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MINERAL RATIOS AND SPINAL MANIPULATION/ALIGNMENT~
Mineral Ratios for Calcium, Magnesium and other Elements,
and their Relationship to Spinal Manipulation and Alignment.
Most standard Calcium / Magnesium formulations are sold in a ratio of 2:1, while recommendations
by nutritional practitioners can vary from a 4:1 - 1:1 (Cal/Mag) ratio. Some sources claim that calcium
and magnesium oppose each other at the intracellular level, thus low magnesium intake causes high
calcium storage or calcification, while other sources maintain that magnesium is needed for proper
calcium absorption. As a result, low magnesium intake can be responsible for low calcium levels.
Which is correct - And is there an "optimal" Calcium / Magnesium ratio?
Unless the intracellular status of calcium, magnesium or other essential trace elements is measured,
it is nearly impossible to predict what exactly will happen to calcium under specific circumstances.
Other than the effects of one-sided diets, one-sided supplementation, or organ damage from trauma,
infections, or drug use, there are also renal, intestinal and hormonal factors --- all having an impact on
someone's mineral status, so there cannot be a fixed mineral ratio that is best for everyone since there
are just too many variables.
As a result, some people retain far too much calcium and are constantly struggling to meet magnesium
requirements, while others suffer from magnesium overload and have to supplement larger amounts of
calcium to overcome calcium deficiencies. There may also be neurological implications - primarily
through spinal alignment problems - which are addressed further below.
Even in a healthy body - without any of the above ramifications - the effect of magnesium on calcium
(and vice versa) is not always easy to predict, since its ability to increase or lower calcium depends on
many factors, including the type used (citrate, gluconate, carbonate, etc), and their resulting effect on
stomach acid levels. If zinc is on the high side, and potassium is low, then taking extra magnesium will
usually lower calcium, because magnesium supports zinc, but lowers potassium. On the other hand, if
potassium is higher, and zinc is on the low side, then taking magnesium will likely push calcium higher
as well. Vitamin D increases calcium and magnesium, as well as phosphorus absorption.
If calcium is above-normal, but magnesium is even higher than calcium, there is a good chance that an
individual will eventually experience symptoms of calcium deficiency, as shown in the following graph:
High potassium synergistically supports an increase in intracellular calcium, as does high copper,
with Vitamin D affecting mostly serum calcium levels through hormonal action and increased intestinal
absorption. Boron affects calcium and magnesium uptake as well, however it generally doesn't come
into play with the average individual unless supplemented. Low levels of manganese, phosphorus,
zinc, nickel and Vitamin C encourage an increase in intracellular calcium ratio-wise and will eventually
create a risk for calcification. However, it is not unusual to actually experience symptoms of calcium
deficiency in some cases because of calcium becoming bio-unavailable, resulting in calcium loss from
bone.
When increasing manganese, phosphorus, zinc, fluoride, Vitamin C, stomach acid... to normal levels,
calcium uptake is generally optimized to normal levels as well, and usually no calcification takes place.
However, increasing these same co-factors to above-normal levels will increase the risk for calcium
loss, with all its undesirable consequences. One could include protein as well, but it is phosphorus, the
resulting end product, that determines at what point excessive protein will start to interfere with normal
calcium metabolism.
Abnormal Mineral Ratios are largely responsible for resulting medical symptoms being side-specific.
Unless low stomach acid is involved, in which case sidedness is not a factor, many heel spurs occur
only on one side, and there are documented cases where large numbers of kidney stones developed
in one kidney only, but never in the other, unless one is surgically removed. The reason is quite simple,
with the problem side being frequently predictable:
In the above example - provided the patient is predisposed for kidney stones - they will be oxalic acid-
based, and invariably occur in the left kidney only as long as that patient has two otherwise functioning
kidneys. In the example below, of someone with a chemical make-up prone for heel spurs, they would
develop in the right heel only.
Many practitioners only try to correct a patient's calcium / magnesium ratio in an attempt to address
specific health issues, however normalizing the ratios of as many other associated, essential mineral
pairs as possible is just as important in the nutritional prevention or treatment of medical conditions,
which include:
Calcium-MagnesiumPhosphorus-Sodium
Iron-ManganeseZinc-Potassium
Selenium-SulfurTin-Iodine
Germanium-SiliconBismuth-Lithium
Nickel-CobaltChromium-Copper
Fluoride-ChlorideVanadium-Molybdenum
For instance, sciatic pain is frequently relieved by correcting a patient's zinc / potassium ratio. Many
upper back / neck disorders, as well as insomnia and some anxieties can be alleviated by normalizing
a patient's calcium / magnesium ratio. Other types of anxiety, fatigue, depression... relate to abnormal
nickel / cobalt ratios, while correcting an individual's tin / iodine ratio helps with a number of conditions
that include insomnia, palpitations, tachycardia, anxieties, depression, fatigue, chest pain, and others.
Nutritional factors such as Rutin & Hesperidin interact in a similar fashion, whereby imbalances result
in vascular degenerative disorders, that are frequently one-sided (see also Acu-Cell "Bioflavonoids").
* * *
Spinal Alignment (neurological factor) has a profound effect on mineral ratios - which is something
that has not been taught in Chiropractic Schools thus far. The relationship became apparent to me
after many years of measuring patients before and after they visited a Chiropractor or an Osteopath,
where all of a sudden certain mineral ratios - corresponding to specific spinal segments - unexpectedly
changed.
However, not only can spinal manipulation affect the ratio of various minerals -- it works the other way
around as well. By supplementing various amounts of minerals to manipulate their ratio, one can also
affect spinal alignment of the corresponding segment - both positively or negatively! This generally
works provided there is good spinal mobility, otherwise manual manipulation is required, particularly
when calcification is involved, or when long-term supplementation has failed to achieve normal ratios.
In such cases, a few spinal adjustments may be the answer, which will correct / normalize a particular
mineral ratio, and resolve related medical symptoms as well.
This is also one reason why chiropractic adjustments are at times able to correct specific medical
problems - other than simple skeletal or muscular disorders - and where orthodox medical reasoning
cannot find or explain the mechanism involved. We are all too familiar how patients keep visiting
Chiropractors over and over again, with the effects frequently only lasting a few days, or sometimes
only a few hours. In some cases the solution to that can be quite simple: Once you normalize the ratio
of as many associated mineral pairs as possible - corresponding to the troublesome spinal segments -
the adjustment will subsequently "hold" and further manipulations are no longer necessary.
Only mineral pairs that are associated with one another such as calcium to magnesium are able to
affect specific spinal segments, which in case of calcium and magnesium would be T1, or in case of
copper and chromium would be L1. The ratio of other mineral pairs such as potassium / sodium, or
iron / zinc has mostly organic implications - or only indirectly effects spinal alignment, but they are not
associated with specific spinal segments.
Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can develop when several related mineral ratios become abnormal
and subsequently affect their corresponding spinal segments. Practitioners who look at scoliosis from
a congenital or structural perspective alone neglect the possible chemical, neurological and/or organic
implications with this condition, and they subsequently try to treat scoliosis with exercise, braces, casts
or corrective surgery only. Chiropractic manipulation is another option and may be helpful in slowing or
even reversing some forms of scoliosis, provided patients receive regular and ongoing adjustments.
If the primary treatment of scoliosis consists of normalizing a patient's corresponding mineral ratios
(which may also include complementary exercise, chiropractic care, and/or a change in habit-forming
one-sided sitting or sleeping positions), then any related chemical, neurological, or organic medical
conditions are also taken care of at the same time. This also applies to the treatment of Sciatica
when not related to a herniated disk. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Zinc & Potassium").
* * *
While it is fairly simple to change a particular mineral ratio with some patients, it is much more difficult
with a good percentage of other patients, where mineral ratios are more fixed as a result of genetics,
a very one-sided diet, organ damage, old age, or arthritic changes in their corresponding spinal area.
Supplementing large amounts of single nutrients can also have a dramatic effect on mineral ratios,
where for instance taking higher doses of Vitamin B6 on a long-term basis will ultimately result in a
high magnesium / low calcium ratio. Injections of Vitamin B6 (usually combined with Vitamin B12)
given at weight loss clinics affect calcium / magnesium ratios even faster, and if not matched to the
individual's nutritional requirements, can lead to a severe calcium deficiency with the usual variety of
low calcium-related medical symptoms. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Calcium & Magnesium").
In low sodium types, regular intake of higher doses of Vitamin B6 creates a somewhat different picture,
where the raising effect on magnesium will also result in an increasingly higher magnesium / calcium
ratio, however in addition to lowering lithium and eventually calcium levels, an abnormally high retention
of magnesium will result in dramatically lower sodium and silicon, but increased phosphorus levels.
Common long-term effects include alignment problems and/or eventual spinal degeneration at T1 (with
right-sided symptoms in the upper back / shoulder area) and at L2, along with general osteoarthritic
changes in various joints.
As a result, Vitamin B6 therapy should only be used for someone with an otherwise difficult-to-manage
low magnesium / high calcium ratio (where calcium is always high, and magnesium is always low).
Outside of testing cellular levels, there is no easy answer as to whether a patient should supplement
only calcium, only magnesium, or both, and if a "Cal-Mag" formulation is used, what the ratio should be.
Blood tests are of no benefit since serum calcium is pretty well fixed, with dietary changes having little
impact on its value. To varying degrees, the same applies to many other minerals or trace elements,
or there is a non-linear response, where low values can only be raised up to a certain level through
diet or supplementation. Cellular levels and ratios on the other hand do not have those limitations and
continue to increase / decrease linearly in response to dietary or supplemental intake, or they change
in response to various medical conditions.
