MAGNESIUM & INFLAMMATION/ cytokines/ mast cells

[Guest guest]

HI Anja and all,

I'm so glad to hear the Magnesium is helping a bit..; )

Also to mention that a 'lack' of Magnesium will show a rise in the inflammatory cytokines, histamines, and TNF, (all inflammatory & increasing our pain levels) and what's interesting is that sleep deprivation also raises those cytokines and 'deplete's' Magnesium..

Here's a quote from one study:

''During the progression of Mg (magnesium) deficiency with a rat model, we have observed 'dramatic' increases in serum levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] after 3 wk on a Magnesium (Mg)-deficient diet.

Along with the magnesium deficiency , there was a concomitant 'increase' in histamine levels, which may have resulted from stimulation and degranulation of mast cells by substance P. ''

Interesting eh? I know many of us sure don't sleep like we should. *sigh* But not only loss of sleep causes us to lose Magnesium, but Chronic pain (DUH), stress, colas, coffee, lots of sugar, many other things as well, even high levels of Calcium will block it. (why you'll usually see magnesium added to it and shouldn't take calcium alone.)

Makes me wonder since magnesium affects so many bodily functions and deficiency is so common, that maybe supplementing magnesium might have a significant impact on those nasty histamines and lower the pain threshold as well.

I just ran across this quick list for foods high in Magnesium. and I haven't had one of those foods in years. YOY. I'd definitely better get back on my routine of taking my Mag.. haha

yellow corn and yellow corn meal,

apples

dried soybeans and soy milk

sunflower seeds

parsley

oats

cabbage

whole wheat

Also just thinking out loud here but I know when I've got aches and pains, I also pop a few extra magnesiums, and a good soak in the tub with a cup of with Epsom salts always helps and I think it's mainly Magnesium isn't it? Maybe a sitz soak with that for our bottoms might help as well.

Just hoping it continues to help you Anja. : )

Dee~

PS. For some interesting reads on Magnesium and it's importance (it truly is) here are some exceptionally good links. ; )

http://www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/5_13_magnesium.html *excellent*

http://www.mgwater.com (many clinical abstracts ) excellent

http://www.krispin.com/magnes.html