Okinawin Longevity Formula (CT–124)
Calcium
Undoubtedly, calcium is the most well-known mineral and also the one most commonly taken as a supplement. Millions of women consume it with the hope of preventing bone loss. However, calcium has numerous additional uses as a nutritional supplement. It seems that every week this mineral makes the headlines regarding its importance in human nutrition. This is rightfully so, since every cell in the human body needs it to survive.
While too much calcium can be dangerous, usually the problem is that people fail to get enough. Millions of Americans are suffering form the ill effects of calcium deficiency. The most vulnerable populations are adolescents and the elderly. However, deficiency in children is also common. A wide range of disorders may result, including attention deficit, growth retardation, tooth formation, leg cramps, nosebleed, and bone deformities.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, some 99% of it being found in the bones. Thus, the bones serve as the calcium reservoir. If there is too much calcium, the body deposits it in the bones. On the other hand, if individuals become deficient in calcium, the bones release it into the blood. This protective mechanism is necessary, because without calcium certain critical organ systems, such as the nervous system, heart and arteries, would degenerate and death could result. Fortunately, calcium deficiency of this extreme occurs only rarely in the United States.
Since calcium deficiency occurs primarily at the expense of the skeleton, a number of symptoms specifically related to the bones and joints may result. However, because this mineral also controls the function of the nerves, an endless list of musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms may develop as a result of mild to moderate calcium deficiency.
Severe calcium deficiency occurs most commonly in certain high risk groups. These groups include diabetics, cardiac patients, post-surgical patients, elderly individuals, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, arthritis sufferers, and nursing home occupants. Additionally, certain substances antagonize calcium absorption and/or cause calcium loss into the urine or stool. These substances include:
aspirin tetracycline
cortisone calcium-channel blockers
chemotherapeutic agents antacids
Cortisone is one of the chief calcium antagonizing drugs, since it causes massive mobilization of calcium from bone. With cortisone therapy, the calcium losses may be so severe that the entire skeleton becomes porous. In fact, the bones may become so weak that they split or crack spontaneously. In addition, people who fail to exercise regularly are at high risk for osteoporosis. Sleeping on a soft mattress also increases the risk.
Calcium absorption is dependent upon vitamin D. This vitamin can be consumed through the diet, but it is also synthesized in the skin, a reaction which requires sunlight. Thus, those who live in regions with short summers and/or people who rarely go outdoors are likely to be calcium deficient. Additionally, bedridden and wheelchair-bound patients usually develop rather severe calcium deficiencies. This category includes nursing home occupants as well as the thousands of bedfast individuals who occupy the hospitals. The risk factors for such individuals are extensive and are listed as follows:
a) They are usually taking drugs which impair calcium absorption.
b) They get little or no exercise and, thus, readily lose calcium from their bones.
c) They spend most of their time in bed.
d) They get little or no sunlight.
e) They usually receive less than the RDA for calcium and vitamin D in their diets.
f) Their diets are high in refined sugars, which disrupt calcium metabolism and cause bone loss.
g) They absorb calcium poorly even if taking it supplementally; this is largely due to the decreased production of stomach acid that invariably occurs in poorly nourished and/or elderly individuals; hydrocholoric acid is essential for calcium digestion and assimilation.
h) They receive little or no food rich in vitamin A, a nutrient required for efficient calcium absorption and transport.
It is no surprise that spontaneous fractures of the hips and/or spine are a prime cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. There is a virtual epidemic of calcium and vitamin D deficiency in this population, one that cannot be corrected simply by drinking a glass or two of milk per day. These individuals require the daily intake of absorbable calcium supplements and vitamin D. However, calcium alone is insufficient. The fact is vitamin D plays a greater role in strengthening the bones than calcium, magnesium, and all other minerals combined.
CALCIUM TEST (each response is worth 1 point)
Which of these apply to you.
1. joint pain
2. slow pulse rate
3. nervousness or irritability
4. tremors
5. twitching muscles and/or leg cramps
6. anxiety
7. chronic back and/or hip pain
8. vulnerability to fractures
9. loose teeth
10. tendency to form cavities
11. brittle nails
12. high blood pressure
13. numbness and/or tingling of the extremities
14. spastic stomach
15. muscular tension or tight, spastic muscles
16. chronic headaches
17. soft teeth
18. vertically ridged nails
19. Do you get little or no exposure to sunshine?
20. Do you have irritable bowel syndrome (colitis)?
21. Do you avoid eating fresh fish and/or milk products?
22. Do you drink three or more cups of coffee per day?
23. Are you a cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoker?
24. Do you regularly take cortisone or use cortisone creams?
25. Do you regularly consume antacids?
26. Do you regularly take tetracycline?
27. Are you on calcium channel blockers?
28. Have you undergone or are you currently undergoing chemotherapy?
29. Do you get little or no exercise?
30. Are you currently bedridden and/or wheelchair-bound?
31. Do you consume refined sugar on a daily basis?
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3 or more checks = mild calcium deficiency
Your Score _____ 6 or more checks = sub-clinical calcium deficiency
___________10 or more checks = severe clinical calcium deficiency___
The Miracle Mineral for Health and Energy
Magnesium is a hard-working mineral that we take for granted. It’s not hyped like many other supplements, nor is it considered to be on the cutting edge. Yet, the more we learn about magnesium, the more we realize that the effects of this mineral are nothing short of miraculous.