Many individuals rely on extra amounts of Calcium + Vitamin D when trying to treat and/or prevent
osteopenia (early stages of bone loss) or osteoporosis, and when unsuccessful, they generally resort
to using drugs specifically formulated to stop the progression of this disease.
Long-term effects of many of these medications are still unclear since increased bone mass doesn't
always translate into increased bone strength. On the other hand, when analyzing individual reasons
for developing osteoporosis, it becomes clear that most factors can be resolved through a change in
lifestyle, or through individually-tailored nutritional supplementation.
Without the addition of weight-bearing exercise however, no program for the treatment or prevention
of osteoporosis can be considered complete. Climbing stairs, running, lifting weights - and to some
extent walking - are all among those exercises considered beneficial in maintaining bone density, in
contrast to activities such as swimming, which are less helpful for osteoporosis.
While weight-bearing exercises require some degree of mobility, there is a passive, drug-free concept
that helps prevent bone loss even for infirm or wheelchair-bound individuals. It consists of subjecting
bone to mild Vibrations, which - just like vigorous exercise - helps actually increase bone density, and
it is an effective treatment for normal and problem fractures as well. Increases of up to 30% in bone
density were reported in sheep studies after one year by having them stand on a vibrating platform for
a few minutes a day.
Controlled human studies on postmenopausal women are still underway, but in a pilot study of disabled
children, all of those who stood on the vibrating device showed increased bone density, in contrast to
those who had not. Despite spending about 2 hours each day working out with all kinds of devices,
astronauts still experience muscle and bone loss at a rate of about 0.2% per month, so therapies with
such devices, which - depending on design - vibrate at a rate of 20 to 90 Hz, are therefore a convenient
solution.
Vibrating platforms for personal and professional use (e.g. Power Plate) are selling from a few hundred
to a few thousand dollars. They promise to increase bone density, muscle strength and tone, improve
circulation, help heal sports injuries faster and reduce pain with just three 15-minute workouts per week.
Osteoporosis is a disease of excessive demineralization of bone, which on average starts to take
place in both sexes after age 35. While men are less affected, the decrease in the bone density of
postmenopausal women is a much more serious problem, however by age 75, the gap closes where
both genders become equally prone for bone loss. For instance, after sustaining a hip fracture, it is
estimated that 20% of patients die within one year, 50% cannot walk any longer without assistance,
while 25% may have to be institutionalized in long-term nursing care facilities.
Causes of osteoporosis include a decrease in osteoblast function, a change in parathyroid activity as
a compensatory factor for decreased calcium absorption, and usually a combination of either less sun
exposure and/or a decreased ability to synthesize Vitamin D, or insufficient dietary intake of Vitamin D.
Additional causes include sedentary lifestyles, which play a significant part, there are genetic factors,
which are less-common, while insufficient sex hormones and body weight (anorexia), various stimulants
and drugs (caffeine, alcohol, glucocorticoids [cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone] , Lupron [GnRH
agonist to lower hormones], Depo-Provera [a form of progesterone]...), hyperthyroidism, and kidney
disease are also contributing factors.
Bone remodeling is a process where the adult skeleton undergoes a continuous turnover whereby
old bone is resorbed by osteoclasts and new bone is formed by osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are cell types
that degrade bone and its protein components by releasing calcium from bone into circulation, where
calcium can either remain, or be excreted in urine and feces, while osteoblasts are cell types that
synthesizes new bone.
A number of hormones, including thyroid, parathyroid, sex hormones, Vitamin D3, and others exert
their influence on bone remodeling and interact with immune system proteins such a interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Their production in turn is inhibited by estrogen and testosterone, so there is evidence that the balance
of sex hormones and interleukin-6 affects trabecular bone loss. Research also implicates the same
mechanism as a potential cause of some forms of hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid
arthritis, Paget's disease, multiple myeloma, and others.
In contrast, an increase in bone density through higher levels of sex hormones, versus a decrease in
interleukin-6 - or for that matter any number of similar mechanisms that increases bone density - poses
a greater risk for cancer, particularly breast cancer, which should be a concern when recommending a
routine (hormonal) drug approach in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Common drugs used to treat osteoporosis include:
• Evista (SERM / Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators),
• Calcimar, Miacalcin (injectable calcitonin, and nasal spray calcitonin),
• Forteo (injectable parathyroid hormone),
• Fosamax, Actonel, Didronel (oral bisphosphonates),
• Aredia, Zometa (injectable bisphosphonates),
• Reclast, Aclasta (once a year injectable bisphosphonates).
Potential side effects experienced with SERMs are hot flashes, leg cramps, fever, or flu-like symptoms
and/or increased incidence of infections, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, abdominal pain, insomnia,
urinary / gynecological problems, dizziness, sinusitis, weight gain.
Potential side effects experienced with calcitonin spray are nasal irritations, runny nose, nosebleeds,
itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, tongue, or face. With injectable calcitonin, they are
nausea, vomiting, skin rash and/or flushing, and allergic reactions similar to those with the spray.
Potential side effects experienced with Teriparatide (Forteo) are joint pains, headaches, leg cramps,
hypertension, angina, shortness of breath, nausea, various digestive problems, dizziness, depression,
insomnia, fatigue, rhinitis, skin rash and sweating.
Potential side effects experienced with bisphosphonates include heartburn and various digestive
problems, allergic reactions, esophageal ulcer, esophageal cancer, difficulty swallowing, headaches,
joint / muscle pain or cramps, fever / flu-like symptoms, serious atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm),
and osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after
minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed.
The exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy
or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Patients using bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth
extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.
After the approval of Fosamax in 1995 by the FDA, Merck & Co (the maker of Fosamax) launched a
marketing campaign to promote the preventative aspects of this drug for osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Part of that campaign saw a more than 10-fold increase in bone measuring devices, sponsored by the
same drug manufacturers, to target healthy, middle-aged (and even younger) women, despite a lack of
evidence that these machines or drugs actually benefited these women.
In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Merck to stop implying that all women develop
osteoporosis at menopause, and again In 2001, the FDA warned Merck that its Fosamax Web site
"overstates the benefits while minimizing the risks associated with the drug."
While an increase in bone density as a result of biphosphonate therapy has certainly been confirmed,
this increase in bone mass did not translate in increased bone strength, or bone quality.
A steadily growing number of critics not only question the varying standards and accuracy of different
bone density measuring machines, but also the widely varying T-scores (from different machines) and
their value in predetermining an individual's risk to develop osteoporosis. T-scores were close to being
abandoned altogether by the medical community, had it not been for the efforts by the pharmaceutical
companies, and manufacturers of bone density measuring devices to maintain their use until a better
way was found to assess fracture risks.
World Health Organization standards for the diagnosis of Osteoporosis:
1.0 SD (Standard Deviation)=Normal Bone Mass
1.0 SD to -1.0 SD= Mild or Borderline Osteopenia
-1.0 SD to -2.5 SD= Low Bone Mass or Moderate Osteopenia
-2.5 SD or Lower= Osteoporosis.
T Score: This score compares the bone mineral status of the patient to an average, healthy 25 to
30 year old Caucasian subject of the same sex.
Z Score: This score compares the bone mineral status of the patient to a subject of the same age,
sex, and ethnic background.
Nutritional Considerations for Osteoporosis:
There are two types of bone, the one being a solid cortical tissue, while the other is an interconnecting
honeycomb structure, called trabecular tissue. In the early stages of osteoporosis, this honeycomb
structure of trabecular bone may already be damaged, however bone density tests would not show
anything abnormal because the bone mass is still the same. Trabecular bone has a turnover rate of
about 25%, in contrast to about 3% of cortical bone undergoing remodeling every year
Bone is about 9% calcium carbonate, and 85% tricalcium phosphate, with the "phosphorus" part being
frequently disregarded. Too much or too little Phosphorus contributes to osteoporosis: Too much
promotes calcium loss through an excess acid medium, and too little encourages calcification, where
calcium is deposited outside of bone, or where an improper calcium / phosphorus ratio weakens the
bone matrix.
Magnesium - as magnesium phosphate (about 2%) - also has to be considered as being part of the
bone mineral make-up, where the amount should be adjusted to create a genetically ideal Ca/Mg ratio,
which for most practitioners is still an unresolved science in itself. (see also Acu-Cell "Mineral Ratios").
While Fluoride increases bone mass, too much of it increases brittleness of bone and thus promotes
fractures. Nevertheless, a certain amount is needed - about 4% as calcium fluoride - to harden bone.
Silicon, usually taken in the form of Silica (e.g from horsetail), is another trace mineral that helps in the
prevention of osteoporosis, and it is also especially helpful after fractures. This is in contrast to using
calcium, which when high, will actually slow the union process. It is not unusual to see patients, whose
fractures only heal properly after discontinuing calcium supplements.
Manganese helps to keep calcium soluble or bioavailable, and like Vitamin C and Zinc, assists with
calcium absorption. It also exhibits estrogenic qualities, making it useful in the treatment of menopausal
symptoms as well. Boron lowers manganese, which is an advantage with some types of liver diseases
where manganese is elevated and as a result, calcium levels are very low. However, in other situations,
boron could create a high calcium / manganese ratio if too much is consumed, so there is a potential of
creating other problems or conflicts (calcification), unless it is carefully matched to a patient's chemistry.
