Overcoming Bias Treating Atrial Fibrillation with Oral Magnesium

Hi fellow members of this forum. I am a physician with a history of AF. I am not a cardiologist but instead a specialist in clinical immunology.
Some of you may have heard my story so bear with me. I am a scientist as well as a physician and I mention this as you will understand further on.

Back in March 2023 I kept receiving messages on my Apple Watch that I was experiencing AF. Prior to that for about 2 years I had intermittent similar messages but being like some physicians I ignored the warnings. This time the messages were more frequent, so I had every imaginable test including a Holter monitor documenting I was experiencing asymptomatic AF 39 % of the time for 7 days. I was started on Eliquis and no interventions were needed as long as I wasn't symptomatic. About the same time, I started to self-monitor my AF on my Apple Watch 3 to 4 times a day (30 seconds each for a total of 2 minutes a day). By chance I started a laxative containing magnesium (Mg) hydroxide and after a few weeks I noticed less AF but because I didn't tolerate the laxative effect, I switched to Mg gluconate and later to Mg Glycinate. For six months I still had AF but more frequent SR. While watching my EKGs at around 24 week I unexpectedly was in SR continuously except for a few breakthroughs, one with bronchitis and fever, another needing potassium(K), because I was on a diuretic, The bronchitis episode corrected almost immediately when I realized I was dehydrated and by hydrating, it resolved in a few days. From September 2023 to date at the end of January'25 (17 months) I was in SR 95 % of the time and according to both Apple IPhone and Kardia for the last calendar year, I was in SR 99% of the time. During the course of converting my AF, I developed a protocol including an ideal Mg supplement that had been used in four clinical studies and had published pharmacokinetic data meaning time of onset; absorption %; maintaining 24 hour stable Mg blood levels, along with in my case K supplementation, hydration, eating foods fortified in Mg and K and close self-monitoring. of my EKGs.

I discovered there is scientific underappreciated observations to support my conversion to SR:
1. . You cannot rely on a normal Mg blood test to indicate you are not deficient of Mg because the blood compartment is only 1 % of the total human body stores. A low Mg test may indicate a Mg deficiency;
2. There is evidence that AF individuals have a deficiency of Mg in their heart cells even with a normal Mg blood test;
3. The half-life of Mg is 6 weeks which means if you are in Mg balance and stop all intake of Mg, you will lose 50% of your Mg body stores. In that case you will need 6 weeks to replenish your Mg stores. However, if you have a pre-existing Mg deficiency in heart cells as with AF, it is reasonable to believe you will need multiple 6-week Mg half-live to replenish Mg in your heart cells.
4.. The question begging to be answered is if the Mg in AF individuals heart cells is restored, what will it mean clinically. I believe it means the possibility of restoring SR.
I say that because of research findings as follows: (1) chronic inflammation associated with AF may be due to stimulation of a recently recognized mechanism of immunity called the NLRP-3. It is stimulated by contents from dying cells associated with aging, ischemia (loss of blood supply) and by products of metabolism that are associated with most unhealthy lifestyles, like obesity, diabetes type 2, & alcoholism. When this immune mechanism is stimulated it secretes small protein molecules that cause inflammation (cytokines and one in particular Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) can inhibit the energy producing enzymes (ATPase) in all cells and documented experimentally in heart cells. If energy is reduced that is needed for pacemaker cells to function, then presumably less energy dependent heart cells may take over and cause AF. However, Mg is an essential requirement for this enzyme to function and by replenishing it in heart cels the inhibition by IL-1 Beta could be reversed and allow restoration of SR.

I believe my AF reversed to SR based on that conceptualization and it took almost 20 weeks to do that consistent with the need for multiple 6 week half-lives of Mg to replenish my heart cells.

Now back to reality. My data was meticulously recorded by me and some derived from my iPhone that occurred without my awareness, and it was evaluated by an independent Ph.D. statistician who recognized the data was statistically significant. I tried to publish my observations in several prestigious medical journals and was rejected on the basis it had a low priority, but I know the real reason was it was considered anecdotal. My problem was if I couldn't publish it in a journal then I needed to write a book about my heart story which I coined my autocardiography. I felt compelled to get it out to the public so may be if physicians agree to try it on candidates described in my book then maybe they will be encouraged to do double blind studies to determine its efficacy. The book was recently published on Amazon titled: "Atrial Fibrillation: How a physician converted his atrial fibrillation to normal heart rhythm with a low-risk, low-cost protocol." Authr name is Alan Wanderer, M.D,

Lastly it is important to understand I am writing about my AF condition, asymptomatic long lasting persistent AF and I don't know if it will work for other AF individuals with my classification of AF. I may be a unicorn but something " On the way to the Forum" makes me believe differently. By the way for the younger set the title " On the way to the Forum" is the name of a old comedy Broadway show and a film worth watching to minimize stress.

