Hello Tex and Gabes,
Thanks so much for all your research and info sharing.
I was diagnosed with LC after a colonoscopy four weeks ago. The prep was very hard on me. It caused an electrolyte imbalance: muscle contractions (arms and legs jumping), vomiting, and tachychardia (4 hours). Since then, I have had pain in my muscles, feet and neck. I wake up every night at midnight with leg cramps and stay awake for about three hours.
Assuming I am magnesium deficient (pretty extreme constipation most of my life, 40-year history of migraines, and lifetime seasonal allergies) and I follow your recommendation to supplement with at least 800mg elemental magnesium per day for 12-16 weeks...can you help me figure out a formula using a combo of LifeFlo Magnesium Oil and Doctor's Best Mag Glycinate powder?
Sorry to ask, but I am so math impaired.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Karen,
Welcome to the group. You surely seem to fit the pattern of symptoms for chronic magnesum deficiency, all right. However, I would start a supplementation program with a nmuch lower dose. Here's why: Excessive electrolytes in circulation in the bloodstream can cause serious (dangerous) problems in certain situations. Of course, so can major deficiencies of those electrolytes. Magnesium is somewhat unique in that it activates insulin to allow it to transport nutrients (including electrolytes) from the bloodstream to the cells of the body where then are needed. First, nutrients must be absorbed into the bloodstream and then they must be transported to the proper cells and deposited there. Otherwise they do us no good.
A chronic magnesium deficiency eventually causes insulin resistance and lowered insulin production. As a result, the body becomes unable to properly transport nutrients (including magnesium) to where it is needed in normal quantities. Excess amounts in the blood are not only useless, but they can be dangerous, since electrolytes control heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and other vital functions. Because of that, blood levels of electrolytes are carefully (automatically) regulated by the body within a narrow "normal" range. Magnesium is used to purge these excess amounts, so a magnesium deficiency can lead to elevated levels of other electrolytes in the blood. But too much magnesium in the blood can overwork the kidneys and compromise their functioning (causing a lowered EGFR), resulting in chronic excess magnesium levels in the blood, leading to arrhythmias and eventual stroke. This condition can also be caused by undertreated hypothyroidism. Been there, done that.
The take-home message is that there is no point in taking excessive amounts of magnesium. The body can only use so much at a time, and after a chronic magnesium deficiency, it can use even less. So in that situation, we must start a supplementation program slowly, and slowly increase it as we become adapted to absorbing magnesium again. Not only could large doses be dangerous (if kidney problems exist), but any magnesium that is unabsorbed in the intestines, can contribute to diarrhea or even trigger it.
So because of all that, my position is that we should start with a safe dose (such as the daily RDA). This is assuming that we are using a highly absorbable form of magnesium such as magnesium glycinate (which is chelated magnesium). Using the wrong type (such as magnesium oxide) will do little good, and will only contribute to diarrhea. Humans can only absorb about 3 % of the magnesium in magnesium oxide. Most of us use Doctors Best brand of magnesium. It contains no unsafe ingredients and it works fine in most cases. It contains 100 mg of magnesium per tablet. I would start out by taking 3 tablets per day, divided up between meals. If it causes diarrhea, back off on the dose.
Using magnesium oil or lotion is much more arbitrary because it takes a lot of skin coverage in order to absorb a significant amount. It's necessary to rub it on your arms or legs multiple times per day in order to absorb enough magnesium to do much good. It may be more efficient to soak your feet in a pan of water containing Epsom Salt, or adding about a cup of Epsom Salt to bath water and soaking in it for 15 or 20 minutes. In other words, it's much more practical to take oral magnesium, but if that causes diarrhea problems, then absorbing magnesium through the skin is another option.
I hope this helps. Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to the group. You surely seem to fit the pattern of symptoms for chronic magnesum deficiency, all right. However, I would start a supplementation program with a nmuch lower dose. Here's why: Excessive electrolytes in circulation in the bloodstream can cause serious (dangerous) problems in certain situations. Of course, so can major deficiencies of those electrolytes. Magnesium is somewhat unique in that it activates insulin to allow it to transport nutrients (including electrolytes) from the bloodstream to the cells of the body where then are needed. First, nutrients must be absorbed into the bloodstream and then they must be transported to the proper cells and deposited there. Otherwise they do us no good.