High Sodium retention - as a result of kidney problems - has the potential to reduce bone density by
negatively affecting an individual's calcium / magnesium ratio, so salt should be used sparingly under
those circumstances. The same consideration should be given to long-term use of Aspirin or other
NSAIDs, which tend to reduce magnesium, and eventually calcium levels, so they not only encourage
osteoporosis in prone individuals, but interfere with the healing of fractures as well. Cox-2 inhibitors
(Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra...) share the same negative association, however because of increasing the
risk of heart disease, many of these types of pain medications are not as readily prescribed any longer.
Steroid-types of drugs unfortunately also have a reputation of promoting osteoporosis and arthritis.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) reduces bone loss when due to elevated phosphorus, and for the same
reason it can be helpful for patients with certain gouty-types of arthritis. Although Vitamin A has been
found to be somewhat protective for several types of cancer, a higher intake encourages osteoporosis
(unless Estrogen is taken at the same time), so the same cautionary approach needs to be taken as
with some other forms of treatment - such as estrogen therapy alone - where the positive effect on one
condition (increased bone density) is offset by a greater risk for other serious consequences (cancer).
This adverse effect of preformed Vitamin A on bone density does not apply to beta carotene or mixed
carotenoids.
Vitamin K is mostly known for its involvement in blood coagulation, however it also plays an important,
but underrated role in the fight against osteoporosis. Vitamin K is able to regulate calcium through the
amino acid gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), and in particular the protein osteocalcin, which helps
maintain calcium in bone, but at the same time keeps it out of soft tissue. While Vitamin D helps in the
synthesis of osteocalcin, Vitamin K is required for it to function properly.
Research has shown that both, Vitamin K and Vitamin E help reduce calcification of arteries, however
Vitamin K (ideally in the form of K2) was additionally able to slow calcium loss in those with a tendency
to lose it, and that it better helped maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis than Vitamin D and
synthetic estrogen.
An analysis of several studies on the effects of Vitamin K on calcium metabolism suggested that people
suffering from osteoporosis are also at a greater risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease, particularly
calcification of the middle layer of arteries, resulting in arteriosclerosis.
Requesting an Osteocalcin Test will give patients some indication of their Vitamin K status, since
carboxylation (of osteocalcin) is dependant on Vitamin K. This in turn will give them some idea of their
risk for osteoporosis, and - to some degree - cardiovascular disease.
Stomach acid is another very important aspect with osteoporosis through its implication on calcium &
magnesium levels, whereby high acid levels encourage calcium loss, and low levels promote excessive
calcium storage (calcification, spurs...), resulting in bio-unavailability of calcium. Both extremes - too
much or too little stomach acid - have an unfavorable impact on osteoporosis. Using calcium citrate in
low-acid cases, and calcium carbonate in high-acid cases will compensate to some degree, but taking
calcium with meals, and supplementing it at smaller amounts (500mg or less at a time) throughout the
day will help the absorption of all types of calcium, and somewhat negate the otherwise negative effects
of abnormally high or low stomach acid levels. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Calcium & Magnesium" for
information on solubility and absorbability of various types of calcium).
Both, Chromium and Copper also contribute to healthy bones and reduce the risk for osteoporosis,
however copper levels are invariably much higher than chromium, so the high copper / chromium ratio
in practice actually encourages osteoporosis by resulting in a weaker trabecular bone and frequently
arthritis or other inflammatory diseases as well. The same applies when chromium is abnormally low in
ratio to potassium, selenium, and/or rarely, vanadium.
Chromium is required for proper parathyroid functions, so any chromium antagonists (selenium, copper,
potassium, vanadium,) can contribute to, or become responsible for bone loss if they are supplemented
needlessly, or if their levels remain too high for any other medical or dietary reasons.
AAACa / AdvaCAL Calcium consists of a patented oyster shell supplement that is made by heating
calcium to about 800°C, which breaks calcium carbonate up into calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide.
It is then combined with a heated algal ingredient to form AAACa. According to its developer Dr. Fujita,
AAACa was apparently more effective increasing trabecular bone density than calcium carbonate or
AACA alone (without the algal ingredient) containing the same amount of elemental calcium and without
the need for Vitamin D. If its high cost is no object, perhaps the potential health risks associated with
eliminating Vitamin D should be (see Acu-Cell "Diets & MLM" for detailed information on AdvaCal).
Coral Calcium is a heavily promoted product with lots of anecdotal success stories and the usual
unsubstantiated claims of miracle cures. Because there are various forms of Coral Calcium available
with many different mineral / nutritional formulations, there is no predictability as to the actual calcium
uptake a patient may expect. For those reasons, and some unwelcome side effects reported, patient
response under controlled clinical settings has been mostly negative, so Coral Calcium is not on the list
of products that can be recommended. (see also Acu-Cell "Diets & MLM" for details on Coral Calcium).
Strontium is not considered to be an essential trace mineral for humans at this time, however it can be
found in many multi-mineral formulations, in products that offer nutritional support in the prevention and
treatment of bone loss, and drugs used to treat osteoporosis, such as Protelos (strontium ranelate).
The action of strontium is closely related to that of calcium, although strontium retention varies inversely
with calcium intake. Normal diets provide just a few mgs of strontium a day, however to treat or prevent
bone loss, over 1,000 mg of strontium has to be ingested daily. This not only has the potential to cause
medical problems such as dental caries, rickets, and other side effects, but long-term supplementation
can also lower WBC, insulin, stomach acid levels, germanium, silicon, fluoride, and bismuth.
These effects should be kept in mind when considering the addition of any forms of strontium in the
treatment of osteoporosis, particularly since it does not appear to serve any unique or specific purpose
that no other nutrient could fulfill.
Since the consumption of sweets (candy, pastries, sweet fruit, sugar-added foods, soft drinks, honey),
as well as alcohol increases chromium requirements, and since these are rarely met in most individuals
unless extra amounts are supplemented, Sugar, from refined and natural sources - or all simple carbs -
are a major overlooked factor when dealing with osteoporosis, and one that is particularly prevalent in
Western Societies. (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index").
While complex carbohydrates from grain sources do not promote VLDL triglycerides and are thus much
healthier than simple carbs in regard to cardiovascular and other diseases, consuming large amounts
(of complex carbs) may in some individuals result in a higher phosphorus / calcium ratio, which is also
a well-recognized cause of osteoporosis.
Finally, there are those who claim that a high Protein intake in Western Societies is the most common
cause of osteoporosis. While high protein intake - particularly from fad diets - is definitely a concern not
only for osteoporosis, but also kidney functions, it is phosphorus, the end product of protein metabolism
that needs to be evaluated. It really doesn't matter whether one deals with abnormally high phosphates
from high protein or high grain consumption. Subsequently, high protein intake is safe in regard to
bone density and kidney functions as long as an individual's phosphorus status remains normal.
Many Vegetarians are under the assumption that in contrast to omnivores, their lower protein intake
protects them from osteoporosis, however for the above-mentioned reasons, a high grain intake, or
high sugar intake puts them into the same risk category as those following a high meat / protein diet.
It should also be mentioned that high oxalic acid-containing food sources such as spinach, rhubarb,
beet greens, or chards can have a very negative impact on individuals who have difficulty maintaining
adequate levels of calcium. As a result, they are equally at risk for osteoporosis since oxalic acid binds
to calcium and so reduces its absorption. Kale, broccoli, or collards are a better choice in such cases.
Patients prescribed Potassium Chloride (Slow K) might consider switching to Potassium Citrate for
its more favorable effect on bone mineral density.
Osteoporosis, soft tissue calcification, or bone (heel) spurs may also develop as a result of Excessive
uptake, or Retention of Calcium - following long-term use of Acid-lowering Drugs, supplementation
of too much calcium, or lack of calcium co-factors (Vitamin C, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein...),
which will render calcium bio-unavailable.
In that case, oxalic acid or phosphorus-rich sources, or any acid-forming foods such as meat, seafood,
eggs, dairy, pasta, bread.., would either prevent excessive uptake and storage of calcium, or they would
help render calcium more soluble by increasing bioavailability (and subsequently absorption into bone).
Increasing stomach acid has the same effect, while adequate Vitamin K prevents calcification of soft
tissue through its interaction with osteocalcin. ¤
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Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the latest term replacing daily dietary reference values such as
Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).
Vitamin A (Retinol):Vitamin D (Calciferol):
Vitamin A2 (3,4-dehydro-retinol),Vitamin D2 from plants (Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin A3 (3-hydroxy-retinol)Vitamin D3 from animals (Cholecalciferol)
DRI (RDA)
RI (RDA):
0-6 months2,000 IU or 400mcg0-6 months400 IU or 10mcg
6-12 months2,000 IU or 400mcg6-12 months400 IU or 10mcg
1-3 years2,000 IU or 400mcg1-3 years400 IU or 10mcg
4-6 years2,500 IU or 500mcg4-6 years400 IU or 10mcg
7-10 years3,500 IU or 700mcg7-10 years400 IU or 10mcg
11-18 years4,000 IU or 800mcg11-18 years400 IU or 10mcg
18+ years Males5,000 IU or 1,000mcg18+ years Males400 IU or 10mcg
18+ years Females4,000 IU or 800mcg18+ years Females400 IU or 10mcg
50+ years Males / Females400 IU or 10mcg
pregnant / lactating4,000 IU or 800mcgpregnant / lactating+200 IU or 5mcg
Unofficial daily intake recommended by many
researchers for adults living in the Northern
Hemisphere is 1,000 to 2,000 IU (25-50mcg)
of Vitamin D3 per day.
Therapeutic Range:5,000 IU - 100,000 IUTherapeutic Range:400 IU - 100,000 IU
Therapeutic Range for Beta carotene:10,000 IU - 100,000 IU (preferably from mixed carotenoids).
