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Magnesium: the Immune System’s Super Mineral
(BA UNSW) (Article published in the Australian Traditonal Medicine Journal December 2024)
An inverse relationship between magnesium deficiency and the development of degenerative diseases and immune system disorders has been known for many years, but it wasn’t until the last decade that significant advances have been made to better understand magnesium’s role in immunity.
KEY POINTS:
- “It has been demonstrated that an insufficient amount of Mg in experimental subjects elevated inflammation, amplified immune stress functions, and reduced specific immune reactions.” STUDY REVIEW LINK
- Magnesium deficiency leads to accumulation of free radicals which are toxic for mitochondria.
- Magnesium deficiency impairs response of the adaptive and regulatory immune cells (T and B), whilst activating the innate immune system which promotes inflammation.
- As magnesium is essential for production of enzymes, a magnesium deficiency can lead to a deficiency in the MAGT1 magnesium transporter, which can then further restrict magnesium access to mitochondria, resulting in a negative feedback loop.
- Magnesium functions as a cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress, and its deficiency is associated with lipid peroxidation, cytotoxicity, lowering of hepatic glutathione.
- Intracellular magnesium insufficiency prohibits magnesium from accessing mitochondria via the mitochondrial RNA splicing 2 (MRS2) protein and triggers magnesium loss from cells.
- When excessive magnesium is lost from cells, it causes membrane channel dysfunction and subsequent loss of potassium and hydration from cells, which lowers pH and slows cell respiration.
- Magnesium deficiency is associated with auto immune conditions, endothelial dysfunction and ‘inflammatory syndrome’.
- Magnesium deficiency is associated with the depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia and the impaired memory function related with neuropathic pain.
- Magnesium is an important co-factor in the synthesis of vitamin D3, with the immune system’s T and B cells need to function.
- Adequate magnesium is cancer preventative.
Magnesium (Mg2+) is required for homeostasis and regulation of the immune system. Chronic magnesium deficiency leads to enhanced baseline inflammation associated with oxidative stress, which can lead to temporary and long term immune dysfunction. The lower the magnesium status, the more hypersensitive and primed for inflammation the immune system becomes; And the more inflammation and consequential oxidative stress, the more the body excretes magnesium, therefore tending to become even more deficient. Furthermore, we become primed for inflammation from chronic stress (psychological or physical), which leads to excessive urinary magnesium loss, and becomes a vicious circle. 1
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and the second most abundant cation inside cells. This master mineral electrolyte is absolutely essential for the regulation of cell redox (electron transfer and pH balancing), protection of mitochondria, as well as cell respiration and the ability to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate). “Magnesium is involved in the regulation of all metabolic pathways and in redox balance, its deficiency generates a metabolic and energetic stress and is associated with the accumulation of free radicals.” 2
The Fire of Inflammation is Fanned by Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium influences regulation of both cell proliferation as well as apoptosis (cell death). Its deficiency impairs the response of the adaptive and regulatory immune cells (T and B), whilst activating the innate immune system – thus promoting and amplifying inflammation.
This state coincides with heightened levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and other proinflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream, as well as decreased concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The proinflammatory effects of magnesium deficiency are mainly influenced by: the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a glutamate receptor which is the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter; and Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), which controls transcription of DNA, cytokine production and cell survival.
Several studies demonstrate that a moderate or subclinical magnesium deficiency induces a low grade, chronic inflammation, which is the common denominator of many common pathological conditions such as, “cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, preeclampsia, osteoporosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, mental health disorders and neurodegenerative diseases [2]. Biomarker of chronic inflammation is a modest 2–4 fold increase of inflammatory mediators.” 2
Immune System Regulation, Cell Signalling and Magnesium Sensing
CD8+ T cells are a key component of the adaptive immune system, playing a critical role in recognizing and eliminating infected or malignantly transformed cells. Magnesium is a critical catalyzer of the CD8+ T cell and its potency. It does this by interfacing with the cell surface LFA-1 (Lymphocyte function-associated antigen), which is a protein that plays a critical role in T cell activation and signal transduction. It is a type of transmembrane receptor responsible for communication between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM).
