Hypoparathyroidism negatively affects the the body's electrolytic balance. Our bodies work using electrochemical processes. Muscles, including the heart muscle are especially susceptible to electrolytic imbalances.
Less commonly known, is the fact that with hypoparathyroidism, in addition to managing calcium and vitamin D levels, it is equally important to balance our magnesium, phosphorous and salt levels. Taking 400 to 1000 mg of magnesium citrate, limiting phosphorous rich foods and reducing salt in our diets, often leads to successful management of the body's electrolytic balance leading to cardiac health improvement. This is because Magnesium is important in the calcium absorption process, phosphorous binds calcium thus reducing it's levels in serum and salt causes the kidneys to reabsorb less calcium. Foods with high phosphorous levels include meat, poultry, grains and beans. Milk products are good protein sources because milk is high in calcium and fish is high in Vitamin D. In addition they are relatively lower in phosphorous content.
In conclusion in addition to Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation a diet containing proportionately:
1) more fruits, vegetables,
2) more milk and fish and
3) less meat, poultry
4) less grains, beans
5) and less salt
enables a much more balanced body electrolyte balance in the hypoparathyroid patient and therefore better health.
Have you learned anything since June? I am currently trying to figure out the same thing. I had a two surgeries to remove my thyroid and I think my parathyroid might have been damaged. My heart has been doing funny things ever since and my blood calcium is low. I think its related but I haven't seen the electrocardiologist yet. Just wondering if you knew anything else?
Jessica