Magnesium deficiency is very often present and quite severe. Hyperreflexia, muscle twitches, myocardial irritability, poor stamina and recurrent tight muscle spasms are clues to this deficiency. Magnesium is predominantly an intracellular ion, so blood level testing is of little value. Oral preparations are acceptable for maintenance, but most need additional, parenteral dosing: 1 gram IV or IM at least once a week until neuromuscular irritability has cleared. -ILAD, Dr. B, Hints and Diagnostics
Certain minerals are depleted in chronic illness patients, such as zinc, magnesium, chromium and selenium. Some recommend up to 300 mcg/day sodium selenite, followed by lower doses. Vitamins and minerals should not be taken at the same time of day (3 hr difference) as antibiotics or antivirals (or oxygen therapy), because they can affect absorption. -Dr.S, ILAD, Advanced Professional Care/Personal Consult
J. R.observes that vegetarian patients sometimes eat a lot of pasta and grain, which may be easy to prepare, but are high in carbohydrates. She says that for Lyme patients, loading up on pasta and grain instead of protein is not a good idea, for many reasons. For example, the grains wash away magnesium, and she says that Lyme patients tend to have a magnesium deficiency. J.R, Lyme Disease Research Database/Cowden
~With Lyme Disease, Magnesium Deficiency is often a very important consideration. Clues that could indicate such a condition are: Hyper-reflexia, Muscle twitches, Myocardial irritability, Recurrent tight muscle spasms
~Since magnesium deficiency can cause Lyme encephalopathy of the brain, test for Serotonin and Ginkgo Biloba. Also, since neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) has been noted in some cases it would be wise to check each of the following: Electrolytes, Hydration, Sodium, Potassium
~Paying attention to these factors result in the lessening of fatigue, palpitations, wooziness; increase stamina. Solutions can be B12/Folic Acid and Mag/Cal/Potassium products. Dr. Z.R., Academy of Bio-Energetics
http://www.john-libbey-eurotext.fr/en/revues/bio_rech/mrh/e-docs/00/03/FD/D1/article.md - The proof in the pudding and the most valuable reference to answer the original question regarding magnesium.
Pathogens that feed off metals, minerals, nutrients and all the bad stuff in our culture's diet signifies all out war. All out war requires an artillery to gain control and overcome the enemy.
The main concern noted in research, studies and published papers is repeatedly the same. Take magnesium a minimum of three hours away from antibiotics or the absorption is influenced and interrupted. The only contraindication cited (which is why patients should seek advice from their physicians), is regarding those patients who may have an allergy to the supplement.
Otherwise, Magnesium is one of our weapons. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ei=6CyFSZjiGNLjtgfR8cDRCQ&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=magnesium+deficiency+and+homeostasis&spell=1
There's plenty of research if worded seeking research, essays, published studies for mag deficiency and Borrelia; homeostasis.
Beth - http://www.pnas.org/content/100/26/15953.full - closest response for you. You'll have to do a find for Magnesium - its a long article and very scientific! It looks like there are a lot of variables that can lead to a magnesium or mineral deficiency in chronic illness even beyond a pathogen depleting it. The immune system is working overtime when fighting any infection; but particularly with a disseminated bacteria like this one and its co-infections, it makes sense that deficiencies are bound to result. The immune system is working overtime, and eventually for some, not able to respond at all b/c it has exhausted so much of it's 'fuel'. It's like a domino effect. There are so many things that can lead to this type of deficiency. Digestive tract absorption, vomiting, alcoholism, diarrhea, poor diet, kidney insufficiency. These just seem to set up a breeding ground for these pathogens and if they are the root cause of illness, so the circle begins.
Our integrative LLMDs teach that minimal amounts of mineral replacement are not effective, nor can the body achieve a level of balance while in treatment for Lyme b/c in its life cycle, it continues its feeding frenzy. You must administer enough for the body to have the supply necessary to nourish the immune system. This is the greater emphasis so as to awaken the immune response to fight. Withhold what the body needs and it remains in its lethargic or fatigued state b/c it does not have the resource to fight back. The goal is homeostasis. If this is an unfamiliar word, it means: The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.
Blessings,
Sojourner
Post Edited (sojourner) : 1/31/2009 10:15:19 PM (GMT-7)