ATMS Journal Spring 2022 (Public Version) | Page 33

VIEWPOINT FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE
Stress often provokes asthmatic symptoms due to a surge in adrenalin , which pushes calcium into the membrane channels , causing contraction and dehydration of smooth muscles in lungs . Stress causes excessive loss of magnesium .
vessels can become stiff , which increases blood pressure ( i . e ., hypertension ).
The relaxation effect can also be seen with magnesium treatment in asthma , which has consistently demonstrated alleviation of muscle constriction in airways and irritating cough . If breathing is restricted and laboured , the resulting hypoxia causes excessive adrenalin release . The body in a sense panics . So , the more that can be done to relax and move from sympathetic ( fight or flight ) to parasympathetic ( rest and digest ), the better .
Stress often provokes asthmatic symptoms due to a surge in adrenalin , which pushes calcium into the membrane channels , causing contraction and dehydration of smooth muscles in lungs . Stress causes excessive loss of magnesium . As we need magnesium to dampen the adrenalin and calcium response , when it is deficient , the airways remain restricted and congested .
Spike proteins are toxic , block ACE2 receptors and injure endothelial linings of the cardiovascular system
Magnesium is protective of cells and stands guard as part of the membrane to ensure its integrity and the regulation of calcium channels . In fact , researchers believe that magnesium stored as part of ATP works as a storage battery to potentiate energy as required .
Magnesium is integral in the function of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ) system . ACE2 is an enzyme attached to the membrane of cells in the intestines , kidney , testis , gallbladder , and heart , which lowers blood pressure by reducing the amount of angiotensin-II and increasing Ang ( 1-7 ). Angiotensin is a peptide hormone that causes vasoconstriction ( via calcium movement ) and an increase in blood pressure , as well as inflammatory conditions .
Studies have shown that whole body deficiency of endogenous ACE2 , as well as its deficiency in bone marrowderived cells , increased atherosclerosis in mice . 10 A deficiency in ACE2 is shown to be a trigger for inflammation ( as is magnesium deficiency ).
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is toxic and known to damage the endothelium via downregulation of ACE2 . The spike protein is a key that unlocks ACE2 receptors , which then mediate the entry into the cell of three strains of coronavirus : SARS-CoV , NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 . 11 When these receptor doorways are occupied by spike proteins to facilitate entry of the viruses , the access of ACE2 to the cell is restricted ,
which contributes to an exacerbated inflammatory response . The endothelial lining of the vascular system thus becomes vulnerable to damage due to less flexibility , acidosis , too much free calcium , and not enough magnesium . In summary , ACE2 plays a vital role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function , as well as fertility , via its protection of the endothelium from inflammation . Its deficiency is associated with magnesium deficiency , cardiovascular disease and eventually multi-organ failure .
Treatment strategies
A recent COVID-19 review noted that , “ Adequate magnesium levels have been associated with lower mortality rates in COVID-19 patients and less severe symptoms .” 9
Rest and deep sleep , together with supplemental nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D , are essential for alleviating symptoms and to recover from Long Covid and Post-Viral Fatigue ( a . k . a . Chronic Fatigue ) syndrome . The primary goal in support of the immune system is to help the body cleanse and detoxify with attention to gut health , adjust pH ( avoiding acidosis ), increase oxygen delivery and circulation , and supply the essential nutrients to build new cells and support mitochondrial metabolism .
JATMS | Spring 2022 | 153