A chronic magnesium deficiency eventually causes insulin resistance and lowered insulin production. As a result, the body becomes unable to properly transport nutrients (including magnesium) to where it is needed in normal quantities. Excess amounts in the blood are not only useless, but they can be dangerous, since electrolytes control heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and other vital functions. Because of that, blood levels of electrolytes are carefully (automatically) regulated by the body within a narrow "normal" range. Magnesium is used to purge these excess amounts, so a magnesium deficiency can lead to elevated levels of other electrolytes in the blood. But too much magnesium in the blood can overwork the kidneys and compromise their functioning (causing a lowered EGFR), resulting in chronic excess magnesium levels in the blood, leading to arrhythmias and eventual stroke. This condition can also be caused by undertreated hypothyroidism. Been there, done that.
The take-home message is that there is no point in taking excessive amounts of magnesium. The body can only use so much at a time, and after a chronic magnesium deficiency, it can use even less. So in that situation, we must start a supplementation program slowly, and slowly increase it as we become adapted to absorbing magnesium again. Not only could large doses be dangerous (if kidney problems exist), but any magnesium that is unabsorbed in the intestines, can contribute to diarrhea or even trigger it.
So because of all that, my position is that we should start with a safe dose (such as the daily RDA). This is assuming that we are using a highly absorbable form of magnesium such as magnesium glycinate (which is chelated magnesium). Using the wrong type (such as magnesium oxide) will do little good, and will only contribute to diarrhea. Humans can only absorb about 3 % of the magnesium in magnesium oxide. Most of us use Doctors Best brand of magnesium. It contains no unsafe ingredients and it works fine in most cases. It contains 100 mg of magnesium per tablet. I would start out by taking 3 tablets per day, divided up between meals. If it causes diarrhea, back off on the dose.
Using magnesium oil or lotion is much more arbitrary because it takes a lot of skin coverage in order to absorb a significant amount. It's necessary to rub it on your arms or legs multiple times per day in order to absorb enough magnesium to do much good. It may be more efficient to soak your feet in a pan of water containing Epsom Salt, or adding about a cup of Epsom Salt to bath water and soaking in it for 15 or 20 minutes. In other words, it's much more practical to take oral magnesium, but if that causes diarrhea problems, then absorbing magnesium through the skin is another option.
I hope this helps. Again, welcome aboard, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I take 3 tablets (300 mg total) per day. To minimize the risk of running out of magnesium and getting cramps during the night, I take my last tablet just before bedtime. Magnesium does not have to be taken with a meal, as long as you drink plenty of water.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hello Tex,
I am happy to report that although I seem to be "in a flare," and dehydrating on the regular I have not, knock on wood, had a migraine since starting your recommended magnesium regimen. What a wonderful side effect of a crappy situation. If I can gain some control over the LC, it shall have been worth it to rid myself of the migraines I have had for 36 years.
Again, thanks for all you do.
Karen P
I am happy to report that although I seem to be "in a flare," and dehydrating on the regular I have not, knock on wood, had a migraine since starting your recommended magnesium regimen. What a wonderful side effect of a crappy situation. If I can gain some control over the LC, it shall have been worth it to rid myself of the migraines I have had for 36 years.
Again, thanks for all you do.
Karen P
Hope for healing with group intelligence.
You're very welcome. I experienced a chronic magnesium deficiency myself a few years ago, and ended up in the Emergency Room. That's when I learned the importance of adequate magnesium.
I hope you can get the LC under control. If you were short on magnesium, then your body's ability to convert vitamin D into the active form was limited. The active form of vitamin D is critical for cellular healing, so maybe you'll be able to heal much better now, which should speed your recovery.
Tex
I hope you can get the LC under control. If you were short on magnesium, then your body's ability to convert vitamin D into the active form was limited. The active form of vitamin D is critical for cellular healing, so maybe you'll be able to heal much better now, which should speed your recovery.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Two questions on supplementing with Magnesium. Does the D that can occur with oral Magnesium Glycinate due to a immune reaction or just the Mg drawing more water into the lumen? If you do experience looser stools with oral Mg does that mean your intestines are not absorbing the Mg at all?
