Magnesium Info- Magnesium Deficient Conditions - Thu 5 June

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:13 pm

Magnesium Miracle – Part two

Magnesium Deficient Conditions
[i have selected the conditions of most relevance to the PP group, and key paragraphs this is not the entire section]

Anxiety and Depression
3 important things about Magnesium, Anxiety and Depression
1. Magnesium deficiency can product symptoms of anxiety or depression, including muscle weakness, fatigue, eye twitches, insomnia, anorexia, apathy, apprehension, poor memory, confusion, anger, nervousness, and rapid pulse
2. Serotonin, the ‘feel good’ brain chemical (that is boosted by Prozac), depends on magnesium for its production and function
3. Magnesium supports our adrenal glands, which are overworked by stress

Summary of this section: People do not get anxiety, panic attacks or depression because they have a deficiency of Valium or Prozac, our bodies do not require these substances. However, we can develop a myriad of psychological symptoms because of a deficiency of magnesium, a nutrient our bodies do require.

Adrenaline wastes Magnesium
It is not just a theory that stress causes magnesium deficiency, and a lack of magnesium magnifies stress. Experiments where adrenaline is given via IV, there is a decrease in magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Without enough magnesium to relax arteries and muscles, blood pressure rises and heart muscle cramps. Post adrenaline, the body recovers in 30 minutes, potassium rises, however it takes much longer for magnesium to reach normal levels.
There are over a dozen major metabolic processes that are affected by adrenaline, including heart rate, blood pressure, blood vessel constriction, muscular contraction. Each of these functions requires magnesium and leads to wasting of this important mineral if they symptoms continue.

The body requires more magnesium when on a liquid protein diet / high protein diet

Anxiety
During stress reactions, calcium is also required to stimulate the release of adrenaline, but calcium excess causes a flood of adrenaline. However, having sufficient magnesium will buffer excess calcium and keep it in normal levels, limiting the stress response. Magnesium is important because it naturally diminishes the excitability of the nervous system and lowers the level of calcium around nerve cells.

Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can come from feeling insecure and threatened, or from exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals or even loud noise, all of which assault the nervous system and overwork the immune system. EG constant loud noise in an industrial work setting induced a significant increase of serum magnesium (as magnesium was released from the tissues) and significantly increased urinary excretion of magnesium indicating a magnesium deficiency, which lasted forty eight hours after exposure.

Another benefit of taking magnesium is reduction in the buildup of lactic acid that occurs after hours of activity. Repetitive motion injuries can be eased by taking magnesium, either oral, magnesium oil or gel on the injured arm, shoulder, leg

Magnesium Deficient Kids
Dr Leo Galland, author of “Superimmunity for Kids” speculates that hyperactive children need extra magnesium due to their constantly high adrenaline levels. Dr Galland recommends 6mg per pound of weight per day (eg 240mg for a 40lb child) again have small doses a few times a day to avoid laxative effect. Or use transdermal form.

Migraines and Pain
Three things you need to know about Magnesium and Migraines
1. Magnesium prevents platelet aggregration, which helps to avoid the thickened blood and tiny clots that can cause blood vessel spasms and the pain of a migraine.
2. Magnesium relaxes the head and neck muscle tension that makes migraines worse.
3. Magnesium, Vit B2 and the herb feverfew are an important migraine treatment combination

Aspartame and MSG – Excitotoxins
Aspartame is, in fact, an excitotoxin, one of a group of substances, usually acidic amino acids, that in high amounts react with specialised receptors in the brain, causing destruction of certain types of neurons.
Research is showing that excitotoxins play a critical role in development of several neurological disorders, migraines, seizures, learning disorders in children and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, huntingtons, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Glutamate (in MSG) and aspartate, in higher concentrations as food additives, these chemical constantly stimulate brain cells and can cause them to undergo a process of cell death known as excitotoxicity – the cells are excited to death.

Hypoglycemia
The brain becomes extremely vulnerable to excitotoxins during episodes of low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia. Pound for pound, the brain uses more blood sugar than any other part of the body.
Low blood sugar occurs when you are malnourished, or even when you skip meals, it also occurs in individuals whose adrenal glands are depleted and can not mount the necessary adrenaline response.
Magnesium is responsible for balancing blood sugar.
With sufficient magnesium and balanced meals to prevent low blood sugar, you can protect yourself against headaches, adhd, mood disorders and even PMS
Support the brain as much as possible with safe nutrients and safe environment.
Many diseases of the nervous system are being associated with excitotoxin buildup in the brain.