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Vitamin A Synergists:Vitamin D Synergists:
Iron, manganese, Vitamin C, fats, conjugatedVitamin C, Vitamin E, boron, [selenium],
linoleic acid (CLA), [zinc, Vitamin E, alcohol],lycopene, UV light,
Vitamin A Antagonists / Inhibitors:Vitamin D Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, mineral oil, [iron],Calcium, strontium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K,
alcohol, light, heat, air,cadmium, alcohol, mineral oil, light (Vit D2),
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Vitamin A:Vitamin D:
Night blindness, eye disorders / blindness, weakRickets, osteomalacia, osteopenia, bone pain,
dental enamel, poor bone growth, dry / rough skin,osteoporosis, weak muscles, spasms, cramps,
low resistance to infections, excessive mucous,hypocalemia (low blood calcium), some types
air-born allergies, bronchitis, bronchial asthma,of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, some cancers,
acne, some cancers,
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Vitamin A:Vitamin D:
Birth defects (over 8,000 IU / day) osteoporosis, hairCalcification of soft tissue (arteriosclerosis),
loss, bone pain, elevated blood sugar, liver damage,bone pain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure,
headaches, dizziness, double vision, bleeding gums,loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss,
seizures, confusion, dry / peeling skin, hydrocephaly,nausea, seizures, retarded growth (physical +
dry cough, asthma,mental), kidney damage, tetany of muscle, skin
erruptions, constipation, headaches, allergies,
Beta carotene: Carotenemia (orange skin color).worsens symptoms of autoimmune diseases,
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Vitamin A Sources:Vitamin D Sources:
Fish liver oils, liver, eggs, dairy products,Fish liver oils, seafood, fortified dairy products,
Beta carotene Sources: Carrots, broccoli, apricots, sweet potatoes, watermelon, pumpkin, kohlrabi.
================================================== ============================
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K1(phylloquinone, phytonadione) = from plants sources
Vitamin K2(menaquinone, menatetrenone)
MK4 = from animal sources (meat, eggs, dairy)
MK7 = from fermented food or intestinal bacteria
Vitamin K3(menadione, menadiol, menaquinone, menaphthone) = synthetic
DRI (RDA):
0-12 months10-20mcg
1-10 years15-60mcg
11-18 years50-100mcg
18 years +100mcg+
Therapeutic Range:100mcg - 45mg
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Vitamin K Synergists:Vitamin K Antagonists:
Calcium, copper, Vitamin B5, Vitamin D,Vitamin A, Vit E, mineral oil, oxalates, alcohol,
[(Bio)flavonoids],blood thinners / anticoagulants (coumadin),
Antibiotics - by killing intestinal bacteria,
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Bleeding, abnormal / prolonged blood clotting time, bruising, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease,
stroke, calcification, behavioral problems, failure to grow and develop normally in infants
Vitamin K3 only:
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Liver impairment / damage, hemolytic anemia, stomach upset, skin rash, brain damage in infants.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Vitamin K Sources:
Green tea, kale, collards, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, alfalfa, soybeans, tomatoes, oats, liver, egg
yolk, meat, fish liver oils, blackstrap molasses. Vitamin K is also made by bacteria in the intestines. ¤
================================================== ============================
General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or
eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
While many practitioners recommend nearly identical dietary lifestyles for people suffering from low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or diabetes (hyperglycemia), Sodium management, and the presence of
adequate amounts of Fiber, are an important consideration to help improve sugar metabolism in both
situations.
Sodium effectively slows insulin response, which in diabetics contributes to poor blood sugar control,
however for individuals suffering from low blood sugar (or even hyperinsulinism), higher sodium levels
can be an advantage because they prevent a quick rise and fall in insulin levels and subsequently
reduce those dreaded blood sugar highs and lows commonly experienced with hypoglycemia.
Some practitioners also place great importance on the Glycemic Index (GI) of any particular food
or beverage consumed, however from personal clinical experience, only the reduction or elimination
of simple sugar / carbs is necessary, while complex carbs, or even most refined carbs don't have to
be avoided at all - regardless of their glycemic index. (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index").
Symptoms experienced as a result of low blood sugar include weakness, mood swings, headaches,
nervousness, irritability, or nausea with milder cases, and there is the potential of visual disturbances,
shaking, sweating, confusion, palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, aggression or severe fatigue with more
severe cases of hypoglycemia.
Regardless of lifestyle changes or treatments recommended by their practitioners, there are general
rules which patients themselves can follow trying to control the symptoms of both, blood test-verified
hypoglycemia, or reactive hypogycemia (symptoms only):
• Meals have to be kept smaller and spread throughout the day. If possible, individuals prone for
hypoglycemic episodes should not go for more than three hours without a meal or snack.
• When consuming complex or refined carbs, they should be consumed with some fat or protein.
• Emphasis should be placed on increasing protein intake -- eggs, nuts, seeds, chicken, turkey, lamb,
beef, salmon, tuna..., or one may consider a protein supplement (if protein tests consistently low).
• Evaluating frequently-consumed foods by their potential to aggravate low blood sugar symptoms will
not only help with meal planning at home, but also with dinner invitations, or when travelling.
• Because of its blood sugar-lowering and blood pressure-lowering potential, the sweetener Stevia
should be evaluated first on an individual basis, before being regularly used by anyone suffering from
hypoglycemia, or general glucose tolerance problems. Feedback has been mixed, with stevia being
well tolerated by some, but less so (i.e. aggravated low blood sugar symptoms) by others.
Allowed are all foods containing complex and most refined carbohydrates, while simple sugars / carbs
should be eliminated. Following is a list of simple, refined and complex carbs:
Simple Carbs (to be eliminated):
White / brown sugar, honey, agave nectar, corn syrup, maple syrup, sorghum syrup, molasses.
Dried fruit, sweet / ripe fruit (bananas, pears, figs, dates, raisins, sweet melons...), licorice.
Fruit juices (apple juice), canned fruit (peaches, mixed fruit).
Manitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and other "...tol" variations, maltodextrin, stevia.
Sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, dextrose, galactose, trehalose, and other "...ose" variations.
Candy, chocolate, pop, donuts, cakes, cookies, sweetened cereal & granola, jam, marmalade.
Refined Carbs:
Most refined and processed, but unsweetened grain products, cereal, bread, buns, pasta,
general baked goods, bagels and granola without added sugars.
Complex Carbs:
Legumes, such as lentils, peas and beans.
Vegetables, such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, lettuce, peppers, potatoes.
Whole grains, white / brown rice, nuts and seeds, including whole-grain flour, bread, pasta, and cereal.
Additional considerations to reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia include the avoidance of Alcohol
and Caffeine, as well as foods or beverages that contain high amounts of Potassium (which lowers
chromium and manganese). The same applies to supplementing larger amounts of Vitamin C (which
stimulates insulin and lowers manganese), and Vitamin B6 (which supports potassium, magnesium,
and also lowers manganese).
Adding Supplemental Fiber to one's meals - particularly when carbohydrates are consumed - equally
benefits individuals suffering from hypoglycemia, and those with hyperglycemia. This may include the
most common type of soluble fibers such as Psyllium seed, available in powder, husks or tablet forms,
or may consist of a special fiber blend containing konjac root extract (glucomannan), sodium alginate,
xanthan gum, and others.
For Vegetarians, the lower protein content of many vegetarian foods can be a problem, as can be the
higher potassium and lower sodium levels - particularly with beans and potatoes - when compared to
animal products. One option is to place more emphasis on consuming celery, spinach or beets, which
have a lower potassium / higher sodium ratio. But regardless, vegetables - unless thoroughly cooked -
and fruit provide the least satiety, although baked potatoes (consumed without any fat) ranked highest
on the Satiety Index. Unfortunately, the ratings were only valid for the first two hours after consumption.
For ovo vegetarians, having eggs for breakfast provides one of the best protein bases to help maintain
adequate blood sugar control into the day, while oatmeal may be a reasonable compromise for vegans.
Most Nuts - if otherwise tolerated - can, or should be part of a hypoglycemic diet, being a convenient
source of protein for those trying to manage low blood sugar symptoms. Cashews, chestnuts, and
coconuts in particular have a lower potassium / higher sodium ratio, which helps sustain higher blood
sugar levels. Coconuts (i.e. coconut oil) also contain larger amounts of medium chain triglycerides
(MCT), which may offer nutritional support in a number of medical conditions, including seizures, poor
immunity or immunosuppression, and various malabsorption syndromes. Nuts, particularly almonds,
and (sunflower) seeds are also convenient, non-perishable foods when travelling.
Supplements to consider for Hypoglycemia:
(which should be assessed for compatibility and requirements)
• Chelated chromium 500-2000mcg+/day,
• Chelated manganese 25-50mg+/day,
• Niacinamide 100-500mg+/day,
• Biotin 250-2000mcg+/day,
• Choline bitartrate 250-1000mg+/day,
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) 300mg+/day,
• Vitamin E 400-800 I/day.
Choline bitartrate should be used with caution if there is a disposition for water retention (swollen hands
or feet), since it boosts aldosterone activity, which in turn results in sodium retention. However very low
sodium levels can also result in edema, in which case higher sodium retention as a result of boosting
someone's aldosterone levels is advantageous and can at times lead to tremendous water weight loss.
In very low aldosterone types, licorice may be considered for its sodium-raising and potassium-lowering
effect.
Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL
and their Relationship to Spinal Manipulation and Alignment.