I do experience looser stools when trying the oral Mg (in small amounts - 25mg, twice a day). If that looser stool is not a result of increased inflammation then I'm willing to put up with it. I am willing to pay any non-inflammatory price to get rid of this cursed fatigue and muscle cramping.
Also, I have been soaking my feet in Epsom salts twice a day as well as an Epsom salt bath in the evening. Have been using the Ancient Minerals Mg spray but it causes much itching and burning on my skin so I have cut back to once a day (I do wipe it off after 20 minutes).
John R.
I do experience looser stools when trying the oral Mg (in small amounts - 25mg, twice a day). If that looser stool is not a result of increased inflammation then I'm willing to put up with it. I am willing to pay any non-inflammatory price to get rid of this cursed fatigue and muscle cramping.
Also, I have been soaking my feet in Epsom salts twice a day as well as an Epsom salt bath in the evening. Have been using the Ancient Minerals Mg spray but it causes much itching and burning on my skin so I have cut back to once a day (I do wipe it off after 20 minutes).
John R.
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Hello John,
Unlike most nutrients, electrolytes are absorbed mostly in the terminal ilium, and the colon. And excess amounts of electrolytes can alter bowel function. Excessive amounts of sodium or magnesium, for example, can cause diarrhea, whereas excessive amounts of calcium can cause constipation. While excess amounts of potassium usually don't cause diarrhea, a potassium deficiency can cause constipation, similar to a magnesium deficiency.
Because pure magnesium is highly combustible, and can even be explosive, magnesium supplements are always compounded with another element, in order to create a stable form. And some of these forms cause the magnesium to be difficult to absorb, whereas others allow the magnesium to be more easily absorbed. At one extreme is magnesium oxide, which is mostly a laxative, and at the other end is magnesium glycinate, and a couple of others, that allow the magnesium to be relatively easy to absorb, while carrying the lowest risk of promoting diarrhea.
But once magnesium becomes deficient, this causes insulin resistance, which compromises the absorption of nutrients, including magnesium. Consequently, it tends to be relatively difficult to retrain the body to begin to properly absorb magnesium, because the insulin resistance must first be overcome (by the restoration of magnesium reserves) before significant amounts of magnesium can be absorbed. This is sort of a catch-22 situation. Therefore, persuading the body to regain the normal ability to absorb magnesium can be a very slow process. This is why we all tend to have different degrees of ability to manage magnesium absorption, and it can be a real problem for some people. It causes some of us to be much more sensitive to magnesium, than others.
Magnesium is not inflammatory, in fact, it's a powerful muscle relaxant. This is why excess amounts in the bloodstream can lead to cardiac issues. In other words, Too much magnesium in the blood can relax the heart muscle too much, and lead to myocardial infarction. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea might eventually need to other issues. While this may, or may not lead to long-term problems, we're in uncharted waters here, because I doubt that this is been carefully researched. Probably, doing what you propose to do won't cause any long-term issues, but there are no guarantees. I'm aware of a few members here who lived with diarrhea for 20, 30, or 40 years or more, and were eventually able to develop normal bowel habits by altering their diet. But such a situation can make retraining one's bowel habits more difficult, obviously.
Sorry to post such a wishy-washy response, but these are uncharted waters. Even so, I hope this helps.
Tex
Unlike most nutrients, electrolytes are absorbed mostly in the terminal ilium, and the colon. And excess amounts of electrolytes can alter bowel function. Excessive amounts of sodium or magnesium, for example, can cause diarrhea, whereas excessive amounts of calcium can cause constipation. While excess amounts of potassium usually don't cause diarrhea, a potassium deficiency can cause constipation, similar to a magnesium deficiency.
Because pure magnesium is highly combustible, and can even be explosive, magnesium supplements are always compounded with another element, in order to create a stable form. And some of these forms cause the magnesium to be difficult to absorb, whereas others allow the magnesium to be more easily absorbed. At one extreme is magnesium oxide, which is mostly a laxative, and at the other end is magnesium glycinate, and a couple of others, that allow the magnesium to be relatively easy to absorb, while carrying the lowest risk of promoting diarrhea.