LFA-1 is involved in T-cell activation, immune synapse formation, leukocyte trafficking, and the movement of T cells from blood vessels into the surrounding tissue (extravasation). In the process of T-cell activation, LFA-1 acts as a docking site for target cells.
“In the inactive state this docking site is in a bent conformation and cannot efficiently bind to infected or abnormal cells. This is where magnesium comes into play. If magnesium is present in sufficient quantities in the vicinity of the T cells, it binds to LFA-1 and ensures that it remains in an extended and active conformation.” 2
The MAGT1 transporter protein moves charged ions of magnesium into T and B cells, which is essential to prevent cytotoxicity and to support mitochondrial metabolism. “In T cells and B cells, MAGT1 deficiency lowered cytosolic free magnesium and hindered magnesium absorption.“ 3
As magnesium is essential for production of enzymes, a magnesium deficiency can lead to a deficiency in the MAGT1 magnesium transporter, which can then further restrict magnesium access to mitochondria, resulting in a negative feedback loop.
Chronic inflammation from magnesium deficiency is linked to the production and release of, “interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), as well as the activation of phagocytosis, calcium channel opening, NMDA receptor activation, NF-B signaling, and stimulation of nitric oxide with inflammatory markers.” Further, “Studies have shown that Mg deficiency can promote platelet agglomeration, which can affect micro vascular functions, and also limit the growth and migration of endothelial cells. Additionally, research suggests that the stimulation of the IL-33/ST2 axis, a key pathway in inflammation, can lead to decreased Mg levels in severely inflamed tissues.” 3
Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria
If magnesium levels drop too low in cells, redox balance is compromised and mitochondrial function is inhibited in order to protect them from oxidative stress, the ravages of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and lowering of pH to the acidic range. When magnesium is deficient and pH is too low, the entry of glucose and insulin via the cell membrane is restricted to some extent in order to lessen mitochondrial respiration, so that less ROS waste products are produced in order to mitigate excessive oxidative stress.
Normally ROS must be rapidly neutralised and cleared away so that free radicals don’t get a chance to steal electrons from cell organelles and mitochondria, causing injury. Seen in this light, insulin resistance becomes cell protective, but of course has other trade-off side effects.
Magnesium supplementation improves mitochondrial function through various mechanisms, such as mitochondrial ROS inhibition, modulation of membrane permeability, transition channel opening and calcium antagonism. Magnesium is protective of mitochondria as confirmed in this study by Fujita et al, “Our results suggest that Mg2+ that has dissociated from ATP is not merely a byproduct, but functions as a cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress and that Mg2+ supplementation is effective in protection against oxidative stress.” 4
Magnesium deficiency is associated with lipid peroxidation, cytotoxicity, lowering of hepatic glutathione and vitamin-E levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (a vital mitochondrial antioxidant), which further leads to an increase in oxidative stress. Magnesium not only works synergistically with other antioxidants, but by itself also donating electrons, thereby works as an antioxidant to scavenge free oxygen radicals.
Problems with neutralisation and clearance of ROS metabolic wastes leads to oxidative stress and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, expressed as systemic inflammation. Autoimmune conditions can develop in the presence of, “self-garbage (mtDNA, cardiolipin, or formyl peptides) that may be detected by macrophages. Mg insufficiency disrupts the electron transport chain and facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reduced protein expression of manganese superoxide dismutase, including catalase, is indeed driven by magnesium deprivation, affecting the antioxidant defensive reaction. Mg deprivation reduces ATP biosynthesis via down-regulating ATP synthase (F0F1). Intracellular Mg insufficiency prohibits Mg from accessing mitochondria via the mitochondrial RNA splicing 2 (MRS2) protein and triggers Mg efflux.” 3
When excessive magnesium is lost from cells, it causes membrane channel dysfunction and subsequent loss of potassium and hydration from cells, which lowers pH and slows cell respiration.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Auto Immune Disorders; Crohn’s Disease, Colitis, Psoriasis; Respiratory Disorders & Asthma; Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disorders; and Slow Healing Leg Ulcers
Endothelial dysfunction and the development of an inflammatory ‘syndrome’, is accompanied by the activation of leukocytes and macrophages. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and free radicals also increase.
