Hi everyone! So I’m doing more research on taking a daily magnesium supplement and I think I’m going to. Just to better my heart health (cross fingers that it stops my palpitations/ectopics), and to better my overall health. What specific magnesium do you guys take and what milligram? I had a weird blip today where I breathed in deeply (breathing odd was always a trigger for my SVT which I’m 3 months post ablation), and it almost felt like it was going to start but couldn’t. Taking that as a good sign? Anyways, after that I just feel like it’s a good idea to take magnesium. If any of you have tried it, let me know! Thanks again.
Thoughts on Magnesium? : Hi everyone... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Thoughts on Magnesium?
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Dogluvr95
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Also, I wanted to say that I’ve been EXTREMELY stressed out lately. I live in America and with the election, me moving, and I also just quit my job, it’s been a lot which could play into it.
Goodness me Dogluvr, great name by the way, you are going through it. I don’t envy anyone in the States at the moment.
I take bog standard magnesium citrate and haven’t had a single blip since my last ablation over 3 years ago.
I take Magnesium Taurate 125mg x 2 ( Cardiovascular Research Ltd ) another one is Magnesium Glycinate 160mg x 2 ( NOW Foods )
I usually purchase when their on Special - Swanson 35% off or iHerb 25% off neither have a special at the moment.
Has this helped you in any way? Thanks for your reply!
I follow Dr Stephen Sinatra's supplementation recommendations
heartmdinstitute.com/diet-n...
and I have no worrisome effects from AFIB ( asymptomatic ) where as when I first had AFIB over 10 years ago I was symptomatic and felt very lethargic.
IMO its partially the supplements and no anxiety but what actually has caused this improvement I dont know .
ive tried magnesium citrate 400mg daily , they have actually somewhat helped calm down the heart
Check out Sanjay gupta on youtube explaining the effect of magnesium on the heart
I was taking 400 mg daily of magnesium glycinate. But my stomach has been rebelling against all capsules lately. So I have stopped for the moment. Would like to find another way to supplement magnesium daily. May do it transdermally with magnesium oil spray or nightly magnesium chloride footsoak. The glycine in magnesium glycinate is sickly sweet, which has prevented me from putting the contents of the capsule into smoothies or whatever. It ruins anything. I do think it's useful to supplement with magnesium for many reasons, including heart - even if just 200 mg daily.
Hi, I take Mg Taurate from Cardiovascular Research -just one tablet a day - and this has really calmed my ectopics down. Good luck. 🙂
Yes, many of us here take either the Glycinate or the Taurate form. Another good vendor in the US If you can be patient is Vitamin Shoppe. If you want to start right now, the prices at Amazon are at least nearly as good and sometimes better than the vitamin specialty stores mentioned.
Yes, this election is effing up many of us here. So much that's going on runs counter to what we grew up believing of our country.
Really hope it comes back!
Thanks so much for your reply! I’m on vitamin shoppe right now and there are so many options wow! I’m wondering what one you recommend? The cheapest (and the first one that pops up) is magnesium carbonate, it’s a powder that you put in drinks. 300 mg. I haven’t heard of mag carbonate though, any thoughts?
I use Vitamin Shoppe brand Magnesium Glycinate or other glycinate brands and MagMind Magnesium L-Threonate.
The story is that L-Threonate is the only form of magnesium that goes across the blood brain barrier and is good for brain health. I'm not an expert I don't know if this is true but I do take it.
Magnesium will only be good for you if you have a shortage but its good bet that you do have a shortage and its too difficult and intrusive get get checked (blood count magnesium is no indication of your cell count magnesium levels). Do not take magnesium oxide, all other forms are worth trying as some forms will be better absorbed than others in your particular body (we are all different). Your could take an Epsom's salts bath using 4 times the recommended amount of magnesium and just soak for 20 minutes. Now in theory this should not work as the magnesium molecules are larger than than should be absorbed through your skin BUY IT DOES WORK.
Remember it may take time (weeks) for the magnesium supplements to take effect, the Epsom salts bath can have an effect straight away (don't know how but it just can).