But once magnesium becomes deficient, this causes insulin resistance, which compromises the absorption of nutrients, including magnesium. Consequently, it tends to be relatively difficult to retrain the body to begin to properly absorb magnesium, because the insulin resistance must first be overcome (by the restoration of magnesium reserves) before significant amounts of magnesium can be absorbed. This is sort of a catch-22 situation. Therefore, persuading the body to regain the normal ability to absorb magnesium can be a very slow process. This is why we all tend to have different degrees of ability to manage magnesium absorption, and it can be a real problem for some people. It causes some of us to be much more sensitive to magnesium, than others.
Magnesium is not inflammatory, in fact, it's a powerful muscle relaxant. This is why excess amounts in the bloodstream can lead to cardiac issues. In other words, Too much magnesium in the blood can relax the heart muscle too much, and lead to myocardial infarction. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea might eventually need to other issues. While this may, or may not lead to long-term problems, we're in uncharted waters here, because I doubt that this is been carefully researched. Probably, doing what you propose to do won't cause any long-term issues, but there are no guarantees. I'm aware of a few members here who lived with diarrhea for 20, 30, or 40 years or more, and were eventually able to develop normal bowel habits by altering their diet. But such a situation can make retraining one's bowel habits more difficult, obviously.
Sorry to post such a wishy-washy response, but these are uncharted waters. Even so, I hope this helps.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
sorry the oral form is causing issues - what brand/type of Magnesium Glycinate are you using?
if the topical lotion is causing discomfort - you can water it down with distilled water. This will reduce dosage per application but may assist to reduce the discomfort
Epsom salts are good option, a better option when you can't tolerate oral is to do foot soaks in food grade magnesium chloride (this is a higher grade than Epsom salts) I buy mine in 4kg buckets.
Another aspect is that one of the key functions of magnesium is that it will help clear toxins/heavy metals, and this can be reason for loose stools.
Magnesium stimulates cell activity so that toxins are released Ito the blood stream
"If You have IBS or you are very toxic. IBS is a gut sensitivity of the lining of the gut, specifically the smooth muscles of the gut wall. Magnesium will detox the chemicals and heavy metals from cells and can cause diarrhea. That’s why I try to “warn” people with “health conditions” to go slowly on Magnesium for all the 11 reasons I’ve cited."
are you taking calcium supplements? calcium can 'push out' magnesium
if the topical lotion is causing discomfort - you can water it down with distilled water. This will reduce dosage per application but may assist to reduce the discomfort
Epsom salts are good option, a better option when you can't tolerate oral is to do foot soaks in food grade magnesium chloride (this is a higher grade than Epsom salts) I buy mine in 4kg buckets.
Another aspect is that one of the key functions of magnesium is that it will help clear toxins/heavy metals, and this can be reason for loose stools.
Magnesium stimulates cell activity so that toxins are released Ito the blood stream
"If You have IBS or you are very toxic. IBS is a gut sensitivity of the lining of the gut, specifically the smooth muscles of the gut wall. Magnesium will detox the chemicals and heavy metals from cells and can cause diarrhea. That’s why I try to “warn” people with “health conditions” to go slowly on Magnesium for all the 11 reasons I’ve cited."
are you taking calcium supplements? calcium can 'push out' magnesium
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Thank you Tex and Gabes for replying so quickly.
I am taking the Doctor's Best brand for oral Mg supplement (Vitamin D3 is Dr's Best as well and I have no adverse reactions with it). The mag spray is Ancient Minerals, but today I ventured forth and found the Life-Flo Mg lotion that people on this site have mentioned (also a concentrated gel).
The only supplements I am ingesting is vitamin D3 and "magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate". Everything else is food.
The only medication I am taking is Losartin for my blood pressure. I stopped taking it when the D started and just recently restarted because my diastolic BP has started creeping up again.