Most standard Calcium / Magnesium formulations are sold in a ratio of 2:1, while recommendations
by nutritional practitioners can vary from a 4:1 - 1:1 (Cal/Mag) ratio. Some sources claim that calcium
and magnesium oppose each other at the intracellular level, thus low magnesium intake causes high
calcium storage or calcification, while other sources maintain that magnesium is needed for proper
calcium absorption. As a result, low magnesium intake can be responsible for low calcium levels.
Which is correct - And is there an "optimal" Calcium / Magnesium ratio?
Unless the intracellular status of calcium, magnesium or other essential trace elements is measured,
it is nearly impossible to predict what exactly will happen to calcium under specific circumstances.
Other than the effects of one-sided diets, one-sided supplementation, or organ damage from trauma,
infections, or drug use, there are also renal, intestinal and hormonal factors --- all having an impact on
someone's mineral status, so there cannot be a fixed mineral ratio that is best for everyone since there
are just too many variables.
As a result, some people retain far too much calcium and are constantly struggling to meet magnesium
requirements, while others suffer from magnesium overload and have to supplement larger amounts of
calcium to overcome calcium deficiencies. There may also be neurological implications - primarily
through spinal alignment problems - which are addressed further below.
Even in a healthy body - without any of the above ramifications - the effect of magnesium on calcium
(and vice versa) is not always easy to predict, since its ability to increase or lower calcium depends on
many factors, including the type used (citrate, gluconate, carbonate, etc), and their resulting effect on
stomach acid levels. If zinc is on the high side, and potassium is low, then taking extra magnesium will
usually lower calcium, because magnesium supports zinc, but lowers potassium. On the other hand, if
potassium is higher, and zinc is on the low side, then taking magnesium will likely push calcium higher
as well. Vitamin D increases calcium and magnesium, as well as phosphorus absorption.
If calcium is above-normal, but magnesium is even higher than calcium, there is a good chance that an
individual will eventually experience symptoms of calcium deficiency, as shown in the following graph:
High potassium synergistically supports an increase in intracellular calcium, as does high copper,
with Vitamin D affecting mostly serum calcium levels through hormonal action and increased intestinal
absorption. Boron affects calcium and magnesium uptake as well, however it generally doesn't come
into play with the average individual unless supplemented. Low levels of manganese, phosphorus,
zinc, nickel and Vitamin C encourage an increase in intracellular calcium ratio-wise and will eventually
create a risk for calcification. However, it is not unusual to actually experience symptoms of calcium
deficiency in some cases because of calcium becoming bio-unavailable, resulting in calcium loss from
bone.
When increasing manganese, phosphorus, zinc, fluoride, Vitamin C, stomach acid... to normal levels,
calcium uptake is generally optimized to normal levels as well, and usually no calcification takes place.
However, increasing these same co-factors to above-normal levels will increase the risk for calcium
loss, with all its undesirable consequences. One could include protein as well, but it is phosphorus, the
resulting end product, that determines at what point excessive protein will start to interfere with normal
calcium metabolism.
Abnormal Mineral Ratios are largely responsible for resulting medical symptoms being side-specific.
Unless low stomach acid is involved, in which case sidedness is not a factor, many heel spurs occur
only on one side, and there are documented cases where large numbers of kidney stones developed
in one kidney only, but never in the other, unless one is surgically removed. The reason is quite simple,
with the problem side being frequently predictable:
In the above example - provided the patient is predisposed for kidney stones - they will be oxalic acid-
based, and invariably occur in the left kidney only as long as that patient has two otherwise functioning
kidneys. In the example below, of someone with a chemical make-up prone for heel spurs, they would
develop in the right heel only.
Many practitioners only try to correct a patient's calcium / magnesium ratio in an attempt to address
specific health issues, however normalizing the ratios of as many other associated, essential mineral
pairs as possible is just as important in the nutritional prevention or treatment of medical conditions,
which include:
Calcium-MagnesiumPhosphorus-Sodium
Iron-ManganeseZinc-Potassium
Selenium-SulfurTin-Iodine
Germanium-SiliconBismuth-Lithium
Nickel-CobaltChromium-Copper
Fluoride-ChlorideVanadium-Molybdenum
For instance, sciatic pain is frequently relieved by correcting a patient's zinc / potassium ratio. Many
upper back / neck disorders, as well as insomnia and some anxieties can be alleviated by normalizing
a patient's calcium / magnesium ratio. Other types of anxiety, fatigue, depression... relate to abnormal
nickel / cobalt ratios, while correcting an individual's tin / iodine ratio helps with a number of conditions
that include insomnia, palpitations, tachycardia, anxieties, depression, fatigue, chest pain, and others.
Nutritional factors such as Rutin & Hesperidin interact in a similar fashion, whereby imbalances result
in vascular degenerative disorders, that are frequently one-sided (see also Acu-Cell "Bioflavonoids").
* * *
Spinal Alignment (neurological factor) has a profound effect on mineral ratios - which is something
that has not been taught in Chiropractic Schools thus far. The relationship became apparent to me
after many years of measuring patients before and after they visited a Chiropractor or an Osteopath,
where all of a sudden certain mineral ratios - corresponding to specific spinal segments - unexpectedly
changed.
However, not only can spinal manipulation affect the ratio of various minerals -- it works the other way
around as well. By supplementing various amounts of minerals to manipulate their ratio, one can also
affect spinal alignment of the corresponding segment - both positively or negatively! This generally
works provided there is good spinal mobility, otherwise manual manipulation is required, particularly
when calcification is involved, or when long-term supplementation has failed to achieve normal ratios.
In such cases, a few spinal adjustments may be the answer, which will correct / normalize a particular
mineral ratio, and resolve related medical symptoms as well.
This is also one reason why chiropractic adjustments are at times able to correct specific medical
problems - other than simple skeletal or muscular disorders - and where orthodox medical reasoning
cannot find or explain the mechanism involved. We are all too familiar how patients keep visiting
Chiropractors over and over again, with the effects frequently only lasting a few days, or sometimes
only a few hours. In some cases the solution to that can be quite simple: Once you normalize the ratio
of as many associated mineral pairs as possible - corresponding to the troublesome spinal segments -
the adjustment will subsequently "hold" and further manipulations are no longer necessary.
Only mineral pairs that are associated with one another such as calcium to magnesium are able to
affect specific spinal segments, which in case of calcium and magnesium would be T1, or in case of
copper and chromium would be L1. The ratio of other mineral pairs such as potassium / sodium, or
iron / zinc has mostly organic implications - or only indirectly effects spinal alignment, but they are not
associated with specific spinal segments.
Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can develop when several related mineral ratios become abnormal
and subsequently affect their corresponding spinal segments. Practitioners who look at scoliosis from
a congenital or structural perspective alone neglect the possible chemical, neurological and/or organic
implications with this condition, and they subsequently try to treat scoliosis with exercise, braces, casts
or corrective surgery only. Chiropractic manipulation is another option and may be helpful in slowing or
even reversing some forms of scoliosis, provided patients receive regular and ongoing adjustments.
If the primary treatment of scoliosis consists of normalizing a patient's corresponding mineral ratios
(which may also include complementary exercise, chiropractic care, and/or a change in habit-forming
one-sided sitting or sleeping positions), then any related chemical, neurological, or organic medical
conditions are also taken care of at the same time. This also applies to the treatment of Sciatica
when not related to a herniated disk. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Zinc & Potassium").
* * *
While it is fairly simple to change a particular mineral ratio with some patients, it is much more difficult
with a good percentage of other patients, where mineral ratios are more fixed as a result of genetics,
a very one-sided diet, organ damage, old age, or arthritic changes in their corresponding spinal area.
Supplementing large amounts of single nutrients can also have a dramatic effect on mineral ratios,
where for instance taking higher doses of Vitamin B6 on a long-term basis will ultimately result in a
high magnesium / low calcium ratio. Injections of Vitamin B6 (usually combined with Vitamin B12)
given at weight loss clinics affect calcium / magnesium ratios even faster, and if not matched to the
individual's nutritional requirements, can lead to a severe calcium deficiency with the usual variety of
low calcium-related medical symptoms. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Calcium & Magnesium").
In low sodium types, regular intake of higher doses of Vitamin B6 creates a somewhat different picture,
where the raising effect on magnesium will also result in an increasingly higher magnesium / calcium
ratio, however in addition to lowering lithium and eventually calcium levels, an abnormally high retention
of magnesium will result in dramatically lower sodium and silicon, but increased phosphorus levels.
Common long-term effects include alignment problems and/or eventual spinal degeneration at T1 (with
right-sided symptoms in the upper back / shoulder area) and at L2, along with general osteoarthritic
changes in various joints.
As a result, Vitamin B6 therapy should only be used for someone with an otherwise difficult-to-manage
low magnesium / high calcium ratio (where calcium is always high, and magnesium is always low).
Outside of testing cellular levels, there is no easy answer as to whether a patient should supplement
only calcium, only magnesium, or both, and if a "Cal-Mag" formulation is used, what the ratio should be.
Blood tests are of no benefit since serum calcium is pretty well fixed, with dietary changes having little
impact on its value. To varying degrees, the same applies to many other minerals or trace elements,
or there is a non-linear response, where low values can only be raised up to a certain level through
diet or supplementation. Cellular levels and ratios on the other hand do not have those limitations and
continue to increase / decrease linearly in response to dietary or supplemental intake, or they change
in response to various medical conditions.
Many individuals rely on extra amounts of Calcium + Vitamin D when trying to treat and/or prevent
osteopenia (early stages of bone loss) or osteoporosis, and when unsuccessful, they generally resort
to using drugs specifically formulated to stop the progression of this disease.