Magnesium is involved in nearly every essential bodily function, from the beating of the heart to the creation of bone and the regulation of blood sugar. It is so important that it is called the “gatekeeper of cellular activity,” signifying its critical role in cellular processes. Magnesium is abundant in foods such as wheat bran, almonds, and tofu, but most Americans do not get enough magnesium from food.
Magnesium is of particular importance to women, who often suffer magnesium deficiencies. Post menopausal women, who are especially likely to be low in magnesium, are more vulnerable to dangerous blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke. In addition to increasing the risk of heart disease in women, low levels of magnesium contribute to another major health problem: osteoporosis. Pregnant women who are deficient in magnesium are prone to develop toxemia, a form of high blood pressure that is potentially lethal for themselves and their babies, and to deliver prematurely. Magnesium deficiency may also be a factor in premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Magnesium helps to burn fat and produce energy, which is critical for both men and women. If you are feeling tired and are getting flabby, it could be a sign of magnesium deficiency. A study conducted at the USDA’s Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, found that postmenopausal women with low magnesium levels had less energy and did not burn fat efficiently, making physical exertion more difficult. This can lead to a vicious circle: “I can’t exercise because I’m so tired – but because I’m not exercising, I’m gaining weight and feeling even more tired.” The solution? Make sure that you are getting enough magnesium.
Heavy drinkers often have low levels of magnesium, which may be why alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
The Right Amount
Take 250-500 mg. (tablets) daily. (for each 250 mg. of magnesium, take 500 mg. of calcium.)
Magnesium is an essential nutrient and is required for the maintenance of some of the most basic functions of life. Crucial organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys are dependent upon it. A lack of magnesium is associated with a variety of diseases affecting these organs, including coronary artery disease, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, kidney stones, kidney infections, pyelonephritis, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Traditionally, doctors have underestimated the role played by magnesium in the prevention and/or treatment of disease. However, sophisticated blood tests are now proving that magnesium deficiency occurs frequently in the chronically ill. The fact is, the deficiency of this mineral in America is so common, that it should be considered epidemic.
Literally hundreds of symptoms, illnesses, and diseases may occur as a result of magnesium deficiency. In fact, a greater number of diseases have been correlated with magnesium deficiency than with the deficiency of any other mineral. This wide range of effects is explained by the fact that magnesium is an integral component of every cell in the body. It is second only to potassium as the most abundant intracellular nutrient. The immense value of magnesium in human nutrition is best illustrated by listing the breadth of its functions, which include:
Magnesium is a large atom and, therefore, it may be difficult to assimilate. Furthermore, it is absorbed more readily from food sources than nutritional supplements,. Additionally, certain disease states compromise magnesium absorption, including Crohn’s disease, malabsorption, syndrome, dumping syndrome, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, anorexia/bulimia, hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), celiac disease, intestinal parasitism, and intestinal or stomach cancer. Drugs that deplete tissue levels of magnesium include diuretics, cardiac drugs, cortisone, aspirin, and antibiotics. Additionally, both coffee and alcohol aggressively deplete magnesium from the tissues. Top food sources include whole grains, red meats, fish and seafood, poultry, nuts, hot and/or tangy spices, and cocoa. People who ravenously crave chocolate may be magnesium deficient, since cocoa powder is one of the richest magnesium sources known. Unfortunately, chocolate is always combined with sugar, and sugar causes significant magnesium loss from the tissues.
MAGNESIUM TEST (each response is worth 1 point)
Which of these apply to you?
1. heart rhythm disturbances (irregular heartbeat)
2. constipation and/or sluggish colon
3. chronic fatigue
4. muscle tear or injure easily
5. muscle cramps (or cramps in the bottom of the feet)
6. depression
7. muscular weakness
8. inability to control bladder
9. night sweats
10. excessive body odor
11. muscle twitching
12. lower or mid-back pain
13. muscular tension or tight muscles
14. dizziness
15. enlarged facial pores
16. uncontrollable sweating of the hands, feet and/or armpits
17. painful menstrual cramps
18. PMS
19. restless leg syndrome (i.e. constant jerking or motion of the legs at night)
20. chronic knee and/or hip pain
21. cold hands and/or feet
22. lack of appetite
23. sudden episodes of loss of brain function (mesmerized)
24. nausea
25. rapid heartbeat (above 80 beats per minute)
26. carpal tunnel syndrome
27. nervous agitation (inability to relax)
28. repeated tapping of the hands or feet
29. Are you easily disoriented and/or confused?
30. Do you have high blood pressure?
31. Do you have chronic diarrhea or sloppy stools?
32. Are you easily weakened by stress, or are you physically
intolerant of stress?
33. Do you have chronic arthritis?
34. Do you have heart disease and/or angina pectoris?
35. Do you suffer from headaches occurring prior to or during your menstrual cycle?
36. Do you have overactive or underactive thyroid function?
37. Do you have osteoporosis?
38. Do your bones fracture easily, or do they fail to heal after fracturing?
39. Do you suffer from epilepsy or convulsions?
40. Do you drink alcohol on a daily basis? (add 3 points)
41. Do you have a history of kidney stones? (add 2 points)
42. Do you suffer from chronic kidney disease
43. Do you regularly take diuretic drugs? (add 2 points)
44. Are you a sugar addict? (add 3 points)
______________________________________________________________
3 or more checks = mild magnesium deficiency
Your Score _______ 6 or more checks = sub-clinical magnesium deficiency
_________10 or more checks = severe magnesium deficiency______