I should mention that I don't have the clinical(?) definition of D anymore. I have one stool a day, formed but soft and thin. It's just when experimenting with small amounts of oral Mg that I slide into to the MC mud category, but even then it is not frequent, explosive or urgent. The muscle fatigue and weight loss are the main indicators that let me know that I'm still in hot water with inflammation.
I think I will continue to try different schemes with the oral Mg and keep a log (as well as keeping up with topical Mg).
Just an aside; when I become King I am going to deign that 90% of medical school will cover the digestive tract. I have had so many family and friends that are either dead or miserable because of gut problems, from colon cancer to Krohn's to colits. And more comes out every year on how our overall health stems from our intestinal health (and what we eat). Pardon the rant.
John R.
I am taking the Doctor's Best brand for oral Mg supplement (Vitamin D3 is Dr's Best as well and I have no adverse reactions with it). The mag spray is Ancient Minerals, but today I ventured forth and found the Life-Flo Mg lotion that people on this site have mentioned (also a concentrated gel).
The only supplements I am ingesting is vitamin D3 and "magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate". Everything else is food.
The only medication I am taking is Losartin for my blood pressure. I stopped taking it when the D started and just recently restarted because my diastolic BP has started creeping up again.
I should mention that I don't have the clinical(?) definition of D anymore. I have one stool a day, formed but soft and thin. It's just when experimenting with small amounts of oral Mg that I slide into to the MC mud category, but even then it is not frequent, explosive or urgent. The muscle fatigue and weight loss are the main indicators that let me know that I'm still in hot water with inflammation.
I think I will continue to try different schemes with the oral Mg and keep a log (as well as keeping up with topical Mg).
Just an aside; when I become King I am going to deign that 90% of medical school will cover the digestive tract. I have had so many family and friends that are either dead or miserable because of gut problems, from colon cancer to Krohn's to colits. And more comes out every year on how our overall health stems from our intestinal health (and what we eat). Pardon the rant.
John R.
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
John
Rant away.
it is a sad reality of the health system globally that next to no focus is done on Nutrition / nutrients.
In Australia, doctors do 1 semester of nutrition study (generally first year) and once qualified there is no ongoing education on functional aspects of health. Compulsory ongoing education for medical practitioners is provided by big Pharma.
Rant away.
it is a sad reality of the health system globally that next to no focus is done on Nutrition / nutrients.
In Australia, doctors do 1 semester of nutrition study (generally first year) and once qualified there is no ongoing education on functional aspects of health. Compulsory ongoing education for medical practitioners is provided by big Pharma.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Happy Memorial Day and a big thank you to all who have served our country!
It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. My MC subsided in late July which enabled me to make a one month vacation to see family in October. It was a scary trip trying to manage food, but other then one night when I though the MC was back (it wasn't), I did good. So grateful to all the encouragement and help from so many of you.
Things are still good (thank you Jesus), but I have a couple of questions. One is about Calcium. I have checked posts on the forum, but not finding what I need to know. I stopped all supplements when my colitis started almost two years ago. Since then I have reintroduced some of them back. I need to get back on Calcium, and one of my doctors said to be sure that it has Magnesium in it. He recommend NOW Calcium Supplement. It contains "Magnesium (elemental) (from 928 mg complex of Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Ascorbate) 500 mg." I get a little nervous when it comes to Magnesium and I want to be careful not to start something up. However if the Calcium is better absorbed with the Magnesium then I guess I need it. In the January 2022 MC Newsletter it states that Magnesium glycinate is the best, however, I am not seeing that in supplements with Calcium. I used to take an excellent Calcium by Standard Process, which is food based, but it also has gluten in it, so that is out. Can someone steer me in the right direction here?
My second question is about raw vegetables. I have very slowly added in well cooked and pealed (when appropriate), vegetables. I have not added them all back in yet, but getting a pretty decent variety. I am still staying away from raw vegetables because I am so afraid that the fiber in this form will be hard to digest and may cause a flair. Am I being too cautious here? Is it safe to introduce them back into my diet? I would really like to.
One thing to note is that I never figured out my trigger, so everything new I try is scary.
I so appreciate your time reading this and any help on these two topics you can give me.