Hugging a Healthy Heart

I had the magnesium EXA test. The test results determine the magnesium dosage as well. I don’t know if this lab is still operational. You can try calling them at: 5412453212. It’s not covered by insurance. I paid around $300.

[fl-policies.exploremyplan.com]

[www.earthnotions.com]

Magnesium EXA Test: The EXA test measures the magnesium content in epithelial cells obtained from the mouth's mucosal lining. This test can offer a more precise assessment of intracellular magnesium levels, providing valuable information about long-term magnesium status and cellular health.

Hi Susan
I know the test and it has been available only for research but I wish it was available for NMg intracellular heart cells. It would motivate academia to start considering the need to implement Mg but with supplements that are well absorbed. I assume you have AF . What was your result ?
Thx

My results from the test showed I need 600mg/day magnesium. Yes have Afib but I had an Av node ablation so I ignore the Afib. BTW, my cardiologist recommended the test. I also take RX potassium BID. That was requested from my former EP. He wanted my potassium to be 4.5

Hi Susan
Your response about the amount of Mg you were advised to take reminded me of an important issue about Mg supplements.. Let’s assume your doctor advised you to take 500mg of Mg.. Hopefully he mentioned a preference since inorganic supplements are poorly absorbed like Mg oxide, Mg hydroxides sulfate but great laxatives.Mg chloride is the exception. But instead your physician did specify like one of several organic Mg supplements like 500 mg of Mg gluconate.
The first important thing to be aware of is how much elemental Mg (Mg ++), the ionic form of Mg) is in 500 mg of Mg gluconate. The elemental Mg is the only part of a Mg supplement that when absorbed has a biologic benefit. IThe Recommended Daily Amount RDA) for a female is around 340 mg elemental Mg.The chemical math indicates only 7 % of Mg gluconate is Mg ++, so it provides 35 mg of Mg++. Then you have to take into account how much Mg gluconate is absorbed. That data is scarce but it is mentioned in some studies as being good . . Excellent is around 40 % so I will guess 30 % for Mg G which means u absorb only 10 mg of elemental Mg . Does that mean taking Mg gluconate is not worth it? In my opinion in this analysis one might take onr 500 mg in AM and PM for at least a constant amount but there is a need to add fortified foods like pumpkin seeds which provide the highest amount of elemental Mg per ounce. All Mg supplements can caúse some gastrointestinal intolerance especially the inorganic ones so if that is a problem even after reducing dosage, then trying another may be needed. All of this is in my book noted in my earlier dissertation on why oral Mg makes sense.

Hans Larsen provided an annex in his book a recipe for making magnesium laced water from milk of magnesia and and carbonated water. There may be some people here using getting their magnesium that way.

The recipe contains salt which is a trigger for me.

I take this magnesium:
[www.amazon.com]

My primary physician recommended taking : Magnesium Glycinate - 100% Pure Albion TRAACS Bisglycinate Chelate Supplement

I don’t get any GI issues.

Quote
TomR
Hans Larsen provided an annex in his book a recipe for making magnesium laced water from milk of magnesia and and carbonated water. There may be some people here using getting their magnesium that way.

I wonder if there is that recipe posted on this site somewhere? It was Erling Waller contributor to this site that developed this concept, and this product has been referred to as "Waller Water" I have found it works better by using premium brands of carbonated water, like "Canada Dry", as the cheap store brands have much less carbonation in them.

Yes, Erling's recipe is posted... it's called Waller Water.
I'll look through my files on the topic...and post the results....
if not this evening, then, tomorrow.
Sorry, I'm late checking posts today and now out of time.
Jackie Burgess

Quote
Jackie
Yes, Erling's recipe is posted... it's called Waller Water.
I'll look through my files on the topic...and post the results....
if not this evening, then, tomorrow.
Sorry, I'm late checking posts today and now out of time.
Jackie Burgess

Here you go, Jackie!
Erling's recipe is here. This is magnesium bicarbonate water.
Erling also wrote this thread with a lot of information on how the water it was modeled after was researched in Australia.
This guy did a post on creating magnesium acetate (which converts to bicarb in the body) from this recipe: "One can DIY magnesium acetate from Milk of Magnesia (MoM) and vinegar. Approx 2 TBSP MoM and 8 TBSP white vinegar. Stir. If not clear, add slightly more vinegar until it does. This makes about 10g (heaping TSP) of mag acetate dissolved in 150-165 ml of water. Consume the whole thing for a 10g dose, or evaporate it down to crystals and rewet to make a transdermal syrup. Use an MoM that does not contain bleach, such as Kroger or Dollar General brands. You want it to contain only magnesium hydroxide and water."