Migraine Mechanisms
- In non-menopausal women, estrogen rises before the period, causing a shift fof blood magnesium into the bone and muscles, as a result magnesium levels in the brain are lowered
- When magnesium is low, it is unable to do its job to counteract the clotting action of calcium on the blood. Tiny blood clots are said to clog up tiny brain blood vessels, leading to migraines.
- Low brain magnesium promotes neurotransmitter hyperactivity and nerve excitation that can lead to headaches.
Several conditions that trigger migraines are also associated with magnesium deficiency, pregnancy, alcohol intake, use of diuretic drugs, stress, and menstruation.

Further Info: Dr Mauskop/Drs Altura

Muscle Pain and Spasms
Three things you need to know about magnesium and muscle pain
1. Magnesium helps muscles relax
2. Magnesium eliminates spasms
3. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels in the fingers to treat Raynaulds syndrome

Muscle twitches, tics, and spasms may seem like minor irritations to the onlooker. Muscle twitchers are a sure sign of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium and Exercise
1. Magnesium reduces lactic acid, which causes post exercise pain
2. Magnesium is lost during exercise
3. Magnesium deficiency may cause sudden cardiac death in healthy athletes.

One of the most amazing effects of magnesium on the neuromuscular system is that it provides more energy, even though the mineral generally acts as a relaxant and not a stimulant.
If you are magnesium deficient, you energy level will be low. When you start taking magnesium, your energy level goes up, magnesium’s interactions with calcium help keep calcium from causing excessive muscle contraction.

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:47 pm

WOW, Gabes. Thanks so much.

This has nothing to do with why we take magnesium, I just thought it was interesting.
My DIL had pre-eclampsia, very sick and hospitalized to allow her baby as much time in utero as possible. She was treated with magnesium sulfate and it made her very combative, scary and pissed off. Pam is usually very calm and quiet. The magnesium therapy caused a Dr. Jekyll/Mrs. Hyde transformation.

Sheila W

Heady · Post by **Heady** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:39 pm

Very informative. My 25yr.old son suffers with ADHD, anxiety , depression, etc.... I will try to encourage him to see the family doc for some blood work and chk his vitamin and mineral levels.

Post by **tex** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 8:58 pm

Heady,

Remember that doctors don't understand magnesium, and they will virtually always order a blood test to check one's magnesium level. Blood tests for magnesium are totally worthless, because the body maintains a relatively constant level of magnesium in the blood. It does that by drawing magnesium from the cells. Therefore, it's necessary to do a tissue test in order to determine one's magnesium level.

By the time a blood test shows a magnesium deficiency, the magnesium level in the cells will be dangerously low. IOW since magnesium is an electrolyte, if a magnesium deficiency gets to that point (showing a low blood level of magnesium), the patient may already be in a life-threatening situation.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:26 pm

as per one of the earlier magnesium posts, dr carolyn dean recommends that you have the magnesium rbc, red blood cell, test, this will give an indicator of actual magnesium level in the cell, which is the best indicator of deficiency..

Post by **tex** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:11 pm

Gabes,

Does she actually say that the magnesium rbc test is the best indicator of a mag deficiency, or did you extrapolate that from her comments? IMO, the magnesium rbc test is certainly better than an ordinary blood test, but it's still not nearly as good as a tissue test, because 99% of magnesium is found in soft tissue in the body (that's why it's the best place to measure the magnesium level). Less than 1% of magnesium is found in the blood.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:16 pm

the recommendation of the magnesium rbc, is in the book and on the web site.

99% of what i have been posting is pretty much word for word from the book.

Chrisdat · Post by **Chrisdat** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 5:05 am

Clinical Kidney Journal (Oxford) has a helpful article on magnesium, and magnesium status testing. I'm going to link to the mag status testing section, but read the whole thing if you are interested. Make sure and look at the linked charts. Very, very helpful.

http://ckj.oxfordjournals.org/content/5 ... full#sec-8

From one of the charts/tables:

Red blood cell magnesium concentration does not seem to correlate well with total body magnesium status..

Only 1% of total body magnesium is present in extracellular fluids, and only 0.3% of total body magnesium is found in serum, and so serum magnesium concentrations [22] are poor predictors of intracellular/total body magnesium content [7].

This is why I didn't push my Dr. for RBC test. And I ignore her statements about how my electrolyte levels (including mag) are normal. Well of course they are normal. My body works very hard to keep from serious electrolyte loss, which would put me in the hospital.

But, as the article states, absorption of dietary mag (which would include dietary supplements) is seriously compromised in those with GI disorders. Also that chronic D, depletes mag., even if serum testing shows normal levels.

So.... I do several things. Transdermal mag with mag oil or lotion. Epsom salt baths or footbaths. And, I drink all day San Pellegrino (high in sulfur and some good mag) and Gerolsteiner (particularly high in mag) mineral waters. I've found the waters have helped the most with nighttime cramps. Being natural well-balanced mineral waters, with lots of trace minerals, seems to make a difference for me and others I've heard from don't know why so effective. But works for me.

