VIEWPOINT FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE
frozen shoulder are primary examples of calcium moving in to stiffen muscle fibres and restrict movement , and then not retreating due to magnesium deficiency . Dehydration is also commonly associated with high calcium and low magnesium states . Headaches and migraines can result . These headaches can be relieved by sufficient magnesium and water ( rehydration ).
Hypertension – high blood pressure
Free calcium that settles in arterial linings causes hypertension by stiffening the linings . 8 , 9 Not only can magnesium control excess calcium in blood , but it can cause nitric oxide to expand the arteries , or work independently to expand arterial walls , and thus reduce blood pressure . 10 Magnesium also helps the smooth muscle of the endothelial linings of blood vessels to stay flexible , stretchy and resilient via the production of collagen and elastin of the mesh matrix that forms the structure of the lining . 11 If magnesium-deprived , the tiny capillaries in our extremities can also get too stiff , thereby inhibiting sufficient blood flow to the ends , which causes hypoxia , numbness or neuropathic pain . 12
Not only is magnesium deficiency strongly correlated with high blood pressure ( hypertension ), but it can also have the reverse effect of hypotension ( very low blood pressure ). This is often associated with thyroid problems and anaemia . Magnesium , along with iodine , supports the thyroid , plasma hydration and red blood cell oxygencarrying capacity . Without sufficient magnesium , metabolism slows , blood volume can drop , and therefore electrical conductance can weaken . If it becomes more severe it can result in heart arrhythmia ( irregular heart beat ). 13 When you have the magnesium you need your body can better regulate blood pressure and keep it in the normal range . In this sense , magnesium works as an adaptogenic nutrient , supplying energy to all systems .
Muscles use a lot of energy contracting and for repair after excessive exercise . They also need a lot of water in the expansion and contraction process .
Magnesium is crucial at every step of the way .
Electrolyte balance and hydration
Magnesium has a strong affinity with water . People can become excessively dehydrated as magnesium levels drop , because magnesium attracts water and helps to keep the intracellular environment hydrated . The magnesium molecule has the largest potential hydration shell of any cation , able to expand in size with extra water by up to 400 %. Magnesium also helps to regulate the working balance of the other electrolytes – like the conductor of an orchestra . 14
The magnesium distribution in the body is 53 % in bones , 46 % in muscles , and 1 % in blood . Consequently , blood tests may not accurately indicate tissue levels of magnesium in the body . Tissue cells can sacrifice some of their magnesium and give it to blood in order to keep blood levels in the normal range . You would need to test tissue cells , as in an EXA test , hair sample or RBC analysis , to get a more accurate result .
Magnesium is located in greater amounts in areas of high metabolic activity and production of ATP energy . This happens in the bone marrow with production of platelets , red and white blood cells , and new bone cells . It happens in the brain , which has a very high electrical output , and it happens extensively in muscles . Muscles use a lot of energy contracting and for repair after excessive exercise . They also need a lot of water in the expansion and contraction process . Magnesium is crucial at every step of the way .
In addition to electrolyte balance , magnesium is vital to normal operation of the cell membrane , as it holds the charge that keeps the two phospholipid layers of the cell membrane intact . The channels of the membrane expand and contract to release toxins and receive nutrients . As too much magnesium is lost and acidity increases , the charge in the cell wall drops ( depolarises ) and the membrane becomes weaker and leaky . Water is lost from the cell , increasing the dehydration effect of the acid condition . 15
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