THE MIRACLE OF MAGNESIUM

By Dr. Carolyn Dean

Dr. Carolyn Dean is both a medical doctor and naturopathic doctor who assists individuals with all types of illness at any stage or severity.

Magnesium Oil. When I first wrote The Magnesium Miracle, I realized that many people can’t take oral magnesium because of the laxative effect. Therefore I began researching and then advising people to put supersaturated magnesium chloride—called magnesium oil on their skin to bypass the intestines; stimulate DHEA production that occurs in the skin; use it in baths and foot baths for muscle aches, joint pain, and foot pain and neuropathy.

Every day I hear another magnesium success story. My editor for the UK edition of The Miracle of Magnesium told me that as soon as she read my manuscript she gave magnesium to a friend who had severe muscle cramps. Her friend had visited several doctors and nobody could diagnosis her condition or could offer her relief. Magnesium helped her immediately. My book agent’s brother can’t believe how much his energy has improved on magnesium and his wife’s menopausal symptoms are lifting since she began taking supplements.

And every day I also hear distressing stories about magnesium deficiency. Just today walking along the beach near my home I met an 80-year old gentleman who asked me to sit and talk. Julius said he used to walk up and down the beach like me but now his arthritis prevented him. But he said he only began having symptoms of arthritis after taking medication for slightly elevated cholesterol. Instead of a diet and magnesium, his doctor immediately put him on a cholesterol-lowering drug. When he began developing pain, which was obviously from the drug, instead of stopping the drug and giving magnesium to lower cholesterol, to help detoxify the drug, and also lessen muscle cramps, his doctor gave him a strong pain medication. And then his ankles began to swell and Julius said his doctor gave him a diuretic!

And so the story goes, one drug causing symptoms that demand another drug. That’s what doctors learn about in medical school: drugs. They don’t learn about diet and nutrients, so it seems that all they know how to do is prescribe drugs. Julius said he was going to tell his doctor to change his cholesterol medication, which, by the way, in several years had only dropped his cholesterol of 205 to 185. I told him to go on a cholesterol-lowering diet and take magnesium. Even though Julius said he was mad about having to take the drugs and he wished he had been given a diet in the first place, Julius said he would have to ask his doctor before taking the magnesium. And my heart sank, because his doctor probably didn’t learn about magnesium supplementation in medical school and would probably say it’s unnecessary.

Doctors know potassium deficiency is a danger for people on diuretics but they don’t acknowledge that magnesium is also flushed out in equal measure. Magnesium deficiency goes undiagnosed and unrecognized because until recently there was no accurate blood test for magnesium*. Patients are warned to take potassium supplements or eat oranges and bananas, but no advice is given about magnesium. Magnesium is not as readily available as potassium; it’s deficient in the soil and most fertilizers don’t contain magnesium, so most foods are lacking. Also cooking and processing foods depletes magnesium. It’s found in whole grains, greens, nuts and seeds, but most people don’t eat much, if any, of those foods.

And yet, for some reason doctors think that we get all our nutrients in our very SAD, Standard American Diet and they don’t recognize the need for nutrient supplementation. It all stems back to a medical education that is funded by drug companies that have no vested interest in promoting nutrients. Vitamins and minerals can’t be patented and are relatively inexpensive. My research for The Miracle of Magnesium reminded me that all the metabolic processes in the body, ALL OF THEM, depend on vitamins and minerals, which act as necessary co-factors. Magnesium itself is a co-factor and responsible for the function of 325 enzymes; is an absolute requirement for calcium to be incorporated into bone; keeps toxic chemicals out of the brain; dances with calcium to create nerve impulses and muscle impulses; keeps muscles relaxed, including the heart and blood vessels, and triggers dozens of health conditions if it is deficient.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is between 350 and 400 milligrams per day, which is just enough to ward off outright deficiency. But for optimal health and for the twenty-two conditions that are triggered by magnesium deficiency, perhaps twice as much magnesium is needed. One of the highest sources of magnesium is kelp, but one tsp. only has about 30 milligrams. One tablespoon of almonds has 33 milligrams. Because we probably don’t get nearly enough magnesium from out diet we have to investigate magnesium supplements.