Post by **tex** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:49 am

Thanks Chris,

That's exactly why I brought it up. Dr. Dean is just plain wrong if she actually believes that a magnesium rbc test is a suitable substitute for a tissue test, let alone better than a tissue test.

Tex

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 9:09 pm

Chris,

Where do you buy the Gerolsteiner mineral water? I have never heard of that one before.

Pat

Chrisdat · Post by **Chrisdat** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:04 am

Tex, I say this carefully (IMHO) as I believe magnesium deficiency is a real problem for most people, and as you point out in your book, a REAL problem for those with MC. But Dr. Dean overstates many things, and misrepresents claims about mag., supplementation, and mostly she overstates the incredible curative powers of the ionic mag. she sells at a very high price.

But, I appreciate the focus she has brought to mag. But, it is far from easy to test for mag. deficiency. Good luck, getting a tissue test:). Because I have Mysthenia Gravis, mag supplementation is frowned on, so I stayed away. But, I also became convinced my mag levels were low and decided to try very careful transdermal supp. and drinking mineral rich waters. It has been a net positive.

So yes, (IMHO) mag is important. If you have MC try some careful supplementation, be patient, results are in months (6 months is what I've been reading in literature, for some people), oral supp may have side effects -D!, but just because you have D with mag doesn't mean your tissue, body is at good levels of mag., so forget about testing ($$$), and just try an N=1 experiment.

Pat, Gerolsteiner water is at Whole Foods, most health food stores, and in Boston, many grocery stores in their natural foods section. It is in a large clear glass bottle. Highest mag mineral water I can get. But all from the source, deep source, are good, do I drink a variety because all trace minerals I believe help me. Mag, sulfar, and sodium being the best for me.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:06 am

Thanks, Chris.

Don't know if y'all are basketball fans but the San Antonio Spurs played the Miami Heat last night and the air conditioning went out and they were playing in 90+ heat. LeBron James of Miami was having what appeared to be bad muscle cramps and couldn't even walk much less finish the game. I certainly hope they gave him some magnesium. (Even though I am a Spurs fan, I want them to win with Lebron playing!)

Pat

Chrisdat · Post by **Chrisdat** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 8:42 am

Pat, Intersting story. I use a hydration solution usually once a day. There are two. Endurance, I think is one name and Lyte is another. You just add some drops to regular water or a capful. I need the sodium and potassium. I am on the edge of dehydration often as I still have a lot of WD.

With summer, I'm going to have to be very careful. If LeBron can be brought down, I am really in trouble:)

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 2:51 pm

chris/tex
agree that dr dean is sensationalising things a bit. albeit a lot of what she says about symptoms and issues, that medications are prescribed for, could be fixed via nutrients/supplements.

thus far it was the best layperson resource i had come across. the information presented gives an indication of what type of magnesium, and recommended dosage to optimise wellness.
i am using that information to fine tune the products that i access here in Aus.
likewise those that have time and energy can do the same.

as we have discussed recently with vitd3, vdrs, there is no 'easy' 'affordable' testing protocol that can give accurate information of what is happening in the cell membrane, body tissue etc.
opting for the test that can give best available info is one way to get some limited insight, the other is listening to your body.

other than the magical period after i started high doses of vit D3, this is the best i have been in 3 years.
the high doses of magnesium, vit C is the main change that the improvements can be attributed to.
with many here either struggling to improve, or reliant on antihistamines, other than vit D3, i saw this as something that could help many, regardless if they are D dominant, or C dominant, and the linkage of magnesium deficiency to the myriad of other health issues that many are trying to manage.
it is affordable, easy to incorporate various delivery methods into your day, just as you have done.

despite all my best efforts, the universe has not blessed me with a job yet.
so i might as well use the time to benefit others. sharing the key parts of the book.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:48 pm

Thanks, Gabes and Chris, you both have inspired me to use the mag oil that I fished out of my cabinet and I bought some San Pellegrino water. Our HFS doesn't carry the Gerolsteiner water but we are going to the city tomorrow and can go to Whole Foods! The oil seems to be helping with muscle cramps and sleep! I really like being able to put it on my skin and not having to worry about getting D. I have soaked in some Epsome Salts too. This really is a life changer for me!!! Oh and I bought some Magnesium Gel with aloe vera at the HFS. It is a small 2 oz bottle that I can carry in my purse and apply throughout the day. You can use it like moisturizer. I have joined a Magnesium Advocacy Group on Facebook. Someone on there buys magnesium flakes and mixes it with water. Says it is much cheaper than the oil. I think they said 3 parts water to one part flakes. I will have to look for the flakes, maybe Whole Foods.

Thanks again,

Pat