It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. My MC subsided in late July which enabled me to make a one month vacation to see family in October. It was a scary trip trying to manage food, but other then one night when I though the MC was back (it wasn't), I did good. So grateful to all the encouragement and help from so many of you.
Things are still good (thank you Jesus), but I have a couple of questions. One is about Calcium. I have checked posts on the forum, but not finding what I need to know. I stopped all supplements when my colitis started almost two years ago. Since then I have reintroduced some of them back. I need to get back on Calcium, and one of my doctors said to be sure that it has Magnesium in it. He recommend NOW Calcium Supplement. It contains "Magnesium (elemental) (from 928 mg complex of Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Ascorbate) 500 mg." I get a little nervous when it comes to Magnesium and I want to be careful not to start something up. However if the Calcium is better absorbed with the Magnesium then I guess I need it. In the January 2022 MC Newsletter it states that Magnesium glycinate is the best, however, I am not seeing that in supplements with Calcium. I used to take an excellent Calcium by Standard Process, which is food based, but it also has gluten in it, so that is out. Can someone steer me in the right direction here?
My second question is about raw vegetables. I have very slowly added in well cooked and pealed (when appropriate), vegetables. I have not added them all back in yet, but getting a pretty decent variety. I am still staying away from raw vegetables because I am so afraid that the fiber in this form will be hard to digest and may cause a flair. Am I being too cautious here? Is it safe to introduce them back into my diet? I would really like to.
One thing to note is that I never figured out my trigger, so everything new I try is scary.
I so appreciate your time reading this and any help on these two topics you can give me.
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Yes, the key to calcium utilization is magnesium, but calcium absorption is controlled by vitamin D. If your vitamin D level is adequate, you will absorb more than enough calcium from your diet. But to transport the calcium in your bloodstream to cells in your bones and elsewhere in your body where it's needed, an adequate magnesium level is required
So why do you want to take a calcium supplement? Your diet probably has plenty calcium already, you just need to take vitamin D and magnesium. When I developed a magnesium deficiency several years ago, I was eating a very limited diet, and I've never taken a calcium supplement in my life, but I was taking vitamin D, and so the calcium built up in my blood, and without sufficient magnesium to take it out, I developed problems such as kidney stones — an issue that I had never had before in my life. And after I started taking more magnesium (of the right type), I never had a kidney stone problem again.
Magnesium oxide, and magnesium citrate are laxative-prone forms of magnesium, so why take them? Instead of taking a calcium supplement that contains them, simply take magnesium glycinate. If you feel that you must take a calcium supplement (although I advise against it) take a pure calcium supplement, not one that contains magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. You can take magnesium glycinate separately. It certainly doesn't have to be in the same tablet or capsule as the calcium.
Too much calcium in the diet can cause an iron deficiency. Calcium is the only substance that is known to be capable of inhibiting both the heme and non-heme forms of iron. But there are other foods such as cocoa, tea, and coffee that can interfere with the absorption of one or the other forms of iron. More than a few women have problem with iron deficiency. And the problem is often due to taking a calcium supplement recommended by their doctor, or drinking a lot of coffee or tea. At least, those are my thoughts. The bottom line is, if your vitamin D and magnesium levels are optimum, you should be able to get all the calcium you need from the food already in your diet.
Tex
So why do you want to take a calcium supplement? Your diet probably has plenty calcium already, you just need to take vitamin D and magnesium. When I developed a magnesium deficiency several years ago, I was eating a very limited diet, and I've never taken a calcium supplement in my life, but I was taking vitamin D, and so the calcium built up in my blood, and without sufficient magnesium to take it out, I developed problems such as kidney stones — an issue that I had never had before in my life. And after I started taking more magnesium (of the right type), I never had a kidney stone problem again.
Magnesium oxide, and magnesium citrate are laxative-prone forms of magnesium, so why take them? Instead of taking a calcium supplement that contains them, simply take magnesium glycinate. If you feel that you must take a calcium supplement (although I advise against it) take a pure calcium supplement, not one that contains magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate. You can take magnesium glycinate separately. It certainly doesn't have to be in the same tablet or capsule as the calcium.
