monitoring levels all the more important.”
The Role Of A Healthy Diet
When it comes to maintaining adequate magnesium levels, food should be your first line of defence. Dr. Mishra recommends a magnesium-rich diet including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
But for patients already dealing with kidney issues, magnesium supplementation isn’t always safe. “Magnesium supplements should never be taken without medical supervision if you have kidney disease. Impaired kidney function can lead to magnesium accumulation in the body, which can be toxic,” Dr Mishra cautions.
Magnesium may not make headlines often, but its role in kidney health is profound. From preventing stones to slowing disease progression, this mineral could be a powerful tool in maintaining renal wellness, but only when managed correctly.
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Delhi, India, India
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