Magnesium deficiency appears to affect the function of mast cells and their ability to secrete histamine. Several studies have also shown a significant relationship between low magnesium and severe Covid-19 symptoms, influenza, asthma and other respiratory issues.
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve bronchodilation, including the lung function in asthma patients, via calcium antagonism and relaxation of the smooth muscles of the endothelial linings, helping to mitigate an exaggerated inflammatory response. Magnesium is an important cofactor for the synthesis of immunoglobulin (Ig), C3 convertase, adhesion of immune cells; antibody-based cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, macrophage response to lymphokines, and T helper–B cell adherence.
Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium as a necessary cofactor. It is essential in the synthesis of all proteins, including enzymes, hormones, collagen and elastin. Magnesium deficiency is associated with premature ageing and frailty of skin, hair, nails, bones, teeth – that is, the whole integumentary system.
When redox is out of balance free radicals from metabolic wastes accumulate, cause pH to drop, and attract pathogens to that environment, which can further increase the acidic load and compromise redox. If the liver is under too much stress and detoxification is sub optimal, toxins can escape into the lymphatic system, promoting skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and itchy rashes.
Magnesium deficiency is associated with the depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia and the impaired memory function related with neuropathic pain. “High Mg also decreases BBB permeability and promotes BBB clearance of Aβ from the brain… Neuroinflammation has a relevant pathogenic role in neurodegeneration, seizures, migraine chronification, traumatic brain injuries and ischemic stroke.” 3 A personalized magnesium supplementation program helps to reduce the Ca:Mg ratio, which lowers inflammation and significantly boosts cognitive function.
Care should be taken with detoxification therapies so as not to overload the system, and to ensure adequate antioxidant support is available – especially sufficient magnesium! Apropos antioxidants, magnesium has a synergistic effect with ascorbic acid by increasing its potency. This is an important consideration because those with impaired endothelial innings may not tolerate high doses of vitamin C. In addition, the liposomal version of C is better tolerated, as lipids are membrane protective.
Magnesium Regulates Levels of Intracellular Free Calcium and pH Balance
When magnesium is low, ion channels loosen and become compromised, allowing too many calcium ions to enter the cell from the extracellular spaces. This coincides with loss of cell water and potassium, and the resulting excessive contraction of muscle fibres can cause muscle and heart rhythm disturbances, as well as electrical conductance issues. Magnesium however is antagonistic to calcium and also brings hydration back to the cell, with improved membrane charge and function keeping valuable potassium in.
Calcium leaching out of bones and settling in soft tissue is a responsive reaction to a redox imbalance, because it is an alkalising mineral. If oxidative stress becomes excessive and ROS are not effectively neutralised, and if there are not enough antioxidant supports to donate electrons to quell free radicals, then free calcium is systemically released from bones, as this cation is attracted to electron deficient molecules – such as those of inflamed endothelial linings.
If calcium deposition becomes chronic, eventually the endothelial linings of the vascular system, as well as other tubular systems in organs like kidneys and bladder, become more rigid and lose integrity and flexibility. If kidney tubules stiffen, they lose efficiency to recycle magnesium and other alkaline minerals, thereby losing alkalising capacity, which contributes to acidosis and worsening health conditions.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat soluble hormone that is essential for bones, the immune system, cardiovascular function and brain health. Most endogenous vitamin D is produced in the skin via exposure to direct sunlight in the presence of cholesterol sulphate and magnesium ions. We can absorb vitamin D from certain foods like butter, eggs and seafood, but dietary amounts are usually not enough to supply all that we need, except in certain cultures with a high oily fish diet. In most cases, we rely on the sun for the majority of our vitamin D supply.
Magnesium is a cofactor for vitamin D synthesis, and its deficiency can lead to a decrease in vitamin D formation from its precursors. This leaves the immune system’s T cells, B cells and antigen presenting cells, short of supply and sub-optimal, as all have vitamin D receptors. This weakens the immune system.
