In the 2017 edition of The Magnesium Miracle, I’ll have a lot more to say about magnesium’s role in keeping our bones strong. In the 2014 edition, I make the following points:
1. Calcium cannot build bones or prevent osteoporosis without adequate levels of magnesium. If our bones are made entirely from calcium, they become brittle and can shatter, just like a stick of chalk falling on the sidewalk. However, with the right percentage of magnesium, bone has the proper density and matrix that actually makes it flexible and more resistant to shattering
2. Magnesium, along with vitamin K2, helps direct calcium to the bones, where it belongs.
3. In a 2013 study, Steven A. Abrams, MD, FAAP, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said, “Calcium is important, but, except for those children and adolescents with very low intakes, may not be more important than magnesium.”
Another 2013 paper tells us how “Magnesium Deficiency Results In An Increased Formation Of Osteoclasts.” The researchers agree with me that magnesium deficiency is common and leads to loss of bone mass, abnormal bone growth and skeletal weakness. They studied osteoclasts (in mice) – the cells that break down bone to help remodel it. Their data suggests that magnesium deficiency alters osteoclast numbers and activity and may contribute to the thinning bones.
It’s of note that osteoclasts are the target of bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax. These drugs eliminate osteoclasts so that bone no longer breaks down; drug formulators assume that bone will stay stronger if it doesn’t break down but only builds up. However, they ignore the essential remodeling function of these cells. Without osteoclasts, bone cells keep building in a disorganized fashion and create more brittle bones. The fact that magnesium is important for osteoclasts to work properly makes me wonder if bisphosphonates are another set of drugs that target enzymes that require magnesium in order to function.
Of course, bone health requires more than magnesium, more than calcium and more than Vitamin K and Vitamin D (from Blue Ice Royal). Our bones require boron and a host of other minerals which is why I recommend in ReMyte and sea salt in your drinking water along with ReMag. See my free eBooks on ReMag and ReMyte for specific protocols. For lifestyle coaching that also includes exercise, a good diet and rejuvenating sleep look into my Completement Now Online Wellness Program listed below. You can also read my blog, Build Better Bones for an amazing testimonial about the power of ReMag, ReMyte and T-Tapp exercise to build your bones.
Carolyn Dean MD ND
The Doctor of the Future™
SUMMITS: Websites will be added as the Summits come online.
1. The More Life Summit with Gregory Ann Cox launches Oct 19-30, 2015.
2. The Gut Health Turn Around Series with Leah Kline. Airs Nov 1st -21st. 8.
3. Create Your Badass Life with Terry Sobon. Going live November 16th, 2015.
4. The Sexy Summit with Christi Cass launches Nov 16.
5. Kick the Sugar! How to Live a Vibrant, Energetic Life and Kick Diabetes to the Curb with Tursha’ Hamilton, ND.
6. Love Your Body – Use the Power of Your Mind to Lose Weight & Feel Strong, Sexy and Confident at any Age with Carrie Charles. Launches Jan 16, 2016.
RESOURCES: Along the borders and in the links of my web site you can find my books, writings, and my call-in radio show. Email your questions to: email@example.com.