I use several types of magnesium. However, I stopped using magnesium oxide in 2005 when I read a study that showed only 4 percent of the oxide form of magnesium is absorbed. That’s why magnesium oxide is a great laxative but if you want to stock up on magnesium you need to use other forms. I use magnesium citrate and magnesium taurate and also spray on magnesium oil after a shower. Magnesium oil is supersaturated magnesium chloride and because it’s used topically it doesn’t cause a laxative effect. And I find it really does work. I seem to have a very high requirement for magnesium and to get enough by mouth I can have a laxative reaction—but if I use magnesium oil, I only need to take half the amount of magnesium by mouth and therefore avoid loose stools.

You also have read labels when you buy magnesium products. For example a label may say magnesium taurate, or magnesium citrate, or magnesium glycinate, 500 milligrams, but when you look at the fine print on the back of the bottle you will notice the actual amount of magnesium is much less. The actual amount of magnesium in 500 mg of magnesium glycinate is 50 mg. Companies that make chelated minerals like magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurate claim that chelates are more readily absorbed. That may be the case, but how you tell is if they have less of a laxative effect.

The best way to tell if you are getting enough magnesium is the “bowel test”. You know when you have too much magnesium when your stools become loose. This, in fact, may be a blessing for people with constipation and is one of the many ways magnesium deficiency manifests. But, if you are like me and still get a Charlie horse or a heart palpitation when you don’t have enough magnesium, then reach for the magnesium oil.

The only contraindications to magnesium are caused in people with outright kidney failure, bowel obstruction, Myasthenia gravis, or heart block. Also, if you have a heart condition you may find that taking magnesium can lessen the need for heart medication and you should be under doctor’s supervision to guide this process.

The following 22 medical areas that magnesium deficiency triggers or causes have all been scientifically proven. However, since the publication of The Miracle of Magnesium, people have sent me magnesium stories that go beyond the following list. I’ve been told that magnesium had caused skin to become smooth, gums to heal, and improvements in sexual response. If you are only able to take one supplement–make sure it’s magnesuim!

Magnesium deficiency triggers or causes the following conditions:

• Anxiety and Panic attacks- Magnesium (Mg) normally keeps adrenal stress hormones under control.

• Asthma- Both histamine production and bronchial spasms increase with Mg deficiency.

• Blood clots- Mg has an important role to play in preventing blood clots and keeping the blood thin-much like aspirin but without the side effects.

• Bowel disease- Mg deficiency slows down the bowel causing constipation, which could lead to toxicity and malabsorption of nutrients, as well as colitis.

• Cystitis- Bladder spasms are worsened by Mg deficiency.

• Depression-Serotonin, which elevates moods, is dependent on Mg. A Mg-deficient brain is also more susceptible to allergens, foreign substances that can cause symptoms similar to mental illness.

• Detoxification- Mg is crucial for the removal of toxic substances and heavy metals such as aluminum and lead.

• Diabetes- Mg enhances insulin secretion, facilitating sugar metabolism. Without Mg insulin is not able to transfer glucose into cells. Glucose and insulin build up in the blood causing various types of tissue damage.

• Fatigue- Mg-deficient patients commonly experience fatigue because dozens of enzyme systems are under-functioning. An early symptom of Mg deficiency is frequently fatigue.

• Heart disease- Mg deficiency is common in people with heart disease. Mg is administered in hospitals for acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmia. Like any other muscle, the heart muscle requires Mg. Mg is also used to treat angina, or chest pain.

• Hypertension- With insufficient Mg, spasm of blood vessels and high cholesterol occur, both of which lead to blood pressure problems.

• Hypoglycemia- Mg keeps insulin under control; without Mg episodes of low blood sugar can result.

• Insomnia- Sleep-regulating melatonin production is disturbed without sufficient Mg.

• Kidney Disease- Mg deficiency contributes to atherosclerotic kidney failure. Mg deficiency creates abnormal lipid levels and worsening blood sugar control in kidney transplant patients.

• Liver Disease leading to liver failure- Mg deficiency commonly occurs during liver transplantation.

• Migraine- Serotonin balance is Mg-dependent. Deficiency of serotonin can result in migraine headaches and depression.

• Musculoskeletal conditions- Fibrositis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, eye twitches, cramps and chronic neck and back pain may be caused by Mg deficiency and can be relieved with Mg supplements.

• Nerve problems- Mg alleviates peripheral nerve disturbances throughout the whole body, such as migraines, muscle contractions, gastrointestinal spasms, and calf, foot and toe cramps. It is also used in treating central nervous symptoms of vertigo and confusion.