Long-term effects of many of these medications are still unclear since increased bone mass doesn't
always translate into increased bone strength. On the other hand, when analyzing individual reasons
for developing osteoporosis, it becomes clear that most factors can be resolved through a change in
lifestyle, or through individually-tailored nutritional supplementation.
Without the addition of weight-bearing exercise however, no program for the treatment or prevention
of osteoporosis can be considered complete. Climbing stairs, running, lifting weights - and to some
extent walking - are all among those exercises considered beneficial in maintaining bone density, in
contrast to activities such as swimming, which are less helpful for osteoporosis.
While weight-bearing exercises require some degree of mobility, there is a passive, drug-free concept
that helps prevent bone loss even for infirm or wheelchair-bound individuals. It consists of subjecting
bone to mild Vibrations, which - just like vigorous exercise - helps actually increase bone density, and
it is an effective treatment for normal and problem fractures as well. Increases of up to 30% in bone
density were reported in sheep studies after one year by having them stand on a vibrating platform for
a few minutes a day.
Controlled human studies on postmenopausal women are still underway, but in a pilot study of disabled
children, all of those who stood on the vibrating device showed increased bone density, in contrast to
those who had not. Despite spending about 2 hours each day working out with all kinds of devices,
astronauts still experience muscle and bone loss at a rate of about 0.2% per month, so therapies with
such devices, which - depending on design - vibrate at a rate of 20 to 90 Hz, are therefore a convenient
solution.
Vibrating platforms for personal and professional use (e.g. Power Plate) are selling from a few hundred
to a few thousand dollars. They promise to increase bone density, muscle strength and tone, improve
circulation, help heal sports injuries faster and reduce pain with just three 15-minute workouts per week.
Osteoporosis is a disease of excessive demineralization of bone, which on average starts to take
place in both sexes after age 35. While men are less affected, the decrease in the bone density of
postmenopausal women is a much more serious problem, however by age 75, the gap closes where
both genders become equally prone for bone loss. For instance, after sustaining a hip fracture, it is
estimated that 20% of patients die within one year, 50% cannot walk any longer without assistance,
while 25% may have to be institutionalized in long-term nursing care facilities.
Causes of osteoporosis include a decrease in osteoblast function, a change in parathyroid activity as
a compensatory factor for decreased calcium absorption, and usually a combination of either less sun
exposure and/or a decreased ability to synthesize Vitamin D, or insufficient dietary intake of Vitamin D.
Additional causes include sedentary lifestyles, which play a significant part, there are genetic factors,
which are less-common, while insufficient sex hormones and body weight (anorexia), various stimulants
and drugs (caffeine, alcohol, glucocorticoids [cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone] , Lupron [GnRH
agonist to lower hormones], Depo-Provera [a form of progesterone]...), hyperthyroidism, and kidney
disease are also contributing factors.
Bone remodeling is a process where the adult skeleton undergoes a continuous turnover whereby
old bone is resorbed by osteoclasts and new bone is formed by osteoblasts. Osteoclasts are cell types
that degrade bone and its protein components by releasing calcium from bone into circulation, where
calcium can either remain, or be excreted in urine and feces, while osteoblasts are cell types that
synthesizes new bone.
A number of hormones, including thyroid, parathyroid, sex hormones, Vitamin D3, and others exert
their influence on bone remodeling and interact with immune system proteins such a interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Their production in turn is inhibited by estrogen and testosterone, so there is evidence that the balance
of sex hormones and interleukin-6 affects trabecular bone loss. Research also implicates the same
mechanism as a potential cause of some forms of hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid
arthritis, Paget's disease, multiple myeloma, and others.
In contrast, an increase in bone density through higher levels of sex hormones, versus a decrease in
interleukin-6 - or for that matter any number of similar mechanisms that increases bone density - poses
a greater risk for cancer, particularly breast cancer, which should be a concern when recommending a
routine (hormonal) drug approach in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Common drugs used to treat osteoporosis include:
• Evista (SERM / Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators),
• Calcimar, Miacalcin (injectable calcitonin, and nasal spray calcitonin),
• Forteo (injectable parathyroid hormone),
• Fosamax, Actonel, Didronel (oral bisphosphonates),
• Aredia, Zometa (injectable bisphosphonates),
• Reclast, Aclasta (once a year injectable bisphosphonates).
Potential side effects experienced with SERMs are hot flashes, leg cramps, fever, or flu-like symptoms
and/or increased incidence of infections, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, abdominal pain, insomnia,
urinary / gynecological problems, dizziness, sinusitis, weight gain.
Potential side effects experienced with calcitonin spray are nasal irritations, runny nose, nosebleeds,
itching, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, tongue, or face. With injectable calcitonin, they are
nausea, vomiting, skin rash and/or flushing, and allergic reactions similar to those with the spray.
Potential side effects experienced with Teriparatide (Forteo) are joint pains, headaches, leg cramps,
hypertension, angina, shortness of breath, nausea, various digestive problems, dizziness, depression,
insomnia, fatigue, rhinitis, skin rash and sweating.
Potential side effects experienced with bisphosphonates include heartburn and various digestive
problems, allergic reactions, esophageal ulcer, esophageal cancer, difficulty swallowing, headaches,
joint / muscle pain or cramps, fever / flu-like symptoms, serious atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm),
and osteonecrosis of the jaw. This is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after
minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed.
The exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy
or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Patients using bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth
extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.
After the approval of Fosamax in 1995 by the FDA, Merck & Co (the maker of Fosamax) launched a
marketing campaign to promote the preventative aspects of this drug for osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Part of that campaign saw a more than 10-fold increase in bone measuring devices, sponsored by the
same drug manufacturers, to target healthy, middle-aged (and even younger) women, despite a lack of
evidence that these machines or drugs actually benefited these women.
In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Merck to stop implying that all women develop
osteoporosis at menopause, and again In 2001, the FDA warned Merck that its Fosamax Web site
"overstates the benefits while minimizing the risks associated with the drug."
While an increase in bone density as a result of biphosphonate therapy has certainly been confirmed,
this increase in bone mass did not translate in increased bone strength, or bone quality.
A steadily growing number of critics not only question the varying standards and accuracy of different
bone density measuring machines, but also the widely varying T-scores (from different machines) and
their value in predetermining an individual's risk to develop osteoporosis. T-scores were close to being
abandoned altogether by the medical community, had it not been for the efforts by the pharmaceutical
companies, and manufacturers of bone density measuring devices to maintain their use until a better
way was found to assess fracture risks.
World Health Organization standards for the diagnosis of Osteoporosis:
1.0 SD (Standard Deviation)=Normal Bone Mass
1.0 SD to -1.0 SD= Mild or Borderline Osteopenia
-1.0 SD to -2.5 SD= Low Bone Mass or Moderate Osteopenia
-2.5 SD or Lower= Osteoporosis.
T Score: This score compares the bone mineral status of the patient to an average, healthy 25 to
30 year old Caucasian subject of the same sex.
Z Score: This score compares the bone mineral status of the patient to a subject of the same age,
sex, and ethnic background.
Nutritional Considerations for Osteoporosis:
There are two types of bone, the one being a solid cortical tissue, while the other is an interconnecting
honeycomb structure, called trabecular tissue. In the early stages of osteoporosis, this honeycomb
structure of trabecular bone may already be damaged, however bone density tests would not show
anything abnormal because the bone mass is still the same. Trabecular bone has a turnover rate of
about 25%, in contrast to about 3% of cortical bone undergoing remodeling every year
Bone is about 9% calcium carbonate, and 85% tricalcium phosphate, with the "phosphorus" part being
frequently disregarded. Too much or too little Phosphorus contributes to osteoporosis: Too much
promotes calcium loss through an excess acid medium, and too little encourages calcification, where
calcium is deposited outside of bone, or where an improper calcium / phosphorus ratio weakens the
bone matrix.
Magnesium - as magnesium phosphate (about 2%) - also has to be considered as being part of the
bone mineral make-up, where the amount should be adjusted to create a genetically ideal Ca/Mg ratio,
which for most practitioners is still an unresolved science in itself. (see also Acu-Cell "Mineral Ratios").
While Fluoride increases bone mass, too much of it increases brittleness of bone and thus promotes
fractures. Nevertheless, a certain amount is needed - about 4% as calcium fluoride - to harden bone.
Silicon, usually taken in the form of Silica (e.g from horsetail), is another trace mineral that helps in the
prevention of osteoporosis, and it is also especially helpful after fractures. This is in contrast to using
calcium, which when high, will actually slow the union process. It is not unusual to see patients, whose
fractures only heal properly after discontinuing calcium supplements.
Manganese helps to keep calcium soluble or bioavailable, and like Vitamin C and Zinc, assists with
calcium absorption. It also exhibits estrogenic qualities, making it useful in the treatment of menopausal
symptoms as well. Boron lowers manganese, which is an advantage with some types of liver diseases
where manganese is elevated and as a result, calcium levels are very low. However, in other situations,
boron could create a high calcium / manganese ratio if too much is consumed, so there is a potential of
creating other problems or conflicts (calcification), unless it is carefully matched to a patient's chemistry.
High Sodium retention - as a result of kidney problems - has the potential to reduce bone density by
negatively affecting an individual's calcium / magnesium ratio, so salt should be used sparingly under
those circumstances. The same consideration should be given to long-term use of Aspirin or other
NSAIDs, which tend to reduce magnesium, and eventually calcium levels, so they not only encourage
osteoporosis in prone individuals, but interfere with the healing of fractures as well. Cox-2 inhibitors
(Celebrex, Vioxx, Bextra...) share the same negative association, however because of increasing the
risk of heart disease, many of these types of pain medications are not as readily prescribed any longer.
