Foods With Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, or calcium antagonists, are so named because they block calcium from going into blood vessel and heart cells. This helps to relax and widen artery walls. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, migraine headaches, arrhythmias and certain other circulatory problems. As reported by Dr. Lloyd T. Iseri and Dr. James H. French in an editorial in the American Heart Journal, magnesium acts as a natural calcium antagonist, preventing negative effects of calcium excess, but unlike synthetic calcium blockers, magnesium enhances the activity of calcium. Eating foods high in magnesium can boost your levels, blocking excess calcium in a natural way.

Vegetables

According to the National Institute of Health, magnesium is a mineral necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It is involved with healthy muscle and nerve function, keeps your heartbeat steady, assists your immune system and plays a role in bone strength. Several vegetables contain high levels of magnesium, including artichokes, black, navy and white beans, soybeans, squash, broccoli and tomato paste. The chlorophyll molecules in green vegetables such as beet greens, spinach and Swiss chard contain magnesium, making these nutrient-rich leaves an excellent choice for increasing your magnesium levels.

Grains

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In addition to ameliorating the negative effects of excess calcium in your body, magnesium can help modulate your blood sugar level and also plays a role in the metabolism of energy and in making proteins, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Grains offer one of the most concentrated sources of magnesium found in foods. The bran, or outer coating of the seed, is the repository for much of the magnesium in grains, so refined and processed grains offer little benefit. Some of the best sources include pearled raw barley, raw oat or wheat bran, whole wheat flour and cornmeal. Buckwheat is often used as a grain substitute and is especially rich in this important mineral. Eating a diet that includes whole grains will also increase your intake of dietary fiber.

Nuts and Seeds

According to a large national survey by the Institute of Medicine in 1997, average magnesium intake for both men and women is far less than the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA. Several varieties of seeds and nuts make good snacks, and when included as crunchy additions to your favorite recipes, you can boost your consumption of magnesium, good fats, and other important vitamins and minerals. Seeds high in magnesium include sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds. Almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, and cashews are all nuts with high magnesium content. Peanuts are also a good source of magnesium, but are actually in the legume family and are not considered true nuts.