• Obstetrics and Gynecology- Mg prevents Premenstrual Syndrome; prevents dysmenorrhea (cramping pain during menses); is important in the treatment of infertility; and alleviates premature contractions, preeclampsia, and eclampsia in pregnancy. Intravenous Mg is given in obstetrical wards for pregnancy-induced hypertension and to lessen the risk of cerebral palsy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mg should be a required supplement for pregnant mothers.

• Osteoporosis- Use of calcium with Vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption without a balancing amount of Mg causes further Mg deficiency, which triggers a cascade of events leading to bone loss.

• Raynaud’s Syndrome- Mg helps relax the spastic blood vessels that cause pain and numbness of the fingers.

• Tooth decay- Mg deficiency causes an unhealthy balance of phosphorus and calcium in saliva, which damages teeth.

Material excerpted from Dean, Carolyn. The Miracle of Magnesium (2003 Ballantine Books: New York, NY), 2003. pp. 5-7.

Dr. Carolyn Dean is an acknowledged authority in both conventional and alternative medicine. As the well-known author of The Miracle of Magnesium, she is an expert in recognizing and treating the dozens of conditions caused by magnesium deficiency.

Salt Your Way To Health ~ Dietary Villain or Foundation of Health? By Dr. David Brownstein, M.D.

Low-salt diets have been recommended for many years. It is not too hard to find an article in a magazine or medical journal recommending that the readers lower their salt intake. Like dietary fats, salt has become a convenient boogeyman, responsible for all manner of health ills. Government agencies, the American Medical Association, and many dietary groups all recommend a low-salt diet.

Conventional wisdom holds that consuming less salt will lower your blood pressure and reduce your chances of heart disease or a stroke. By now, everyone knows that a low-salt diet is healthy, right? Wrong. But unfortunately, this is another one of those cases where conventional medical wisdom simply does not add up.

To develop an accurate understanding of the importance of salt in a healthy diet, we must look beyond what passes for “conventional wisdom.” A review of the research literature, as well as my own clinical experiences have convinced me that unrefined salt is vital to good health.

Hypertension and Salt

Early in my medical career, I accepted the “low salt = lowered blood pressure” hypothesis unquestionably. My medical training was clear: A low-salt diet was good and a high-salt diet was bad. In all hypertensive cases, I was taught to promote a low-salt diet. In fact, I was taught that in order to prevent people from becoming hypertensive, it was better to encourage them to adopt a life-long dietary plan of low-salt. However, my experience with promoting a low-salt diet to treat hypertension was not successful. Not only did I find a low-salt diet relatively ineffective at lowering blood pressure, but I also found a low-salt diet made my patients miserable due to the poor taste of their low-salt food.

It wasn’t until I began to look at my patients in a more holistic manner that I began to research the medical literature about salt. What I found was astounding; there is little data to support low-salt diets being effective at treating hypertension for the vast majority of people. Also, none of the studies looked at the use of unrefined sea salt, which contains many valuable vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which are vital to maintaining normal blood pressure.

The conclusion that salt causes high blood pressure is based primarily on a couple of studies; neither have conclusively established a causal link between salt consumption and hypertension.

Although considered a part of medical orthodoxy, the idea that salt consumption causes high blood pressure is relatively recent, and is, in fact, based on questionable conclusions drawn from a handful of studies.

The first report of a relationship between salt and high blood pressure appeared in 1904. Two researchers, Armbard and Beujard, asserted that salt deprivation was associated with lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Over the next 50 years, this theory was tested in various studies, which usually involved giving test animals huge amounts (10-20 times greater than normal) of refined salt, to induce hypertension. As would be expected, when the animals were no longer overdosed, the blood pressure levels returned to normal.

Given the high amounts of salt being given to the animals, the correlation to a human population should have been suspect, but that did not stop medical researchers from erroneously extrapolating the results to human salt consumption.

The most popular study cited to prove the “increased salt = elevated blood pressure” link was the INTERSALT Trial. This study looked at over 10,000 subjects aged 20-59 from 52 centers in 39 countries. The authors of the study looked at the relationship between electrolyte excretion (i.e. sodium in the urine) and blood pressure. A higher salt intake will result in a larger amount of sodium excreted in the urine. Although there was a slight relationship between blood pressure and sodium excretion, a “smoking gun” could not be found. This study showed only a mild decrease in blood pressure, even when there was a dramatic decrease in salt excretion.

The results of this study did show that various indigenous groups in South America and Africa did consume relatively little salt and had low blood pressure. But these tribes were relatively untouched by modern life as whole – they generally did not drink or smoke, they were physically active and their diets consisted primarily of whole, unprocessed foods. In all likelihood, these factors were more significant in determining blood pressure levels than relative salt intake.