Milk of magnesia can be made for both of these recipes, without added chemicals by mixing magnesium hydroxide powder in pure water and shaking before measuring out. I'd need to look at the chemistry for quantities if someone actually wants to do this. From memory it was 12 fl oz (355 ml) of water & 30 g of magnesium hydroxide powder (but check my math). This gives the same concentration as MoM.

George

Thanks so much, George. After I responded, I got sidetracked and just now
came back to begin. I really appreciate your finding that for me.
Best to you,
Jackie

Quote
Hugging
Hi Susan
The first important thing to be aware of is how much elemental Mg (Mg ++), the ionic form of Mg) is in 500 mg of Mg gluconate. The elemental Mg is the only part of a Mg supplement that when absorbed has a biologic benefit. IThe Recommended Daily Amount RDA) for a female is around 340 mg elemental Mg.The chemical math indicates only 7 % of Mg gluconate is Mg ++, so it provides 35 mg of Mg++. Then you have to take into account how much Mg gluconate is absorbed.

I was well known at a ER I frequently visited. I would ask for an IV of magnesium, taken with my flecainide, Tenormin and I would successfully convert for years , until it didn’t work. I felt great after an IV. Great pick me up even if I didn’t convert in the end. By then I got my first of many ablations.

Where I live now they would never humor me with granting my request for an IV of magnesium. My primary care doctor (Harvard grad plus a degree in nutrition), at the time in CA had IV stations in his practice for patients willing to fork over $2000 for a mineral infusion IV. He was the one who suggested I ask an ER doctor for a
Magnesium IV when I went in to be converted.

Susan as I mentioned the editorial ‘ Mg for AF, Myth or Magic’ was a response to inconsistent outcomes from Mg sulfate infusions. One explanation is it has a half life of 12 hours and is administered for only a day or two days. The half life for Mg is 6 weeks so unless it is administered continuously the benefit will not be consistent as AF already has a Mg deficit. That is the basic premise I propose in my book.

Here is another magnesium rhythm anecdote I got last night. We are spending time in a ski condo with friends. The wife is a Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome ablatee in her 70's. Around 2010, which was post her ablation, I got her to start consuming a lot of supplemental magnesium, which has worked very well for her and she's become an advocate also. She's a volunteer ski patroller and told me one of her patroller friends had an infant who had very high heart rates and was diagnosed with WPW just after birth. As the mom was breastfeeding the infant, my friend suggested the mom materially increase her magnesium intake, which she did. Kid did well and with a reexamination at a year they saw no delta wave in the ECG (I'm sure Hugging knows, but a delta wave in the ECG is common in WPW). With the kid on regular food, they give her magnesium gummies.

My WPW friend can still have rhythm issues, but they stop in 10-15 minutes with oral magnesium supplement consumption. She always increases her dose when she's going to be very active (like skiing, patrolling or going on a hut trip).

George

Doesn’t surprise me. I know 2 people died suddenly of WPW. I also wonder if inherited prolonged QTc would benefit since Mg reduces the QTc interval. Just speculation but knowing about Mg and how it competes with the inhibition of inflammation producing cytokine IL1Beta that inhibits ATPase which is important for intracellular energy, and NSR production If my protocol gets out maybe cardiologists will start thinking oral Mg when administered scientifically could have many applications for arrthymia.ls
Thanks George for your commentary.

I am 91 years of age, I have been taking Mag. supplements for about 60 years, I got Afib at age 69. I had Perioxamal AfIb for about 20 years, about 3 years ago I went into permanent AF an I am still in it. I don't feel it, my heart rate isn't high. But taking Mag. did not keep me from Afib Something else has happened about 3 months ago, I usually took my Mag. before bedtime as it helped me to fall asleep. I started having cramping in my stomach which kept me awake and going to the bathroom, I got a different mag. supplement, Mag-zen 120, has Mag-Glycinate, it did the same thing to me. The worst part of my taking Mag is that I had some bleeding from my rectum, after going to the bathroom, that happened mostly in the morning. I went to the doctor, got checked and they figured it was Hemorrhoids. I, did not like the gas pains I was having which kept me awake, so I just quit taking the mag. and in a couple of days, no gas pains and the bleeding stopped. This is very strange, has anyone have any problems with taking Mag.

Liz