Steroid-types of drugs unfortunately also have a reputation of promoting osteoporosis and arthritis.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) reduces bone loss when due to elevated phosphorus, and for the same
reason it can be helpful for patients with certain gouty-types of arthritis. Although Vitamin A has been
found to be somewhat protective for several types of cancer, a higher intake encourages osteoporosis
(unless Estrogen is taken at the same time), so the same cautionary approach needs to be taken as
with some other forms of treatment - such as estrogen therapy alone - where the positive effect on one
condition (increased bone density) is offset by a greater risk for other serious consequences (cancer).
This adverse effect of preformed Vitamin A on bone density does not apply to beta carotene or mixed
carotenoids.
Vitamin K is mostly known for its involvement in blood coagulation, however it also plays an important,
but underrated role in the fight against osteoporosis. Vitamin K is able to regulate calcium through the
amino acid gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), and in particular the protein osteocalcin, which helps
maintain calcium in bone, but at the same time keeps it out of soft tissue. While Vitamin D helps in the
synthesis of osteocalcin, Vitamin K is required for it to function properly.
Research has shown that both, Vitamin K and Vitamin E help reduce calcification of arteries, however
Vitamin K (ideally in the form of K2) was additionally able to slow calcium loss in those with a tendency
to lose it, and that it better helped maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis than Vitamin D and
synthetic estrogen.
An analysis of several studies on the effects of Vitamin K on calcium metabolism suggested that people
suffering from osteoporosis are also at a greater risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease, particularly
calcification of the middle layer of arteries, resulting in arteriosclerosis.
Requesting an Osteocalcin Test will give patients some indication of their Vitamin K status, since
carboxylation (of osteocalcin) is dependant on Vitamin K. This in turn will give them some idea of their
risk for osteoporosis, and - to some degree - cardiovascular disease.
Stomach acid is another very important aspect with osteoporosis through its implication on calcium &
magnesium levels, whereby high acid levels encourage calcium loss, and low levels promote excessive
calcium storage (calcification, spurs...), resulting in bio-unavailability of calcium. Both extremes - too
much or too little stomach acid - have an unfavorable impact on osteoporosis. Using calcium citrate in
low-acid cases, and calcium carbonate in high-acid cases will compensate to some degree, but taking
calcium with meals, and supplementing it at smaller amounts (500mg or less at a time) throughout the
day will help the absorption of all types of calcium, and somewhat negate the otherwise negative effects
of abnormally high or low stomach acid levels. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "Calcium & Magnesium" for
information on solubility and absorbability of various types of calcium).
Both, Chromium and Copper also contribute to healthy bones and reduce the risk for osteoporosis,
however copper levels are invariably much higher than chromium, so the high copper / chromium ratio
in practice actually encourages osteoporosis by resulting in a weaker trabecular bone and frequently
arthritis or other inflammatory diseases as well. The same applies when chromium is abnormally low in
ratio to potassium, selenium, and/or rarely, vanadium.
Chromium is required for proper parathyroid functions, so any chromium antagonists (selenium, copper,
potassium, vanadium,) can contribute to, or become responsible for bone loss if they are supplemented
needlessly, or if their levels remain too high for any other medical or dietary reasons.
AAACa / AdvaCAL Calcium consists of a patented oyster shell supplement that is made by heating
calcium to about 800°C, which breaks calcium carbonate up into calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide.
It is then combined with a heated algal ingredient to form AAACa. According to its developer Dr. Fujita,
AAACa was apparently more effective increasing trabecular bone density than calcium carbonate or
AACA alone (without the algal ingredient) containing the same amount of elemental calcium and without
the need for Vitamin D. If its high cost is no object, perhaps the potential health risks associated with
eliminating Vitamin D should be (see Acu-Cell "Diets & MLM" for detailed information on AdvaCal).
Coral Calcium is a heavily promoted product with lots of anecdotal success stories and the usual
unsubstantiated claims of miracle cures. Because there are various forms of Coral Calcium available
with many different mineral / nutritional formulations, there is no predictability as to the actual calcium
uptake a patient may expect. For those reasons, and some unwelcome side effects reported, patient
response under controlled clinical settings has been mostly negative, so Coral Calcium is not on the list
of products that can be recommended. (see also Acu-Cell "Diets & MLM" for details on Coral Calcium).
Strontium is not considered to be an essential trace mineral for humans at this time, however it can be
found in many multi-mineral formulations, in products that offer nutritional support in the prevention and
treatment of bone loss, and drugs used to treat osteoporosis, such as Protelos (strontium ranelate).
The action of strontium is closely related to that of calcium, although strontium retention varies inversely
with calcium intake. Normal diets provide just a few mgs of strontium a day, however to treat or prevent
bone loss, over 1,000 mg of strontium has to be ingested daily. This not only has the potential to cause
medical problems such as dental caries, rickets, and other side effects, but long-term supplementation
can also lower WBC, insulin, stomach acid levels, germanium, silicon, fluoride, and bismuth.
These effects should be kept in mind when considering the addition of any forms of strontium in the
treatment of osteoporosis, particularly since it does not appear to serve any unique or specific purpose
that no other nutrient could fulfill.
Since the consumption of sweets (candy, pastries, sweet fruit, sugar-added foods, soft drinks, honey),
as well as alcohol increases chromium requirements, and since these are rarely met in most individuals
unless extra amounts are supplemented, Sugar, from refined and natural sources - or all simple carbs -
are a major overlooked factor when dealing with osteoporosis, and one that is particularly prevalent in
Western Societies. (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index").
While complex carbohydrates from grain sources do not promote VLDL triglycerides and are thus much
healthier than simple carbs in regard to cardiovascular and other diseases, consuming large amounts
(of complex carbs) may in some individuals result in a higher phosphorus / calcium ratio, which is also
a well-recognized cause of osteoporosis.
Finally, there are those who claim that a high Protein intake in Western Societies is the most common
cause of osteoporosis. While high protein intake - particularly from fad diets - is definitely a concern not
only for osteoporosis, but also kidney functions, it is phosphorus, the end product of protein metabolism
that needs to be evaluated. It really doesn't matter whether one deals with abnormally high phosphates
from high protein or high grain consumption. Subsequently, high protein intake is safe in regard to
bone density and kidney functions as long as an individual's phosphorus status remains normal.
Many Vegetarians are under the assumption that in contrast to omnivores, their lower protein intake
protects them from osteoporosis, however for the above-mentioned reasons, a high grain intake, or
high sugar intake puts them into the same risk category as those following a high meat / protein diet.
It should also be mentioned that high oxalic acid-containing food sources such as spinach, rhubarb,
beet greens, or chards can have a very negative impact on individuals who have difficulty maintaining
adequate levels of calcium. As a result, they are equally at risk for osteoporosis since oxalic acid binds
to calcium and so reduces its absorption. Kale, broccoli, or collards are a better choice in such cases.
Patients prescribed Potassium Chloride (Slow K) might consider switching to Potassium Citrate for
its more favorable effect on bone mineral density.
Osteoporosis, soft tissue calcification, or bone (heel) spurs may also develop as a result of Excessive
uptake, or Retention of Calcium - following long-term use of Acid-lowering Drugs, supplementation
of too much calcium, or lack of calcium co-factors (Vitamin C, zinc, manganese, magnesium, protein...),
which will render calcium bio-unavailable.
In that case, oxalic acid or phosphorus-rich sources, or any acid-forming foods such as meat, seafood,
eggs, dairy, pasta, bread.., would either prevent excessive uptake and storage of calcium, or they would
help render calcium more soluble by increasing bioavailability (and subsequently absorption into bone).
Increasing stomach acid has the same effect, while adequate Vitamin K prevents calcification of soft
tissue through its interaction with osteocalcin. ¤
================================================== ============================
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the latest term replacing daily dietary reference values such as
Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), Estimated Average Requirements (EAR),
Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), and Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI).
Vitamin A (Retinol):Vitamin D (Calciferol):
Vitamin A2 (3,4-dehydro-retinol),Vitamin D2 from plants (Ergocalciferol)
Vitamin A3 (3-hydroxy-retinol)Vitamin D3 from animals (Cholecalciferol)
DRI (RDA)
RI (RDA):0-6 months2,000 IU or 400mcg0-6 months400 IU or 10mcg
6-12 months2,000 IU or 400mcg6-12 months400 IU or 10mcg
1-3 years2,000 IU or 400mcg1-3 years400 IU or 10mcg
4-6 years2,500 IU or 500mcg4-6 years400 IU or 10mcg
7-10 years3,500 IU or 700mcg7-10 years400 IU or 10mcg
11-18 years4,000 IU or 800mcg11-18 years400 IU or 10mcg
18+ years Males5,000 IU or 1,000mcg18+ years Males400 IU or 10mcg
18+ years Females4,000 IU or 800mcg18+ years Females400 IU or 10mcg
50+ years Males / Females400 IU or 10mcg
pregnant / lactating4,000 IU or 800mcgpregnant / lactating+200 IU or 5mcg
Unofficial daily intake recommended by many
researchers for adults living in the Northern
Hemisphere is 1,000 to 2,000 IU (25-50mcg)
of Vitamin D3 per day.
Therapeutic Range:5,000 IU - 100,000 IUTherapeutic Range:400 IU - 100,000 IU
Therapeutic Range for Beta carotene:10,000 IU - 100,000 IU (preferably from mixed carotenoids).