Study after study has failed to establish a significant causal relationship between salt intake and hypertension. In fact, there is some research that would seem to point to a different conclusion.

Every 10 years, the government conducts the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This comprehensive analysis of thousands of citizens looks at various markers of health, including the relationship between inadequate mineral intake and hypertension. After reviewing the data gathered from several surveys, researchers concluded “Our analysis confirms once again that inadequate mineral intake (calcium, potassium and magnesium) is the dietary pattern that is the best predictor of elevated blood pressure in persons at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”

The Center for Disease Control’s own data over the last 30 years clearly shows little relationship between low-salt diets and hypertension. This data unequivocally shows that ensuring adequate mineral intake is much more important to maintaining low blood pressure.

Salt & Heart Disease

Another purported benefit of a low-salt diet is a reduced risk of cardiovascular incidents, such as heart attacks or strokes. But again, the evidence is less than overwhelming. In fact, there is some compelling research which seems to indicate that low-salt diets may actually increase the likelihood of a cardiovascular event.

Eleven trials, which included follow-up from six months to seven years, were reviewed. Researchers found that there was no difference in deaths and cardiovascular events between the low-salt groups and the high-salt groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined in the low-salt group by very small amounts. The authors of this review comment that the miniscule lowering of blood pressure with a low-salt diet did not result in any significant health benefit. They also comment, “It is also very hard to keep on a low salt diet.”

In another study, researchers examined the relationship between a low-sodium diet and cardiovascular mortality. Nearly 3,000 hypertensive subjects were studied. The result of this study was that there was a 430% increase in myocardial infarction (heart attack) in the group with the lowest salt intake versus the group with the highest salt intake.

Why would a low-sodium diet predispose one to having a heart attack? Low-sodium diets have been shown to cause multiple nutrient deficiencies, including depletion of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, as well as exhausting B-vitamin stores. There are numerous studies touting the benefits of magnesium in treating cardiovascular disorders. Adequate amounts of potassium and B-vitamins are also crucial for healthy heart. Many studies have shown that a deficiency of minerals, particularly calcium, potassium and magnesium is directly related to the development of heart disease as well as hypertension.

Unrefined Salt & Health?

We have established that a low-salt diet is not very effective at significantly lowering blood pressure in most people. In fact, as salt levels have declined in this country over the last 50 years, there has been no trend toward lowered blood pressures in the population. Could mineral salt usage result in a significantly lowered blood pressure? Many minerals, including magnesium and potassium have a direct anti-hypertensive effect. As previously mentioned, the NHANES study revealed that a pattern of low mineral intake, specifically magnesium, potassium and calcium were directly associated with hypertension. Repeated measurements over 20 years have confirmed the relationship between low mineral intake and elevated blood pressure.

Unrefined salt has a wide range of minerals including potassium and magnesium, providing the body with a complex of nutrients that it needs to function optimally. The use of unrefined salt will not cause elevated blood pressure; in fact, due to its abundance of minerals, it can actually help lower the blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Salt & Special Health Concerns

Researchers have looked at numerous studies to arrive at their recommendations for sodium intake. Hypertensive patients can improve blood pressure moderately by limiting their sodium intake to 3-7 grams (app. 1.5-7 teaspoons) per day. Too much of anything can be a problem for the body. Salt, like any other substance, should not be taken in excess. Since refined salt is a toxic substance, there should not be any refined salt in anyone’s diet.

However, there is a great difference between refined and unrefined salt. I recommend only the use of unrefined salt in one’s diet. This will supply the body with over 80 minerals that are useful for maintaining the normal functioning of the body. My experience has shown that the use of unrefined sea salt has not resulted in elevated blood pressure in my patients. The addition of small amounts of unrefined salt to food or cooking will not adversely affect blood pressure or other health parameters in someone with normal kidney function.

While there is considerable research indicating that unrefined salt can be an important part of a healthy diet, there are some situations that do require special consideration.

For example, there are some hypertensive patients who are salt sensitive. Salt sensitivity is defined as an increase in blood pressure due to a high sodium intake. Not all hypertensive patients exhibit salt sensitivity. The only way to tell if an individual with hypertension will respond (via lowered blood pressure) to a low-salt diet is to institute a low-salt diet. The research shows that older individuals with hypertension will have a modest response. A review of 56 trials showed that a low-salt diet had minimal effect on blood pressure in the vast majority of people studied.