If you take too much magnesium you will go to the toilet a lot
Why should you not take magnesium oxide? I got what I thought were just magnesium tablets, Boots, but just checked the ingredients and they are magnesium oxide. I’m on1.25 Bisoprolol
Magnesium Oxide: This form of magnesium is one of the most commonly used in supplements. It is desirable because it is inexpensive and the compound is very small, so large amounts of elemental magnesium can be delivered without taking up much space in a tablet or capsule.
Magnesium oxide has long been considered a poor source of magnesium, since it is insoluble in water and at the pH level in the small intestine, resulting in a bioavailability of less than 5%.
I suppose it all depends on how much you take and the economics of it as it is the main ingredient of laxatives.
You can take a lot without actually absorbing any real amount , Magnesium Citrate - also had a laxative effect with me .
Thank you for the info
It does not get absorbed well and likely make you go to the toilet often. You need the magnesium to be absorbed by your cells. Magnesium from food is good but generally speaking our food today is significantly down on magnesium probably due to the farming and processing methods. Avocado is good so are bananas which also contain potassium and this can also be good for you. Also need good levels of vitamin D and iron and not take PPIs to absorb magnesium well. I am afraid nothing is straight forward. Keeping your electrolytes well balanced can be essential for an irritated heart.
Thank you for the info
I cannot take oral magnesium as it’s contraindicated for another condition I have so I use Magnesium Oil and/or bathe in Sea Salts. I started this after I noticed an improvement in my conditions after daily sea bathing. It hasn’t always been safe for me to continue to sea bathe so this is my next best option. Magnesium is well absorbed through the skin and as I need it to relieve muscle spasms, especially at night, I find this works well.
Definately helps with stress - understanding the cell chemistry helps understand how Magnesium works but do be aware that if you take calcium channel blockers then oral Magnesium may increase the efficacy of those meds. Basically (very basic) calcium is needed to help muscle to contract whereas magnesium is required for muscle to relax - it’s like a push-pull mechanism. It’s getting the balance correct which is important.
Most of us are Magnesium deficient because of modern diets and agriculture methods.
You might want to check out these:-
ancient-minerals.com/magnes...
Hi CD, I'm wondering about your daily swimming? Are you going in the winter as well as the summer? I think I read that you take cold showers to help get you back into Sinus rhythm too? Sea swimming all year round has become very big here in Ireland and it's something I'd love to be able to do. I used to love cold showers after my hot shower and I loved how I felt after sea swimming even in cold weather but now it feels like too much for my heart. I only had 2 swims this summer as the second swim I had was pretty cold and I went into AFib that evening. Been having more Afib in recent months and as a result feel a bit more on edge. How I'd love to be able to get in the water throughout the year. Am envying friends who are doing this. What do you think? Is it up to the individual? Or are there others here who think it helps with AFib? I know it gets Adrenaline going and then the happy hormone Seratonin thus the feel good factor. It's the Adrenaline I worry about as any speeding up of my heart can kick me into AFib.....I fear!
No, I’m not swimming in the winter, more because of my other condition which means cold can exacerbate my condition meaning that my muscles could just stop working - not good for swimming in very cold water. I last had a swim about 4 weeks ago when the sea temp here was 16C. The sea temperature is often 3-4 weeks behind the air temperature so whilst I wouldn’t try starting in the spring, you might get away with it now. Sea temp here (south coast of UK) here this morning was 13.4C. Depending upon where you live, Ireland is usually higher. My husband’s family all swim regularly from Howth or Black Rock, lots of photos of the Christmas swim. Sister in law swam daily well into her 80’s and was really fit from N Dublin.
It the affect on the vagus nerve rather than adrenaline which boosts immune system, ANS & builds Resiliance and of course great exercise.
You may find this article of interest theconversation.com/health-...
Just do your research and follow the guidance for open water swimming:-
Beware of cold water shock - so if you aren’t used to it don’t dive in - never a good idea as you don’t know what lies beneath the surface and easy to knock yourself out if you hit a rock or piece of debris.
Never swim alone! Lots of wild swimming clubs so begin with someone very experienced - many here have small buoyancy attached.
Always know your tides and local water, rip tides etc and if in doubt - do nowt.
Wild water swimming is great but not something to dive into without good guidance, supervision and local knowledge.
