The prevalence of hypertension amongst adults age 30 and above in Malaysia in 2011 was at 43.5%.*
In a more recent (2021) study, the figure jumped to 49.4%** High blood pressure does not discriminate between genders and it is a growing concern in Malaysia.

Let's try and understand hypertension a little better..

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. It has been said that there is no single cause for primary hypertension while secondary hypertension always arises as a consequence of another disease. Causes of primary hypertension that are often cited include: family history, high cholesterol, obesity, diet, smoking, stress and excessive salt intake. Conversely, the one very significant cause -magnesium deficiency- is overlooked.[1]

This is how magnesium is involved with maintaining blood pressure levels:

1. Magnesium keeps blood vessels relaxed and in dilated conditions as necessary, consequently maintaining normal blood pressure levels.[2]
   
   
2. ‘Magnesium prevents muscle spasms of the peripheral blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.’[3]
   
   
3. By lowering hypertension and normalizing blood pressure levels, magnesium lowers the risk of pre-eclampsia. [4]
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When mineral (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc) content is balanced, BP is normal. However, today’s diet is typically imbalanced: low in magnesium and potassium, and high in sodium.
While the de-facto advice often is to reduce salt consumption, this does not address the problem of LACK or DEFICIENCY of magnesium and potassium. 

There are notable health professionals such as Dr. James DiNicolantonio who wrote The Salt Fix that can challenge what we believe about salt consumption. The problem is not in how much salt we consume, but what kind of salt, and whether it is balanced with the other minerals and electrolytes. 

There are many factors that can contribute to you having a headache; one of them is stress. Did you know that magnesium is natural stress reliever? Furthermore,  serotonin (a neurotransmitter) is dependent on magnesium for its production and function[1]. In theory, the lower your serotonin levels, the more adverse the effects of stress can be on you. A deficiency in serotonin can also lead to depression and migraine headaches.[2] ‘Mg deficiency intensifies adverse reactions to stress that can be life threatening.’ [3]

d)    Magnesium relaxes muscles and prevents the build-up of lactic acid; lactic acid in combination with tension can worsen head and muscle pain.

e)     Magnesium regulates brain neurotransmitter action and inflammatory substances.

f)     Magnesium prevents platelet aggregation (the clumping together of platelets in the blood)[4], therefore preventing the formation of clots that can cause blood vessel spasm and the occurrence of migraine pains.

It has been suggested by a few clinical studies that ‘magnesium supplements may shorten the duration of a migraine and reduce the amount of medication needed.’ Individuals who have migraine headaches usually tend to have lower levels of magnesium in comparison to those with tension headaches or no headaches at all.[5]

The importance of magnesium to the nervous system is such that your brain stores twice as much magnesium as other body tissues. Magnesium is an anti-stress mineral that has a calming effect, induces restful sleep and is very useful for the person with an overactive nervous system or who is anxious or agitated.

As a preventative measure, we recommend having regular foot soaks or baths using magnesium flakes, using magnesium oil or lotion daily, and increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods.
In an acute situation, where you feel the onslaught of a migraine or have a headache, we suggest saturating your scalp with magnesium oil, apply magnesium oil on your forehead, temples, back of neck, shoulders and chest. Some users like to also add 5-10 drops of Mg Oil to a glass of warm water, drink that then rest/relax in a cool and dark room until you feel the migraine/headache ease off. Do as many of the above suggested as you can. We know headaches and migraines don't always come at convenient times. But in general for many, the more magnesium used in a shorter span of time, the faster the results.

If you have other recommendations, or have used magnesium for your headaches and migraines, please do share in a comment below!