Too much calcium in the diet can cause an iron deficiency. Calcium is the only substance that is known to be capable of inhibiting both the heme and non-heme forms of iron. But there are other foods such as cocoa, tea, and coffee that can interfere with the absorption of one or the other forms of iron. More than a few women have problem with iron deficiency. And the problem is often due to taking a calcium supplement recommended by their doctor, or drinking a lot of coffee or tea. At least, those are my thoughts. The bottom line is, if your vitamin D and magnesium levels are optimum, you should be able to get all the calcium you need from the food already in your diet.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Tex, thank you so much for replying. I have taken Calcium to prevent Osteoporosis. I would much prefer to get the calcium from foods, but that brings me back to the vegetable concern I have with MC. Fresh leafy greens are high in Calcium, however, how risky is eating fresh as opposed to thoroughly cook vegetables? With summer here I long for salads. Also I know that legumes are great sources of Calcium, but are beans safe do to the fact they are inflammatory? Dairy, of course, is good but I have a dairy intolerance, and while I occasionally have a little dairy, I don't get enough to be considered a good source of calcium. Maybe I am just being way over cautious here. I had such a long rough flair with MC that I never want to experience that again. I know you understand that! I will try the magnesium you recommended. I did have my Magnesium tested by the RBC method suggested in the January 9, 2022 newsletter as I had some of the symptoms listed indicating low magnesium. My level was normal. Should I be afraid of raw vegetables if I have had not problems with them in the cooked state?
Thanks again so much,
Cheryl
Thanks again so much,
Cheryl
Re: Magnesium - Summary of posts with good info
Hi Cheryl,
If you're in remission, try a small salad, and see what happens. As our digestive system heals, we're able to eat progressively larger amounts of uncooked vegetables. And remember that staples such as meat and eggs usually contain calcium. For several years now, I haven't eaten any vegetables at all, and my bloodwork always makes my doctor smile, because it's typically exemplary. I do eat corn, in the form of tortillas, tortilla chips, and Fritos. Most people love vegetables because that offer some variety in their diet, and because they believe the hype about needing fiber, carbs, and all that. But we don't actually need carbs or fiber in our diet to be healthy. Vilhjalmur Stefansson proved to the medical community back in the 1930s that we could not only survive, but thrive, by eating only meat. But that shouldn't be surprising, because our paleo ancestors evolved eating meat almost exclusively. If you'd like to read the details, they're available at this link:
https://biblelife.org/stefansson2.htm
If you're sensitive to soy, don't try any legumes, except on an experimental basis, because most of us have trouble tolerating them. All the nut milks, such as almond milk, cashew milk, etc. are usually enriched with as much, or more, calcium, than cow's milk. I find the original and the unsweetened versions of the nut milks to be totally unpalatable, but I love vanilla flavored almond milk and cashew milk. I don't miss cow's milk at all.
I hope this helps,
Tex
If you're in remission, try a small salad, and see what happens. As our digestive system heals, we're able to eat progressively larger amounts of uncooked vegetables. And remember that staples such as meat and eggs usually contain calcium. For several years now, I haven't eaten any vegetables at all, and my bloodwork always makes my doctor smile, because it's typically exemplary. I do eat corn, in the form of tortillas, tortilla chips, and Fritos. Most people love vegetables because that offer some variety in their diet, and because they believe the hype about needing fiber, carbs, and all that. But we don't actually need carbs or fiber in our diet to be healthy. Vilhjalmur Stefansson proved to the medical community back in the 1930s that we could not only survive, but thrive, by eating only meat. But that shouldn't be surprising, because our paleo ancestors evolved eating meat almost exclusively. If you'd like to read the details, they're available at this link:
https://biblelife.org/stefansson2.htm
If you're sensitive to soy, don't try any legumes, except on an experimental basis, because most of us have trouble tolerating them. All the nut milks, such as almond milk, cashew milk, etc. are usually enriched with as much, or more, calcium, than cow's milk. I find the original and the unsweetened versions of the nut milks to be totally unpalatable, but I love vanilla flavored almond milk and cashew milk. I don't miss cow's milk at all.
I hope this helps,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.