68 replies to this topic

[Cowboy]

Effects of Low Magnesium

I did some research on Magnesium just as a curiosity and might have found something that I be been searching for.

Since a child I have suffered from Migraines, it starts with my vision going blurry which then brings on the Migraine. recently put on coolrunnning: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/index...mp;#entry370052 The Doctors thought it was something to do with my eye sight and sent me to have all these eyes tests but came back with nothing. I have been experiencing these migraines frequently over the last month which I was concerned about as I was only getting these migraines now maybe twice a year.

I found that people with Asthma, which I have, have low magnesium, many drugs used to treat asthma cause loss of magnesium. I have just recently changed my preventative medication as the past one was not working, I have had asthma since and kid and always used drugs to control and prevent my asthma, I have also been on antibiotics that lower magnesium

Effects on Muscles and Nerves

Headaches, migraines
Tight sore aching muscles
Backache, shoulder girdle ache, chest pain
Cramps, twitches, spasm
Inability to sit still, fidgety, restless
Restless leg syndrome, cold hands & feet
Anxiety, agitated, nervy

Magnesium Depleted By

Alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, foods that contain - Dairy, lactose, sugar, fats.

Excessive exercise, sweating, stress.

Magnesium absorption is also blocked by a number of foods: fatty foods, grains, dairy foods....

So this could be the answer to my headaches and others as I could never work it out and thought it was dehydration.

[sunny1]

Have you tried taking some yet?

[undercover brother]

and have you had your magnesium level checked yet?

[Cowboy]

I was taking a magnesium supplement but not on a regular basis...

I never knew you could get your magnesium level checked!?!?

[undercover brother]

well you can!

[Rudolf]

Epsom Salt

[sunny1]

Bananas. Lots.

[slowmo]

sunny1, on Sep 1 2008, 06:15 PM, said:

Bananas. Lots.

they'll fix you up for potassium too (I love bananas)

avocados are pretty good for magnesium, as are rolled oats, green vegies, beans and peas, spuds and peanut butter.

slowmo

[kathmandu]

undercover brother, on Sep 1 2008, 02:43 PM, said:

and have you had your magnesium level checked yet?

im not a doc like ucb, but why jump straight to a supplement without knowing the cause?

theres so many nutrients available in good ole fashion real food. I would get tested if i were you and then adjust your diet accordingly.

[undercover brother]

...and there are many many causes and associations with (migraine) headaches.
but we digress.

[Sunset]

I used to be a magnesium taker but then my dietitian asked if I actually needed it. She said that a well-rounded and balanced diet should supply enough magnesium.

[Wheretonow]

I thought magnesium was for muscle relaxation to help offset cramping?

[Cowboy]

Magnesium has a whole range of benefits.

I know what people are saying with regards to eating well and getting your sources of magnesium from these foods, but that's the problem. I eat well, my diet is mixed with all good foods but if I am taking medication that is attacking my magnesium (which I would need to get tested to make sure) than taking a supplement would be advised. I also train up to 3hrs a day, it all seems to fit...I even try to have a bath with Epsom salts every now and then.

[yondi]

I have very tight and sore muscles even though I stretch.I have been having a lot of trouble with my calves. My chiro suggested to me the other day that maybe I should try magnesium. I have googled magnesium and people with poorly controlled diabetes(I am working on better control) can also have magnesium deficiences.

So anyway I'm giving it a go. If I don't see any results I'll stop.

YONDI

[biggers]

Cowboy, on Sep 1 2008, 03:52 PM, said:

Magnesium absorption is also blocked by a number of foods: fatty foods, grains, dairy foods....

So this could be the answer to my headaches and others as I could never work it out and thought it was dehydration.

Cowboy - I am curious about your statment that grains are among the foods which block magnesium absorption.

According to sources which I have checked, whole grains (as opposed to refined flour) actually contain reasonable amounts of magnesium. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), other foods include "most green vegetables, legumes, peas, beans and nuts are rich in magnesium, as are some shellfish and spices. Most unrefined cereals are reasonable sources, but highly refined flours, tubers, fruits, oils and fats contribute little."

Edited by biggers, 02 September 2008 - 12:06 PM.

[lightbulb]

Although it does not seem to be the supported view of many on this thread - I started taking Magnesium as a supplement to the 2 x bananas I eat every day (3 if I am doing a longer run or a 'big' gym session !).
It was recommended by my pilates instructor as I was cramping the sessions. I also drink 3-4 litres of water a day - a number which also increases on days of increased exercise. The first time she suggested it, I ignored her but last week I started.

The funny thing was the level of muscle soreness from my 23 k run the previous Saturday to last Saturdays 28 k run was completely different. My thighs and calves were fine on Sunday compared to being stiff as boards the previous week. Was it magnesium assisting in recovery - I do not know - it also may have been the ice bath that I had the 2nd time as well. ? ?? I also did not cramp in Friday's session of pilates.

