"Stress leads to the activation of the hypothalamopituitary adrenal cortex axis. There is also activation of the rennin-angiotensin system and hyperaldosteronism…
Moreover, stress responses induce release of large quantities of excitatory amino acids, which are important players in the inflammatory response."2 Stress hormones
(catecholamines and corticosteroids) cause excessive release of calcium which ignites inflammation, which in turn causes free radical damage. This damage is not able
to be recovered or buffered without enough magnesium.
Inflammation and swelling causes vascular and tissue pressure which is painful. Pain causes more stress, which demands even higher levels of magnesium in order to
recover. Chronic inflammation leads to excessive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and other free radicals which push down pH levels causing acidosis.
"Neutrophils and macrophages from magnesiumdeficient rats generated more ROS, even without any stimulation, than those from controls." AND … "Calcium
is an important second messenger in the signalling pathway of respiratory bursts. A transient increase in free intracellular calcium concentration is itself sufficient to
prime human granulocytes. Low extracellular Mg2+ concentration leads to the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and results in phagocyte activation."
Acidosis leads to lipolysis (oxidation of lipids, fats) and LDL (bad cholesterol build up), as well as infestation by low-pH loving pathogens that parasite on our cells. This
exacerbates inflammation. When magnesium is low the body can get stuck in a hyper-excitatory inflammatory slow burn without full recovery.
It tries to rev and rev to get energy metabolism up and over the line to defeat the pathogens, but just can't seem to make it. More phagocytes are sent to deal with the
problem, but lack potency without enough magnesium.
It's like having soldiers shooting laser guns with no light (no electrical energy). The healing process thus slows down. Peripheral neuropathy is an example. More magnesium can get the job done with less soldiers because they get better weapons and more power.
Ankle swelling and water retention issues can also be a sign of dehydration and magnesium deficiency. Beware of diuretics as they can further deplete magnesium and
water. Fluid retention (oedema) in ankles is a sign that the body could be dehydrated and the kidneys are desperately trying to hold on to water. Dehydration can be a consequence of inflammation, and dehydration means there is not enough water to flush out toxins, acid by-products and wastes. The kidneys therefore hold back sodium, which prevents more water loss. But it's only a short-term fix. Diuretics on top of dehydration can exacerbate hypertension as they rob the body of valuable water resources.
Another drug which can deplete magnesium is synthetic oestrogen—as in the Pill. It can cause magnesium deficiency symptoms such as heart palpitations and arrhythmia. Funnily enough, naturally produced oestrogen via the uterus is magnesium protective and prevents excessive excretion of magnesium.