magnesium spray

[jillc39]

I read here (but cant find it) the suggestion that this spray might help neuropathic pain in the feet. I bought it, and I have found it really helps to take the edge off burning pain in the night. I am only 2 days in, but I will let you know how it goes -meanwhile thanks to the kind person who posted this suggestion on this site.

[Hidden]

Mg can be absorbed via the skin:-

Documented research on the effect topically applied magnesium chloride has on blood chemistry includes the work of Dr. Norman Shealy, M.D. Ph.D. Founder of the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr Shealy enlisted sixteen individuals with low intracellular magnesium levels.

Participants were instructed to perform a 20 minute foot-soak with magnesium chloride flakes, in addition to spraying their entire body once daily with magnesium oil. After just four weeks of foot soaking in magnesium chloride, 75% of participants showed a very significant increase in their cellular levels of magnesium.6

A second study, conducted by Dr. DH Waring at the University of Birmingham, demonstrated that a 1% solution of magnesium sulfate in a warm bath had immediate effects on serum levels of magnesium.7

Finally, a study in Poland specifically addressed the issue of ion diffusion through the skin. Using ion chromatography, researchers demonstrated in vitro that the metal cation magnesium can in fact diffuse through the skin.

And it can lead to numbness, tingling, contraction and cramps. Only 1% of Mg is in the blood, the rest is contained within muscles and other cells.

[fbirder]

My book on Peripheral Neuropathy lists 81 different causes.

None of them are magnesium.

[Hidden in reply to fbirder]

Well what can I say - undoubtedly many deficiencies can cause or contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Mg is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is required for hundreds of biochemical reactions including normal muscle and nerve function - so for me its not a great leap of faith to include it as a possibility or contributor to PN. Attached is a link picked at random (so I am not saying it is the final word on the subject):-

calmag-c.com/peripheral-neu...

I was written off 4 years ago by a Professor in Neuropathy with the label 'idiopathic neuropathy' and offered antidepressants. I think it is a great pity that there elevated education doesn't stretch to nutritional deficiencies.

[fbirder in reply to Hidden]

I don't suppose you have a link to an actual study, rather than unfounded speculation?

Na is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It is essential for thousands of biochemical reactions including normal muscle and nerve function.

Let me guess. Your doctor suggested you take amitriptyline or an SNRI. Yes, they are antidepressants, but they are also recommended remedies for neuropathic pain.

[Hidden in reply to fbirder]

No, I don't have a study, have never looked for one. I am not sure its a study anyone is going to fund (unless its outside mainstream medicine), seen a few on Mg and diabetic neuropathy and Mg when it involves a drug. Anyway if I do come across one I will be sure to let you know. In any case its not that hard to find out for yourself, an RBC test and supplementation will correct a deficiency. If it solves the problem (or part) you've found part or all of the answer, If not, you need to keep looking. Low Mg levels affect calcium absorption so proper calcium absorption may be an added bonus.

Na is certainly one of the most abundant minerals in the body, along with a few others, but calcium is the most abundant. Seems like a good reason not to restrict proper salt from your diet.

I don't know what the Prof/Dr would have suggested, that's where the conversation ended. In any case I did not have any pain, well not what I would call pain, just numb toes, tingling, balance and speech problems which were irritating to live with so I personally think it is unlikely that a drug which interferes with my brain chemistry would have afforded me any relief from that.

Interesting subject