Another special concern related to those with kidney problems. Salt is excreted in the kidneys and individuals with renal failure will have a decreased ability to clear salt from their diets. These individuals must watch their salt intake carefully. If you have renal failure, I suggest you speak with your doctor before instituting any dietary change, including a change in salt intake.

Final Thoughts

Although promoted by conventional medicine as part of a healthy diet, my experience has clearly shown the fallacy of low-salt diets. They are not associated with a reduction in blood pressure for the vast majority of the population and also have adverse effects on numerous metabolic markers including elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance. Low sodium diets have been associated with elevating total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, which, in turn, has been associated with cardiovascular events.

Furthermore, it has demonstrated that mineral deficiencies are present in most chronic illnesses and it is impossible to overcome these disorders unless mineral deficits are corrected. What conventional doctors and most mainstream organizations have failed to grasp is the difference between refined and unrefined salt. Unrefined salt contains over 80 minerals in a perfect proportion for our bodies. Our bodies were meant to function optimally with adequate mineral levels and adequate salt intake. Only the use of unrefined salt can provide both of these factors.

For the great majority of people a low-salt diet does not work. Patients do not feel well when sodium levels are lowered. Their energy level drops and they develop hormonal and immune system imbalances. It is refined salt that needs to be avoided – it is a toxic, dangerous substance that fails to provide the body with any benefit. Unrefined salt should be the salt of choice.

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This article was written By Dr. Brownstein and the full PDF version is available here.

Dr. Brownstein is a board-certified family physician and Medical Director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A leading practitioner of holistic medicine, he has authored seven books including “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders”, “Iodine: Why You Need It”, “Why You Can’t Live Without It”, and “Salt Your Way To Health”.

Holy Spirit hCG Boot Camp – The Path to the Land of Milk & Honey

Training for His Service in the Kingdom - Choosing Life or Death

*hCG - handing Control to GOD or heart Controlled by God

Anyone who is currently in or has been in military service KNOWS you do NOT belong to yourself! Boot Camp makes SURE you are extracted from what WAS your life to what WILL BE your life! ~ 2 Timothy 2:4 - "No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him."

Thus begins a baptism by FIRE~!

It has been nearly a month since I first posted as I embarked on this new journey. I had the most sincere intentions of doing a "Julie & Julia" type blog, but as GOD got ahold of me and began to change my perspective of just what I was/am doing, well, I was somewhat taken aback! It seems that Yah had "other plans" for me far above and beyond the mere losing of weight. I had no idea that God was about to REVEAL myself to me!

So it is that I will be sharing my journey not only from a physical standpoint, but primarily from a spiritual one. If the intent in following my journey was to see the facts & figures (literally), then this may be more than you can swallow....and I will be focusing on swallowing! LOL! Consequently, if looking through the spiritual lens is not your cup of tea, well, then, you are cordially invited to move on.

BUT, those who do choose to stay for the duration, well, let's just say that you will not REGRET it! REWARD is on the horizon for our Father is, indeed, a REWARDER!

FACT: As of today, I have lost 21 pounds and 22.75 inches

DETOX is the beginning ~ REGENERATION with the aim to RESTORE.

hCG BOOTCAMP!

Starting today, I will begin to chronicle my journey with hCG for weight loss. There are many other benefits and reasons for doing this protocol other than weight loss, but that is where I am starting! I am being a guinea pig, also with three other ladies, to see how this "works" before I begin to apply it to my clients in my naturopathic practice.

Today is actually day three of the strict 500 calorie diet, so I will go backward in time to where I began the preparatory detox a week earlier and lead into where I am today.

I must say that I am EXTREMELY excited and encouraged thus far! Look for my next post!

All Vaccines Cause Neurological Damage

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Dr. Eisenstein's mentor was Robert S. Mendelsohn who wrote the "MUST HAVE" books, "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor" and "Confessions of a Medical Heretic".

"How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor" was the first book that had a major impact on my decision not to vaccinate my children.

Week of Christmas Giveaway's - Green Pasture's Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Take a look at this awesome giveaway at Diana Bauman's site, A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa!


"Cod liver oil has been turned into a supplement instead of a real food that it originally was."

Thanksgiving Giveaway: Enter to Win the BEST Eco-Friendly Mop Ever! $108 Retail Value

Look what CHEESESLAVE has going on this Thanksgiving weekend!!

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