Magnesium is the second most common micronutrient in human cells. It helps regulate the activity of over 300 enzymes and plays a role in various processes taking place in the body, including metabolism, fatty acid and protein synthesis; muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and elimination of toxins.
Lyme disease
Many people with Lyme disease suffer from magnesium deficiency caused by the metabolic actions of microorganisms in the human body. Some researchers also believe that microbes use magnesium for their survival. Stress also absorbs magnesium, and in the case of chronic Lyme disease, people remain in a great deal of stress for a long time.
Magnesium benefits
In the new book, New Paradigms in Lyme Disease Treatment, Dr. David Jernigan, describes the benefits of magnesium for people suffering from Lyme disease. He says that magnesium can support heart and cardiovascular health, which in turn reduces irregular heartbeat, the presence of blood clots and the degree of hardening of the arteries. It also regulates blood pressure and can improve the functions of the nervous system by regulating electrolytes and maintaining an adequate level of calcium in the blood.
In addition, magnesium also has a calming and stress-reducing effect. The body uses magnesium to bind the right amount of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and well-being.
Best form of magnesium to supplement
For these and many other reasons, most doctors in the treatment of Lyme disease, recommend to their patients supplementation of magnesium. However, it should be remembered that not all supplements are biologically suitable and easily absorbed by the body. A significant number of doctors specializing in Lyme disease treatment, with whom I had contact, recommend magnesium malate or magnesium citrate. Magnesium in both forms is easily absorbed and well used by the body. Dosage proposals vary, but it is assumed that they should not exceed the maximum intestinal tolerance for this micronutrient, i.e. 800-1200 mg per day (sometimes more) in two divided doses.
Magnesium deficiency
Typical symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, tics, muscle pain, irregular heartbeats and anxiety. In the case of acute deficiency, intravenous or intramuscular administration of magnesium may be necessary. It also happens that people with Lyme disease are unable, through oral supplementation, to raise the level of magnesium in the body. In their case, also intravenous infusions or intramuscular injections may be beneficial.
Magnesium can be one of the most important nutritional supplements for people suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Of course, it all depends on the specific person, but the majority of sick people I know and most doctors believe that it is one of the most important minerals, necessary in the process of recovering people suffering from Lyme disease.
To find a product that is right for you and to know how to dose it - I recommend consulting a doctor specializing in the treatment of Lyme disease.