Am I wasting my money? Possibly - but in 8 days things have changed - so I will stick to it.
(The only other supplement I take is carnitine - to assist in fat loss).

[Bellthorpe]

yondi, on Sep 2 2008, 11:02 AM, said:

I have very tight and sore muscles even though I stretch.I have been having a lot of trouble with my calves. My chiro suggested to me the other day that maybe I should try magnesium. I have googled magnesium and people with poorly controlled diabetes(I am working on better control) can also have magnesium deficiences.

So anyway I'm giving it a go. If I don't see any results I'll stop.

Well if your chiro suggested magnesium, there's a good reason not to take it. Ditch the chiropractor, and take your advice from qualified health professionals.

Wouldn't you be better off putting your efforts into controlling your diabetes? Uncontrolled diabetes will kill you. Low magnesium won't.

In any case, as a diabetic you have regular blood test, right? Ask your doctor to include magnesium.

[Bellthorpe]

lightbulb, on Sep 2 2008, 12:47 PM, said:

(The only other supplement I take is carnitine - to assist in fat loss).

An endeavour which it doesn't assist ...

One loses fat by eating a little less, and optimising the mixture of foods eaten. Along with plenty of exercise.

[lightbulb]

Bellthorpe, on Sep 2 2008, 01:23 PM, said:

An endeavour which it doesn't assist ...

One loses fat by eating a little less, and optimising the mixture of foods eaten. Along with plenty of exercise.

I guess you are not a Sales rep for Musashi or Blackmores !?

I found the above (eating habits especially) have helped considerably - 108 kg down to 87 kg and had the carnitine during that time. So (like my magnesium) I was taking it for a purpose & there were results - obviously not with that alone, but I acheived certain goals with it. So 2+2 may not = 4 in this case but it might!

[Colsy]

lightbulb, on Sep 2 2008, 12:47 PM, said:

Although it does not seem to be the supported view of many on this thread - I started taking Magnesium as a supplement to the 2 x bananas I eat every day (3 if I am doing a longer run or a 'big' gym session !).
It was recommended by my pilates instructor as I was cramping the sessions. I also drink 3-4 litres of water a day - a number which also increases on days of increased exercise. The first time she suggested it, I ignored her but last week I started.

The funny thing was the level of muscle soreness from my 23 k run the previous Saturday to last Saturdays 28 k run was completely different. My thighs and calves were fine on Sunday compared to being stiff as boards the previous week. Was it magnesium assisting in recovery - I do not know - it also may have been the ice bath that I had the 2nd time as well. ? ?? I also did not cramp in Friday's session of pilates.

Am I wasting my money? Possibly - but in 8 days things have changed - so I will stick to it.
(The only other supplement I take is carnitine - to assist in fat loss).

You might find that your new flexibility is coming from the fact that you have increased your water intake, not your magnesium intake. I have been down the magnesium road too and have now seen the wood through the trees. You can not beat a good diet with plenty of water.
Its true that some people do not retain magnesium as much as other people, but it pays to research and experiment before deciding that we need to purchase supplements to exist.

Since I increased my water intake I have ditched all of my supplements, including Glucosamine.

Water is King.

Also bananas are not that high in magnesium compared to other foods. Potassium yes, magnesium no.

http://ods.od.nih.go...s/magnesium.asp

[Cowboy]

This is the website where I found the info Magnesium I guess all one can do is seek a professional or trial and error as everyone is different, has different training levels and training loads...

Edited by Cowboy, 02 September 2008 - 09:39 PM.

[lightbulb]

Thanks guys (Colsy, Bellthorpe et al) for the insights.

I am certainly on the "water is king" bandwagon - thanks all I will conduct some of my own clinical trials into these two supplements...

cheers

[20thCenturyBoy]

Does water in tea and coffee count towards water intake?

[Colsy]

20thCenturyBoy, on Sep 3 2008, 05:44 PM, said:

Does water in tea and coffee count towards water intake?

Nup

[undercover brother]

why not?
what if you drink the water then suck on a tea bag.
isnt that the same thing?

[Colsy]

undercover brother, on Sep 3 2008, 06:26 PM, said:

why not?
what if you drink the water then suck on a tea bag.
isnt that the same thing?

Yeah...of course...


Tell ya what, may as well count beer as well.

[shark]

Endura electrolyte drink has magnesium - I have found it good for reducing calf cramps on long runs

s

[20thCenturyBoy]

Colsy, on Sep 3 2008, 04:22 PM, said:

Nup

The Lively Women think they do - http://www.livelywomen.com/2006/10/30/do-c...y-water-intake/

[Colsy]

Tea and coffee would count in our water/fluid intake as if you were thirsty a cup of tea would hydrate you. But as we are talking about increasing our water intake I'm not sure if "Oh I am now drinking 5 cups of tea instead of one" would cut it.

Tea certainly has its merits though. Just as beer does. I quite often quadruple my fluid intake on a Saturday night.