Researchers, Cheung et al, discovered enhanced efficacy of treatment of obese individuals suffering inflammatory conditions when magnesium and vitamin D were supplemented together. They found that, “the MagD group experienced the greatest increase in serum 25OHD concentrations (6.3 ± 8.36 ng/mL; P < 0.05). There was a decrease in systolic blood pressure (7.5 ± 8.26 mmHg; P < 0.05) for individuals who had a baseline systolic blood pressure of >132 mmHg in the MagD group.” 5
Caution should be exercised with vitamin D supplementation alone when magnesium status is low, because vitamin D mobilises free calcium, and calcium is a magnesium antagonist. This high vitamin D and low magnesium ratio can promote hypercalcemia, which reduces magnesium’s potency.
As it’s easier to get calcium than enough magnesium from diet, and magnesium is excessively excreted under stressful conditions, there is a propensity for calcium to become dominant and deposit into soft tissue such as endothelial linings of blood vessels. This can be particularly exaggerated in a high carbohydrate diet due to anaerobic metabolism and corresponding insulin resistance.
In treating vitamin D deficiency, its supplementation should go hand in hand with magnesium supplementation, as well as avoidance of calcium supplementation (except in rare circumstances of genuine calcium deficiency). It is often the case that lifting magnesium status can eliminate symptoms of calcium deficiency where the problem wasn’t a shortage of calcium, but rather how it was being regulated and used in the body.
Magnesium Sufficiency is Cancer Preventative
Magnesium also plays a critical role in preserving the active structure of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and ATP, damage of which is linked to cancer. Magnesium is involved in regulating second messengers derived from lipids and phosphoinositides, compensating for charge imbalances.
Oxidative stress and magnesium deficiency activate inflammatory pathways which can lead to transformation of normal cells to a tumour cells, their proliferation, chemoresistance, radio-resistance, invasion, angiogenesis, and stem cell survival, as T and B cell immune regulation becomes compromised and normal apoptosis of corrupted cells is suppressed. 6
“A recent meta-analysis showed that a linear relationship exists between higher dietary magnesium intake and reduced cancer mortality, with a 5% decrease in cancer mortality observed for every 100 mg/d increase in magnesium intake. Interestingly, lower dietary Mg intake may be associated with increased production of N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogens.” 3
In studies on mouse models of cancer, researchers have demonstrated strengthening of the immune response of T cells against tumour cells by an increase in local magnesium concentrations in the tumours. 6
Magnesium Supplementation to Support the Immune System
Subclinical magnesium deficiency is common, especially in the ageing population, because of insufficient magnesium intake, excessive and chronic stress, medications, chronic diseases, as well as digestion and absorption issues.
A magnesium rich diet is recommended, but caution should be exercised with foods high in oxalates and other phyto chemicals which block magnesium. Sufficient soaking and cooking techniques can help to release the bound magnesium – but make sure the cooking water is not discarded! Soups, such as those recommended in the GAPS protocol, are easier to digest and can support a magnesium-rich diet.
The consumption of drinking water with magnesium chloride (MgCl2) can also serve as a significant means of obtaining magnesium via diet. 3 Dissolved magnesium chloride is already in the right form for solubility and cell absorption without further digestion. High concentrations of magnesium in any form attract water and have a laxative effect, which means most of the magnesium doesn’t make it across the gut wall to the interior. 7
The optimal magnesium uptake via gut wall is in concentrations found in natural spring waters in the range 30 to 130mg elemental magnesium per litre, and is in the form of MgCl2. Therefore, regular drinking of magnesium mineral water provides optimal dietary intake without necessitating stomach digestion. Magnesium in drinking water also increases hydration capacity of the water, which supports mitochondrial metabolism and excretion of cell wastes.
However, high end magnesium needs can be catered for with additional daily transdermal magnesium supplementation, because magnesium chloride topical cream, lotion and spray, as well as magnesium bathing, have the potential of delivering much higher amounts of magnesium via epidermal absorption. Magnesium bathing can also enhance detox via skin.
