Magnesium

[ss017]

What is the best type of Magnesium for improving heart function?

[Chappychap]

We're designed to get magnesium more from the water we drink rather than the food we eat. However, for many people filtered tap water means they're not getting enough magnesium.

In the UK magnesium levels in water vary dramatically by region. There was a study in the British Medical Journal that compared heart attack rates in areas where the tap water fairly fizzes with magnesium, with those areas where there's hardly any.

Bottom line, there was no difference in heart problems....

heart.bmj.com/content/82/4/455

[Bagrat]

I use Magnesium Taurate as suggested by Dr Sanjay Gupta ( york cardiology) as per link from Londinium . I only take half recommended dose as I eat a lot of nuts and other high mg food. Magnesium Glycinate is supposed to be the kindest to the stomach if that is an issue.

[Bagrat]

Totally agree that's why I take a supplement. Apparently ( can't remember citation ) magnesium is one of the few supplements worth taking although the placebo effect of many others seems to work. I really don't care how these things work. I've had fewer ectopics since taking mg and I have great faith in Dr Gupta so who knows??

[seasider18]

When I asked my EP that he said that it was a very interesting subject that a lot of research is being done on but it will be years before and conclusion is reached.

[thehypnotist]

The best way I found is Magnesium gel, rub directly into the heart area, bypassing the stomach. I also rub it in my calf muscles as I get cramps at night.

I'm sure the stuff from YORK is ok but, I believe, is a product they sell? I have found Magnesium citrate helpful though, 1000mg.

[Bagrat in reply to thehypnotist]

No they don't sell it. Dr Gupta was recommending a certain brand but when the price went up he suggested other options. There is research that suggests magnesium spray is not absorbed as the molecules are too big to pass through the dermis but if it works it works. I used the spray for a long time to apparently good effect but didn't like the sticky residue.

[thehypnotist in reply to Bagrat]

Good to know. I haven't checked York out for ages, I agree about the sticky residue and have sourced a cream for now!

[nymima01]

I use Magnesium Malate. I have read it is best for muscles - so that would include the heart muscle.

[bwhil]

From the research that I've undertaken regarding magnesium, the most gentle form is chalated magnesium - it's gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause stomach upsets. However, before taking any magnesium supplement, I would suggest reading a book by Dr Carolyn Dean called 'The Magnesium Miracle' which provides lots of useful information on the taking of magnesium and warns on the effects that taking magnesium can have, even in tiny amounts; check out Amazon books for a 2nd hand copy ! Many medical bods suggest that if your diet is varied, you shouldn't need a magnesium supplement but others are now coming around to thinking that as magnesium is vital for glucose, fat and protein metabolism and for supporting health bones by regulating calcium absorption and using Vit D within the body, it is an important supplement. Also interesting to find that my brother who lives in Spain (who like me was diagnosed with Arrthymia) was automatically tested for magnesium levels and was found severely depleted; once the Spanish physician had balanced out his magnesium levels (took almost 4 months of trial and error), he was able to stop standard medication (beta blockers), review his lifestyle, and most importantly his diet and now rarely experiences any abnormal heart rhythms. I understand that here in the UK, we are rarely tested for magnesium deficiency and that the tests that are undertaken differ to those undertaken in mainland Europe. But please speak with your nurse/GP before taking magnesium, as even a quarter of a teaspoon in a litre of water can have effect laxative effects, meaning you could possibly loose more nutrients that you're trying to add to your body ! I think here in the UK we are still some way off using magnesium to it's full potential.