The Relationship Between Magnesium Deficiencies and Parasites

There are over a thousand signs of a magnesium deficiency including, body odor, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, charley horses, twitches in the eyelids, weakness in the legs as in difficulty having strength while climbing the stairs, heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary spasms, tingling sensations, seizures, mood swings, low protein synthesis, high blood pressure, ADHD, clustering headaches, migraine headaches, neurological abnormalities, menstrual cramping, improper insulin function, disease, nervous system disorder, as well as others. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body.

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The earliest signs of a magnesium deficiency are low appetite, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

Severe magnesium deficiency signs can be low potassium levels or low calcium levels. 

The National Institute of Health says, “Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.”

In those with a damaged microbiome (Gut and Psychology Syndrome), magnesium deficiencies are often present. Nutrients says, “Magnesium is an essential electrolyte for living organisms. Magnesium intoxication is rare. Neurological symptoms are strengthened in magnesium deficient patients. Magnesium supplementation in those patients can be of benefit in most cases.”

The benefits of Magnesium don’t stop there.

The Canadian Veterinary Journal reported a study with trout, using magnesium to reduce parasite levels. They found a 3% reduction in intestinal worms. 

The Dental Research Journal reported, “The systemic factors of bruxism include intestinal parasites, subclinical nutritional deficiencies such as calcium and magnesium deficiencies, allergies, and endocrine disturbance.”

Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. As stated, it is the result of parasites. As stated, parasites cause Magnesium deficiencies and Magnesium causes parasites to leave. 

Candida is connected to parasites, keeping their balance in a declined microbiome ecosystem. The Journal of Parasitology Research says pathogens, parasites, worms, viruses and yeasts keep this declined balance. If yeasts are present with worms, bacteria and viruses, and the body grows a stronger ecosystem due to the introduction of beneficial strains, as the journal stated, the evacuation of them will deplete Magnesium stores. 

Medical Hypothesis reported, “Magnesium levels are decreased by excess ethanol.” 

Those with a decline in the microbiome have high levels of Candida, which produces ethanol, says PLOS, Pathogens. As stated, Candida is present with parasites. Candida offgasses ethanol, a form of alcohol. Magnesium reduces the ethanol. Symptoms of ethanol in the body are drunken type behaviors, such as laughter, clinginess, bumping into walls, anger and tantrums, as well as others. 

Medical Hypothesis goes on to say Magnesium levels are depleted, “By profuse sweating, by intense, prolonged stress, by excessive menstruation and vaginal flux, by diuretics and other drugs and by certain parasites.”

When a damaged microbiome is present, the magnesium is clearly depleted. Replenishing these stores can support a depletion. When the body is depleted of nutrition, it will first use up its magnesium reserves.  The depletion progresses to the next stage where it depletes nutrients from the body tissues. The next step of depletion is the presence of biochemical changes. The next stage of depletion includes functional changes in bodily processes. The last stage of nutrient depletion is anatomical changes, which means the body loses structure. 

For magnesium depletion levels Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, neurologist, neurosurgeon and author of GAPS, recommends a person, “May need magnesium (Mg). If yes, then give her a good Mg supplement to take daily, such as Nutri Advanced MegaMag Muscleze, 1 teaspoon a day.” (Campbell-McBride, Natasha. “Re: Questions” Message to Becky Plotner 30 November 2017. E-mail.). There are two flavoring ingredients in the product which can cause some people to say it’s not GAPS approved, however, Dr. Natasha recommends it because the benefits far, far, far outweigh any negatives. The balance of different forms of magnesium, as well as other cofactors is advanced and deeply nourishing. For the nutritional breakdown of MegaMag Muscleze, click here. Dr. Natasha also recommends this product for those who are pregnant or nursing. 

Those with even more severe magnesium deficiencies feel best while adding more, magnesium, especially in the forms which saturate the cells with magnesium, such as magnesium glycinate, like this one which is GAPS approved, this is the most saturating form of magnesium, along with the Muscleze. Another GAPS approved from of magnesium is this magnesium malate. 

To read about Magnesium Stearate, a form which is not beneficial, click here. 

Dr. Natasha says, “1-2 tablespoons of magnesium oxide, taken in a glass of water, will help with constipation.” (Campbell-McBride, Natasha. “Re: Questions” Message to Becky Plotner 30 November 2017. E-mail.) This happens due to the low saturation of cellular stores with magnesium oxide, while still receiving the symptoms of magnesium excess – loose stools, which aids in constipation issues. 

For constipation, some people choose to use Magnesium Citrate, such as this one, when working with children, due to the undesirable taste of Magnesium Oxide. 

*Nourishing Plot is written by Becky Plotner, ND, traditional naturopath, CGP, D.PSc. who sees clients in Rossville, Georgia. She works as a Certified GAPS Practitioner who sees clients in her office, Skype and phone. She has been published in Wise Traditions, spoken at two Weston A. Price Conferences, Certified GAPS Practitioner Trainings, has been on many radio shows, television shows and writes for Nourishing Plot. Since her son was delivered from the effects of autism (Asperger’s syndrome), ADHD, bipolar disorder/manic depression, hypoglycemia and dyslexia, through food, she continued her education specializing in Leaky Gut and parasitology through Duke University, finishing with distinction. She is a Chapter Leader for The Weston A. Price Foundation. becky.nourishingplot@hotmail.com

“GAPS™ and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The right of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Patent and Designs Act 1988.