[undercover brother]

i dont understand.
the first bit.
and i guess the second bit too.
tea is just water with some bits in it.

[Bellthorpe]

Colsy, on Sep 3 2008, 06:22 PM, said:

Quote

Does water in tea and coffee count towards water intake?

Nup

Yep.

[undercover brother]

are you saying yep to the first question or yep to the nup?

[Colsy]

Tea doesnt count for water intake just as water doesnt count for tea intake..........

[Bellthorpe]

undercover brother, on Sep 4 2008, 10:25 AM, said:

are you saying yep to the first question or yep to the nup?

Yep.

[20thCenturyBoy]

Colsy, on Sep 4 2008, 08:31 AM, said:

Tea doesnt count for water intake just as water doesnt count for tea intake..........

Um...but water is an ingredient of a cup of tea. Tea isn't an ingredient of water

Water doesn't mutate into something else just because you put a teabag in it or add milk. Of course the additives might have a greater detrimental effect in the case of beer, soft drinks etc.

Edited by 20thCenturyBoy, 04 September 2008 - 12:46 PM.

[Colsy]

It does actually turn in to something else, it turns in to tea.

[undercover brother]

what if you add fluoride to water?
does it turn into something else then?
or those cute colours in the 'smart water' i saw in the woolies this week

[Bellthorpe]

Tea: coloured flavoured water. Quite tasty, but water nonetheless.

[Colsy]

Bellthorpe, on Sep 4 2008, 01:56 PM, said:

Tea: coloured flavoured water. Quite tasty, but water nonetheless.

Yep, and still f**king tea!

[cakeboy]

Explain this then Colsy: One day I come home from a run and drink 500mls of water and eat 5 lollies. The next day I come home and drink 500mls of cordial and no lollies.

Haven't I just had exactly the same thing? ie 500mls of water plus 5 teapsoons of sugar.....

thats got to count as water intake...surely...

[Colsy]

Hmmm why isnt there a fast reply button on this thread? Are admin telling us soemthing, I guess this is one almighty hijack.


My point is water is water, tea is tea, coffee is coffee.

I am talking about increasing my water intake so why would I increase my tea intake? I would be increasing my water intake but also tea and possiblysugar intake. Yes its nice and it hydrates but I want to increase my water intake not fluid/tea/coffee/lollie water/gatorade/jism etc.




I wonder if they will have Tea at drink stops at this years Melbourne Marathon?

[20thCenturyBoy]

Colsy, on Sep 4 2008, 01:10 PM, said:

Hmmm why isnt there a fast reply button on this thread? Are admin telling us soemthing, I guess this is one almighty hijack.


My point is water is water, tea is tea, coffee is coffee.

I am talking about increasing my water intake so why would I increase my tea intake? I would be increasing my water intake but also tea and possiblysugar intake. Yes its nice and it hydrates but I want to increase my water intake not fluid/tea/coffee/lollie water/gatorade/jism etc.




I wonder if they will have Tea at drink stops at this years Melbourne Marathon?

Thing is I drink loads of tea, so I feel I don't need to increase water. Because there is water in tea. I love these circular arguments

Tea and crumpets at drink stops - yum!

[Colsy]

20thCenturyBoy, on Sep 4 2008, 04:24 PM, said:

Thing is I drink loads of tea, so I feel I don't need to increase water. Because there is water in tea. I love these circular arguments

Tea and crumpets at drink stops - yum!

Interstingly I have increased my tea drinking a lot since taking up running.


And as for crumpets, I think they mainly have them along the stops on ultras....so called hard bastards!

[undercover brother]

to clarify i have never seen a crumpet at any ultra.
if i did i would tell them to htfu.
but i have seen tea.

so to summarise ... drinking tea will increase your water intake

[Colsy]

Yep, you got it...but not if you are out to increase water intake that doesnt have tea in it.



Phew...took a while but finally got you 'round....now back to talking shitake rather than intake..........

[Bellthorpe]

Oh? I thought you were a bit of ... oh, never mind.

-----------Moderators snip here-----------------

[mikel]

20thCenturyBoy, on Sep 4 2008, 12:45 PM, said:

Um...but water is an ingredient of a cup of tea. Tea isn't an ingredient of water

Water doesn't mutate into something else just because you put a teabag in it or add milk. Of course the additives might have a greater detrimental effect in the case of beer, soft drinks etc.

according to science daily tea DOES mutate into something else when you add milk to it, at least the benefits of tea change.
ScienceDaily (Jan. 9, 2007) — Research published online in the European Heart Journal has found that the protective effect that tea has on the cardiovascular system is totally wiped out by adding milk. Not sure how to add the link but you can google the article

[Cowboy]

I think tea would count to some extent but if you wanted to increase your water intake you would just drink more water....Depending on what tea you drink, what's in it and what you add to your tea...would show you the difference between tea and just water...

Edited by Cowboy, 04 September 2008 - 08:11 PM.