Salt

[J.R.K]

I think the reason that sodium retains magnesium has to do with the zeta potential of each element. Ideally magnesium and potassium should be inside the cell (intercellular) while sodium and calcium should be outside the cell (extra cellular). The charges on magnesium and sodium repel each other, if sodium becomes restricted the cell seems to retain the sodium by bringing it inside the cell, but this will eject the magnesium causing it to be lost. Since sodium attracts water this will also bring water into the cell causing inflammation.

Interestingly a similar relationship exists between potassium and calcium. This can be seen in the case of the increased risk of lung and breast cancer (20 percent) in the case of ACE inhibitors. They come with the risk of hyperkalemia (excess potassium in the blood). Calcification of the tissues is the first step in fibrosis.

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