The skin can store extra magnesium, particularly in the presence of lipids, which are skin protective. There is no risk of overdose using this method, as the body is self-regulating via skin absorption of magnesium. Not only is the use of transdermal magnesium soothing and relaxing, helping to relieve stress, but regular daily use helps to restore cellular stores of magnesium over time.
More research is now being conducted to investigate the use of MgCl2 as an adjunct cancer treatment. “Santos et al. found that MgCl2 causes apoptosis and significantly slows migration in cancer cells with varying metastatic potentials. MgCl2 inhibits invasion and metastasis by lowering V-H plus ATPase with myosin II expression, suppressing vimentin expression, and increasing E-cadherin expression, implying function for MgCl2 in EMT reversing. In addition, MgCl2 inhibits NF-k expression while promoting chromatin condensation.” 3
It should be noted that subclinical magnesium insufficiency can exist in tissue cells, but not necessarily be revealed by blood tests, as blood only contains about 1% of the body’s magnesium, which is kept within a narrow range to support cardiovascular health. Tissue cells often sacrifice their stored magnesium in order to maintain magnesium balance in the blood. “Metabolic unit depletion/repletion experiments show that serum magnesium concentrations decrease only after a prolonged depletion.” 8
As people get older, their immune systems lose their natural ability to fight infections, increasing their risk of infection, neoplasms, and autoimmune diseases, as well as their ability to heal skin wounds. Metabolic disorders, inflammation, respiratory illnesses, endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, heart rhythm abnormalities, osteoporosis, depression and mental illnesses are all fundamentally magnesium deficiency symptoms.
“Illness load is linked to deterioration of immune system competence rather than chronological age.” 3 The common denominator in degenerative diseases and ageing is magnesium deficiency, which is why magnesium has been commonly referred to by researchers as ‘the Anti-ageing Mineral’. Read more about Magnesium Science…
Sandy Sanderson © 2024 www.elektramagnesium.com.au
REFERENCES:
(1) Pickering, G.; Mazur, A.; Trousselard, M.; Bienkowski, P.; Yaltsewa, N.; Amessou, M.; Noah, L.; Pouteau, E. Magnesium Status and Stress: The Vicious Circle Concept Revisited. Nutrients 2020, 12 (12), 3672. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123672.
(2) Maier, J. A.; Castiglioni, S.; Locatelli, L.; Zocchi, M.; Mazur, A. Magnesium and Inflammation: Advances and Perspectives. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology 2021, 115, 37–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.11.002.
(3) Ashique, S.; Kumar, S.; Hussain, A.; Mishra, N.; Garg, A.; Gowda, B. H. J.; Farid, A.; Gupta, G.; Dua, K.; Taghizadeh-Hesary, F. A Narrative Review on the Role of Magnesium in Immune Regulation, Inflammation, Infectious Diseases, and Cancer. Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition 2023, 42, 74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00423-0.
(4) Fujita, K.; Shindo, Y.; Katsuta, Y.; Goto, M.; Hotta, K.; Oka, K. Intracellular Mg2+ Protects Mitochondria from Oxidative Stress in Human Keratinocytes. Commun Biol 2023, 6 (1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05247-6.
(5) Cheung, M. M.; Dall, R. D.; Shewokis, P. A.; Altasan, A.; Volpe, S. L.; Amori, R.; Singh, H.; Sukumar, D. The Effect of Combined Magnesium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Vitamin D Status, Systemic Inflammation, and Blood Pressure: A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial. Nutrition 2022, 99–100, 111674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2022.111674.
(6) Lötscher, J.; Líndez, A.-A. M. i; Kirchhammer, N.; Cribioli, E.; Attianese, G. M. P. G.; Trefny, M. P.; Lenz, M.; Rothschild, S. I.; Strati, P.; Künzli, M.; Lotter, C.; Schenk, S. H.; Dehio, P.; Löliger, J.; Litzler, L.; Schreiner, D.; Koch, V.; Page, N.; Lee, D.; Grählert, J.; Kuzmin, D.; Burgener, A.-V.; Merkler, D.; Pless, M.; Balmer, M. L.; Reith, W.; Huwyler, J.; Irving, M.; King, C. G.; Zippelius, A.; Hess, C. Magnesium Sensing via LFA-1 Regulates CD8+ T Cell Effector Function. Cell 2022, 185 (4), 585-602.e29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.12.039.
