Low Magnesium? Maybe Epsom salt baths will help

[Deanne]

I've been battling a low magnesium level since transplant. I've had to take a hefty dose of amiloride (a diuretic that's supposed to help boost magnesium) and 1500 mg of magnesium supplements / day to try to get it into the normal range and keep it there. I read online that Epsom salt is magnesium, and I saw conflicting reports that soaking in Epsom salt might or might not help boost magnesium. The question is whether it can be absorbed through the skin.

I was also curious about trying a deprivation chamber / float tank, just for fun. A couple of deprivation chamber / float tank businesses are located not far from here. Then I saw that what makes you float in these tanks is a very high level of Epsom salt. It was enough to convince me to try it. I went floating twice and took a few Epsom salt baths at home in-between, using 2 full cups of Epsom salt in the bathtub with enough water to submerge as much of me as possible.

For the last month, before I tried soaking in Epsom salt, my magnesium level  finally into the normal range at 1.7, but that's still with 1500 mg supplements / day + 10 mg amiloride. For two weeks I've tried float tanks (twice) and Epsom salt baths at home several times each week. My test results today showed a magnesium level of 2.1 - the highest it's ever been. I can't definitely say soaking is the key, but soaking is relaxing and there's no risk to it, so if it's coincidence, no big deal. I end up clean and relaxed every evening, with a bonus of softer skin (it seems Epsom salt also softens skin). If it's really boosting my magnesium level - awesome!

I thought it was worth mentioning since Epsom salt isn't expensive and most people have bathtubs. It might be worth a try.

[MooseMom]

Oh, that's really interesting!

I'm taking prednisone, generic prograf and tacrolimus, and I know that one of those medications can lead to lower magnesium levels.  I can't remember which one off the top of my head, but if you are taking one of those, that can contribute to your problem.  I guess that's why tx coordinators always take note of their patients' magnesium levels.

Well, whatever it was that helped you out, that's great news!  Did you mention the salt baths/floating to your coordinator?  If so, did s/he have anything interesting to say?

[Deanne]

They told me low magnesium is from tacrolimus. I haven't mentioned it to my medical team yet. I see my neph next month and will mention it then. Her office called late this afternoon to tell me to discontinue magnesium supplements entirely. 

Time (and my next labs) will tell if I'm off them for good.

[cassandra]

Wow, good for you! I would think its very likely its poss to  absorb everything through your skin, as the side effects of Prednison/hydrocortison cream for the skin are definitely caused by absorption for example.

Well done clever clogs   

Keep well, love, Cass

[jeannea]

Fascinating! I take Slow Mag every day. My level is usually 1.6. We just accept that as part of being me. My mag was low before transplant also as part of my disease.

I'm more curious about the sensory deprivation. What did you think? How long are you in? Do you meditate or sleep or what? (BTW: There's a really fun old Simpsons episode where Lisa and Homer try it.)

[Deanne]

Sensory deprivation floats are 90 minutes. Everyone has their own little room. You go in, shower and step into the tank. The first time I was in a mini swimming pool. It was about 6x8 feet and knee high. That room had a light button over the tank to put me into total darkness while floating. 90 minutes later, they start filtering in quiet music so you know it's time to get out and shower again. You end up with salt crystals on you that need to be rinsed off. The second time I was in a pod sort of thing, maybe 4x6 and enclosed. One end had a door to put me into darkness. The water is about 10 inches deep and at body temperature, and the room is very warm. I didn't get the other-worldly experience that people talk about. It was just relaxing. Maybe I need more practice. Since the salt level is so high, bacteria isn't a concern, and they also filter the water through UV lights between each person, and close done one day/week for cleaning.

I might need to look for that episode of the Simpsons.

[jeannea]

Thanks for the description. Interesting.

The episode is Season 10 episode 16 "Make Room for Lisa." I looked it up. The beginning seems really unrelated but I like the part with the tanks.