There are loads of swimming clubs in Ireland to go for advice - look on MeetUp
PS - I think fear is the biggest antagonist for AF - but focus into your body and listen to that - not your mind. Try going for paddles rather than swimming but mostly you must enjoy! That releases endorphins which counter the stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
Thanks CD. I'll do the research. It feels way too cold to begin now. My body says NO! I might wait till I've had some summer swims and then keep going into Autumn. I also have Fibromyalgia and this causes me to feel unwell a lot of the time. But I'll do the research and go from there. yes fear is a problem. Do you have cold showers often?
I try to everyday.
Good on you CD. I used to but got AFib after doing it on a particularly cold morning and it put me off! I do dial down to cool but but the full throttle cold! When I'm back to my full strength I may try again....Maybe....Thanks for your tips re oil too. I use Better you also. I find it wonderful.
I am curious about the oil you use. I am on BP meds so prefer not to take another pill. Do use just a few squirts of this? And what brand do you use. Thanks
I use a brand called Better You Magnesium Oil and picked it up from my local health food store. Other brands are available. For general maintenance use after bathing, as long as you haven’t just had a salt bath, 3-5 squirts all over body. At night I use if my muscles are very achy and then 3 squirts on the affected muscle, usually my legs. I have to be really careful so don’t use in the mornings otherwise I get muscle weakness but that’s because of Myasthenia. Be careful to wash your hands after use.
I have also looked at this.It is very interesting,however,it is probably essential to get your magnesium levels checked before starting using magnesium as a supplement.
There's no science that will help you decide since all forms have been shown to be well absorbed through the small intestines, even the simplest and cheapest such as magnesium hydroxide, citrate and sulphate. These basic salts also have the highest levels of free magnesium ions available when taken orally, which means that even a very low dose will provide all the magnesium and more that your body could ever need or use. Salts such as taurate and palmitate have very little elemental magnesium available, so need a higher dose.
Another fact about magnesium is that it is widely available in the food we eat each day: lots of it; more than we can ever use. This is because magnesium is what forms the green substance called chlorophyll in all green vegetables - a freely and easily available source: the natural source: the very best source! Some say that natural levels of magnesium have fallen, owing to modern farming methods well - look out for yellow peas, cabbage and broccoli, then! I haven't seen any.
If you are one of the lucky 30% or so who respond well to placebo medicines, then you are likely best buying the most expensive, fancy looking form, since that generally gives the most significant effect in scientific studies. It's mostly a short lived effect of a month or so, but worthwhile.
Steve
Magnesium Taurate from Cardiovascular Research Ltd for me.
I can’t say for sure if it definitely helps me but I have been AF/ Aflutter free for 2 years following an ablation.
My Naturopath likes to match Mg withCoQ10 with the reasoning that these two relax & stimulate supporting the heart's physical pumping.
perfect match. Works for me too....
Hi! Thanks so much for your response. What is CoQ10? I’ve never heard of it!
Hi Dogluvr95,
Please take a look at my story:
healthunlocked.com/afassoci...............
I take 500mg of Magnesium Glycinate (Best Immune vegan capsules), one every evening with food. Glycinate does appear to be the best for sensitive folk and the only other ingredient is microcrystalline cellulose. Watch out, some brands have many other additives and fillers which can also cause sensitivity.
Regards,
Hi! Thanks for your reply! Do you take any other medications? I take 25 mg metoprolol twice a day and I don’t want it to interfere.
yes I take a number of prescription meds including a beta blocker called Sotalol. My EP has confirmed no contraindications or interactions.
I take magnesium glycinate 200mg daily and my AF episodes have certainly reduced since I started taking this . I would say that my episodes are now mainly paroxysmal rather than persistent which almost always required ' emergency ' cardioversions.
I was taken into hospital as an emergency 2-3-4 weeks ago as the beast raised its head again and attacked my heart (atrial fibrillation/tachycardia) and when the hospital did blood tests they found that I was very low on magnesium, potassium and dehydrated. I had a drip of magnesium ? plus another of potassium. I was told that if I was low on magnesium/potassium these could set off an attack.
I was eventually discharged when things went back to fairly normal and sent me out with potassium tablets to take for a week. However no magnesium was prescribed so I got on to my GP who prescribed Magnesium Glycerophosphate.
I actually haven't tried these yet as so many people on this forum say they have mag taurate or glycerinate. I really should take the time to look each up and now we have yet another lockdown I can't say I haven't the time can I.