(7) Karagülle, O.; Kleczka, T.; Vidal, C.; Candir, F.; Gundermann, G.; Külpmann, W. R.; Gehrke, A.; Gutenbrunner, C. Magnesium Absorption from Mineral Waters of Different Magnesium Content in Healthy Subjects. Forsch Komplementmed 2006, 13 (1), 9–14. https://doi.org/10.1159/000090016.
(8) Nielsen, F. H. Magnesium Deficiency and Increased Inflammation: Current Perspectives. J Inflamm Res 2018, 11, 25–34. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S136742.
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We can become addicted to more than just pharmaceutical drugs or alcohol. Researchers are now noticing symptoms of addiction also to excessive exercise. Does excessive exercise or over-training have negative side effects? Could it harm health and cause premature ageing? The research indicates yes, mainly because of increasing magnesium deficiency.
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Magnesium deficiency weakens performance, stamina and increases risk of injury
When you push your muscles hard your brain is telling your body to ‘squeeze’ and act. Adrenalin and cortisol increase, and that helps push the calcium into the calcium channels of the muscle fibre cells, which makes them contract. Magnesium is temporarily pushed out of these channels during the contractions. When we relax, calcium comes out and magnesium moves back into the channels to relax the muscles again.
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I was over 50 when menopause set in, accompanied by an autoimmune disorder called Hashimotos Hypothyroidism, severe heart arrhythmia, and the emerging white patches on my skin. This form of autoimmune hypothyroidism is thought to be prevalent in about 5% of the world’s population, however I believe the numbers are growing as people become more chemically sensitive to pollutants that stress the thyroid.
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The haemoglobin of red blood cells requires magnesium to help it take up oxygen from lungs and deliver that oxygen to tissue cells in other parts of the body. Researchers believe this is because, as part of the ATP energy currency, magnesium is vital to membrane integrity of red blood cells. The heme protein (containing iron) in these cells needs to ‘attract’ oxygen molecules from lung sacs as blood passes by. The oxygen molecules need to pass through the red blood cell (RBC) membrane – to get ‘onboard’ the train so to speak.
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Note that dehydrated states can cause feelings of anxiety where we just don’t know the reason for our fear or agitation, but the feeling persists. Re-hydrating the body with ample water and magnesium can calm down these sensations because magnesium has a dampening effect on adrenaline and cortisol. When the brain has ample water and magnesium we can think more clearly and make better decisions. This is especially important during crises because our magnesium reserves can become dangerously low.
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Magnesium is so important to cardiovascular function, its scarcity being correlated with the development of cardiovascular disease, that it has become the focus of intense scientific study and review over recent years. A meta-analysis review of epidemiological studies published in 2017 concluded that magnesium intake is associated with lower risk of major cardiovascular risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension, as well as incidence of stroke and total cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of circulating magnesium are also associated with lower risk of heart disease, mainly ischemic and coronary heart disease.
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You may not realise it, but cramps and restless legs are quite easy to fix and you can do it without drugs. All you need is enough magnesium (and water) to get to where it is needed in the muscles for recovery and performance.
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As magnesium drops lower from excessive stress, there is less control over adrenaline and cortisol release, so that these catecholamines (stress hormones) escalate and chronically flood the system in a fight or flight (sympathetic) mode. We can get stuck in that mode, unable to relax and move back to rest and recover grazing (parasympathetic) mode. The stress hormones prompt glutamine to overstimulate neurons causing rapid and incessant calcium firing. Without enough magnesium to control the calcium and switch off the catecholamine release, we can’t relax.