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Vitamin A Synergists:Vitamin D Synergists:
Iron, manganese, Vitamin C, fats, conjugatedVitamin C, Vitamin E, boron, [selenium],
linoleic acid (CLA), [zinc, Vitamin E, alcohol],lycopene, UV light,
Vitamin A Antagonists / Inhibitors:Vitamin D Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, mineral oil, [iron],Calcium, strontium, Vitamin A, Vitamin K,
alcohol, light, heat, air,cadmium, alcohol, mineral oil, light (Vit D2),
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Vitamin A:Vitamin D:
Night blindness, eye disorders / blindness, weakRickets, osteomalacia, osteopenia, bone pain,
dental enamel, poor bone growth, dry / rough skin,osteoporosis, weak muscles, spasms, cramps,
low resistance to infections, excessive mucous,hypocalemia (low blood calcium), some types
air-born allergies, bronchitis, bronchial asthma,of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, some cancers,
acne, some cancers,
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Vitamin A:Vitamin D:
Birth defects (over 8,000 IU / day) osteoporosis, hairCalcification of soft tissue (arteriosclerosis),
loss, bone pain, elevated blood sugar, liver damage,bone pain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure,
headaches, dizziness, double vision, bleeding gums,loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss,
seizures, confusion, dry / peeling skin, hydrocephaly,nausea, seizures, retarded growth (physical +
dry cough, asthma,mental), kidney damage, tetany of muscle, skin
erruptions, constipation, headaches, allergies,
Beta carotene: Carotenemia (orange skin color).worsens symptoms of autoimmune diseases,
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Vitamin A Sources:Vitamin D Sources:
Fish liver oils, liver, eggs, dairy products,Fish liver oils, seafood, fortified dairy products,
Beta carotene Sources: Carrots, broccoli, apricots, sweet potatoes, watermelon, pumpkin, kohlrabi.
================================================== ============================
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K1(phylloquinone, phytonadione) = from plants sources
Vitamin K2(menaquinone, menatetrenone)
MK4 = from animal sources (meat, eggs, dairy)
MK7 = from fermented food or intestinal bacteria
Vitamin K3(menadione, menadiol, menaquinone, menaphthone) = synthetic
DRI (RDA):
0-12 months10-20mcg
1-10 years15-60mcg
11-18 years50-100mcg
18 years +100mcg+
Therapeutic Range:100mcg - 45mg
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Vitamin K Synergists:Vitamin K Antagonists:
Calcium, copper, Vitamin B5, Vitamin D,Vitamin A, Vit E, mineral oil, oxalates, alcohol,
[(Bio)flavonoids],blood thinners / anticoagulants (coumadin),
Antibiotics - by killing intestinal bacteria,
Low Levels / Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Bleeding, abnormal / prolonged blood clotting time, bruising, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease,
stroke, calcification, behavioral problems, failure to grow and develop normally in infants
Vitamin K3 only:
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
Liver impairment / damage, hemolytic anemia, stomach upset, skin rash, brain damage in infants.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
Vitamin K Sources:
Green tea, kale, collards, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, alfalfa, soybeans, tomatoes, oats, liver, egg
yolk, meat, fish liver oils, blackstrap molasses. Vitamin K is also made by bacteria in the intestines. ¤
================================================== ============================
General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and promote
better tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When
taken on an empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or
eventually erosion of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
It is also advisable not to lie down immediately after taking any pills.
When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses to
not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
While many practitioners recommend nearly identical dietary lifestyles for people suffering from low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or diabetes (hyperglycemia), Sodium management, and the presence of
adequate amounts of Fiber, are an important consideration to help improve sugar metabolism in both
situations.
Sodium effectively slows insulin response, which in diabetics contributes to poor blood sugar control,
however for individuals suffering from low blood sugar (or even hyperinsulinism), higher sodium levels
can be an advantage because they prevent a quick rise and fall in insulin levels and subsequently
reduce those dreaded blood sugar highs and lows commonly experienced with hypoglycemia.
Some practitioners also place great importance on the Glycemic Index (GI) of any particular food
or beverage consumed, however from personal clinical experience, only the reduction or elimination
of simple sugar / carbs is necessary, while complex carbs, or even most refined carbs don't have to
be avoided at all - regardless of their glycemic index. (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index").
Symptoms experienced as a result of low blood sugar include weakness, mood swings, headaches,
nervousness, irritability, or nausea with milder cases, and there is the potential of visual disturbances,
shaking, sweating, confusion, palpitations, anxiety, dizziness, aggression or severe fatigue with more
severe cases of hypoglycemia.
Regardless of lifestyle changes or treatments recommended by their practitioners, there are general
rules which patients themselves can follow trying to control the symptoms of both, blood test-verified
hypoglycemia, or reactive hypogycemia (symptoms only):
• Meals have to be kept smaller and spread throughout the day. If possible, individuals prone for
hypoglycemic episodes should not go for more than three hours without a meal or snack.
• When consuming complex or refined carbs, they should be consumed with some fat or protein.
• Emphasis should be placed on increasing protein intake -- eggs, nuts, seeds, chicken, turkey, lamb,
beef, salmon, tuna..., or one may consider a protein supplement (if protein tests consistently low).
• Evaluating frequently-consumed foods by their potential to aggravate low blood sugar symptoms will
not only help with meal planning at home, but also with dinner invitations, or when travelling.
• Because of its blood sugar-lowering and blood pressure-lowering potential, the sweetener Stevia
should be evaluated first on an individual basis, before being regularly used by anyone suffering from
hypoglycemia, or general glucose tolerance problems. Feedback has been mixed, with stevia being
well tolerated by some, but less so (i.e. aggravated low blood sugar symptoms) by others.
Allowed are all foods containing complex and most refined carbohydrates, while simple sugars / carbs
should be eliminated. Following is a list of simple, refined and complex carbs:
Simple Carbs (to be eliminated):
White / brown sugar, honey, agave nectar, corn syrup, maple syrup, sorghum syrup, molasses.
Dried fruit, sweet / ripe fruit (bananas, pears, figs, dates, raisins, sweet melons...), licorice.
Fruit juices (apple juice), canned fruit (peaches, mixed fruit).
Manitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and other "...tol" variations, maltodextrin, stevia.
Sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, dextrose, galactose, trehalose, and other "...ose" variations.
Candy, chocolate, pop, donuts, cakes, cookies, sweetened cereal & granola, jam, marmalade.
Refined Carbs:
Most refined and processed, but unsweetened grain products, cereal, bread, buns, pasta,
general baked goods, bagels and granola without added sugars.
Complex Carbs:
Legumes, such as lentils, peas and beans.
Vegetables, such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, lettuce, peppers, potatoes.
Whole grains, white / brown rice, nuts and seeds, including whole-grain flour, bread, pasta, and cereal.
Additional considerations to reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia include the avoidance of Alcohol
and Caffeine, as well as foods or beverages that contain high amounts of Potassium (which lowers
chromium and manganese). The same applies to supplementing larger amounts of Vitamin C (which
stimulates insulin and lowers manganese), and Vitamin B6 (which supports potassium, magnesium,
and also lowers manganese).
Adding Supplemental Fiber to one's meals - particularly when carbohydrates are consumed - equally
benefits individuals suffering from hypoglycemia, and those with hyperglycemia. This may include the
most common type of soluble fibers such as Psyllium seed, available in powder, husks or tablet forms,
or may consist of a special fiber blend containing konjac root extract (glucomannan), sodium alginate,
xanthan gum, and others.
For Vegetarians, the lower protein content of many vegetarian foods can be a problem, as can be the
higher potassium and lower sodium levels - particularly with beans and potatoes - when compared to
animal products. One option is to place more emphasis on consuming celery, spinach or beets, which
have a lower potassium / higher sodium ratio. But regardless, vegetables - unless thoroughly cooked -
and fruit provide the least satiety, although baked potatoes (consumed without any fat) ranked highest
on the Satiety Index. Unfortunately, the ratings were only valid for the first two hours after consumption.
For ovo vegetarians, having eggs for breakfast provides one of the best protein bases to help maintain
adequate blood sugar control into the day, while oatmeal may be a reasonable compromise for vegans.
Most Nuts - if otherwise tolerated - can, or should be part of a hypoglycemic diet, being a convenient
source of protein for those trying to manage low blood sugar symptoms. Cashews, chestnuts, and
coconuts in particular have a lower potassium / higher sodium ratio, which helps sustain higher blood
sugar levels. Coconuts (i.e. coconut oil) also contain larger amounts of medium chain triglycerides
(MCT), which may offer nutritional support in a number of medical conditions, including seizures, poor
immunity or immunosuppression, and various malabsorption syndromes. Nuts, particularly almonds,
and (sunflower) seeds are also convenient, non-perishable foods when travelling.
Supplements to consider for Hypoglycemia:
(which should be assessed for compatibility and requirements)
• Chelated chromium 500-2000mcg+/day,
• Chelated manganese 25-50mg+/day,
• Niacinamide 100-500mg+/day,
• Biotin 250-2000mcg+/day,
• Choline bitartrate 250-1000mg+/day,
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) 300mg+/day,
• Vitamin E 400-800 I/day.
Choline bitartrate should be used with caution if there is a disposition for water retention (swollen hands
or feet), since it boosts aldosterone activity, which in turn results in sodium retention. However very low
sodium levels can also result in edema, in which case higher sodium retention as a result of boosting
someone's aldosterone levels is advantageous and can at times lead to tremendous water weight loss.
In very low aldosterone types, licorice may be considered for its sodium-raising and potassium-lowering
effect.
Stay Strong~~!!!
IPL
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