Obviously we should only take these supplements if you know you are low in them as you can overdo the potassium especially.
Good luck and I do hope you feel better soon.
Whenever I had an SVT attack, my doctors always told me I was low on potassium and always gave me a potassium drip as well! I found that eating more potassium helped, but since my ablation the palps/ectopics have been much worse, so I think magnesium is the way to go. Thanks again for your reply! 
I have ectopic beats (pause). I take magnesium bis-glycinate, 100 mg in the morning and 200 mg before bed. I also take 1 capsule of taurine in the the morning and 1 capsule in the evening. I have been doing this now for over five months and find they have really calmed down my ectopic beats.
No harm taking a Mag supplement. My ectopics stopped after starting taking it.
I eat lots of seeds an d nuts which are full of magnesium but l suppose being on water tablets l lose a lot of it. I was supposed to have a blood test every month to keep an eye on my potassium and sodium levels. Magnesium wasn't mentioned. I have heart failure and l have had 1 blood test since February. If l don't ring the g.p. they don't bother about me. I haven't seen or heard from the cardiologist this year. I think from my symptoms that l am in the 4th stage of heart failure but l don't think they care once you get old. Sorry about the rant, got off the subject a bit.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I truly hope things work out in your favor.
Thank you.
I am old, too -- 77. I see you are on water tablets. I took then for 11 years, but when I was diagnosed with AF, the GP stopped them immediately. My understanding, not that I am correct, is that water pills can cause an electrolyte imbalance, and an electrolyte imbalance can lead to AF. Since you are concerned about your electrolytes, and rightly so, you might want to go over your medication and ask about another class that would not make you worry about losing magnesium.
Maybe you can discuss with your GP what the frequency is when you should call them up -- monthly ? every three months? etc. You would feel better if you were in control of the appointments rather than waiting leading to anxiety. My experience is that most GPs don't have appointment reminders, and it is up to the patient to call in. So, it is more mentally helpful to dismiss, "they don't bother about me." You can also call the cardiologist that it has been one year, and when would your next appointment be if you feel it is time to see him.
We have to get over that we are getting old. We should continue to live as best we can, as healthy as we can, and as young as we can. To do that, we must stop thinking that we are old.
I am 84. Aged 79 l had a stroke as the result of A.F. Over 2 years later l went into heart failure. This caused me to be very breathless and fatigued, also to retain a lot of water in my feet and ankles and also in my stomach. The water tablets get rid of most it but nothing seems to be able to be done about the breathlessness and fatigue . I used to be asked to go for a blood test every month till covid came along. I don't know if the doctor thinks it's safer for me to stay at home rather than risk going to the surgery or hospital. I don't know whether the cardiologist will speak to me on the phone as my doctor says there is nothing more they can do for me. Thank you for your reply. I must add that up to my stroke l was very active and never thought about my age. It was a big stroke but l recovered completely and the cardiologist said l was lucky to be alive. Until l went into heart failure l felt fine despite still having A.F. All the best to you.
That clarifies a lot, Dollcollector. You have been and are going through a lot. You are a fighter with still a positive attitude. During this Covid time, a lot of things get turned upside down. I get my blood tests done in a lab, so, I am out of the hospital zone. To recover completely from a stroke is more than a marvellous feat. So pleased to hear that you didn't focus on age during your life. I offer you the same best wishes. Do let me know how you get along.
Thank you. It's nice to know somebody understands how l feel,.
Thank you. All the best to you too.
Food for thought. Instead of taking a magnesium supplement, I consume 1 ounce of cashews or almonds AND 1 ounce of dark chocolate a day.
I did start taking one ounce of Lindt 90% dark chocolate but the block looks so small after removing my " herbal remedy piece " that I always ate the lot.
Made it too much of a guilty pleasure that I stopped 😉
I take REMag from Dr Dean (US). And have taken 1 tsp in glass of water for 18 months now. It really helps. The Magnesium is in Pico form so goes through the stomach wall and not intestines ( where if not absorbed would give you lax effect). I only notice if I have not taken the REMag. I also add a 1/4 tsp of himalayan salt to my daily liquids as was told that helps the eletrolytes in my body. Works for me.
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