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It’s been coined the master mineral and deemed as critical as water. But how exactly does it correlate to the process of ageing? The ways are numerous, but we’ll highlight a few of our standouts. From menopause to migraines, bone health to beautiful skin, you’ll be eager to lather up in magnesium cream by the time you’ve finished reading this. And remember, even if you’ve had a blood test that did not show up a deficiency in magnesium, only a small portion of magnesium stores actually sit in the blood. There are other areas more likely to be depleted that won’t be detected so simply.
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Optimal nutrition for our children means they will have the best opportunity to realise their fullest genetic potential to be well balanced, healthy and happy into adulthood. We all want our children to be ‘upgrades’ from ourselves. We want to pass on our seeds to future generations, but what about the quality of those seeds when magnesium is low? Can ‘magnesium kids’ offer a better hope for optimal health over a lifetime?
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Healthy cells need lipid protection, magnesium charge and ample hydration to support mitochondrial energy metabolism of Mg-ATP ‘batteries’. This energy is then used to assemble amino acids into the various proteins we need to build collagen structures. It is also used to manufacture hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and other chemical messengers.
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The review goes on to explain glyphosate’s mechanism of toxic action. Firstly, it is a strong chelating agent, creating complexes that immobilize the mineral micronutrients of the soil, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc, making them unavailable to plants. This means that the food supply is robbed of vital mineral nutrients. We eat the food, it fills a void, but it doesn’t supply valuable nutrition. The end result is that we keep eating more and more empty carbs until obesity and other metabolic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, senile dementia, inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure, thyroid or liver cancer develop.
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Inflammation and pain can be part of a healing crisis, but if your magnesium status is healthy you will heal and recover relatively quickly because the metabolism can perform the way it should. The lower the cellular magnesium levels get however, the slower it becomes to recover from the stresses and the more painful and amplified are the symptoms.
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Premature ageing is usually marked by excessive weight gain (especially adipose tissue around the middle), exaggerated dehydration, hypercalcemia, joint stiffening, acidosis and inflammation. In other words, getting overweight, dry and stiff with creaky and brittle bones before our time. Skin can also get very dry and saggy looking. As we need magnesium to synthesise collagen proteins and elastin fibres, which are the structures that hold us together as skin, bone, ligaments, sinew, smooth muscle walls in arteries etc, low magnesium means those structures lose their integrity. [6] Thus magnesium helps us to stay more hydrated, flexible and stretchy longer!
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Did you know that our gut microbiome needs a good supply of magnesium for energy to do all their jobs properly? Beneficial gut bacteria are extremely important to good health. Did you know that we rely on our gut microbiome more than our own cells and enzymes for digestion of food and nutrient absorption? If digestion is compromised we can be short-changed on magnesium uptake. Low magnesium can lead to feelings of depression, mood disorders, fatigue, restless and disturbed sleep, foggy brain, anxiety and much more. See the STUDY: "Dietary magnesium deficiency alters gut microbiota and leads to depressive-like behaviour."
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Transdermal magnesium absorption means that magnesium ions (electrolytes) can pass into the epidermis (outer layer) of the skin, which acts as a nutritional reservoir until the tiny capillaries of the dermis underneath can absorb nutrients as required. From this skin reservoir the body may also absorb the vitamin D it made when you got some sunshine on your skin.
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Keratosis can also develop concurrently with inflammatory states such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergies and asthma. If the inflammation is adequately quelled, the skin issues also tend to dissipate. Magnesium is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Many studies since last century have confirmed that in low-magnesium states we are more likely to develop inflammatory conditions. Where those inflammatory conditions manifest depends largely on genetics and environmental factors. Some people can experience skin problems or mood swings and depression, while others develop hardening of the arteries or sugar-sensitivity (metabolic syndrome) and unstable energy fluctuations. Multiple symptoms can occur and are usually a sign of magnesium deficiency.
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When you purchase epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) from the supermarket however, it is usually not one harvested from ocean water, but manufactured in a factory as an isolate which is magnesium sulfate. It does not contain the other sea trace minerals that would be present in dehydrated sea salt. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is very cheap and in the event you can’t get hold of anything else, it can certainly save your life.