Kusnierz vs. Economical Mutual Insurance Company - Appeal

Legal Decision

Kusnierz v. The Economical Mutual Insurance - Appeal  23 Dec 2011

BENEFITS OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

          By Dr. Michael Caterer, B. Kin, DC      

One of the most popular minerals in the news today is calcium, needed for strong bones and teeth. We are told to take increased amounts in our diet as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis and eliminate muscle cramping during menstruation or from over-exercising. Yet, calcium alone is often not enough given the importance of another mineral, magnesium, crucial in the absorption of calcium.  Without magnesium, calcium may be not fully utilized, and under absorption problems may occur leading to arthritis, osteoporosis, menstrual cramps, and some premenstrual symptoms.

Perhaps the single most significant reason calcium malabsorption is so common today is due to a discrepancy between what we eat and how we digest  and absorb the  nutrients  in our food.  When  we   look back at our ancestors diets, our ancestors ate foods high in magnesium and low in calcium.   Because calcium supplies were scarce and the need for this vital mineral was great, it was effectively stored by the body. Magnesium, on the other hand, was abundant and readily available, in the form of nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables, and did not need to be stored internally.

Our bodies still retain calcium and not magnesium although we tend to eat much more dairy than our ancestors. In addition, our sugar and alcohol consumption is higher than theirs, and both sugar and alcohol increase magnesium excretion through the urine. Our grains, originally high in magnesium, have been refined, which means that the nutrient is lost in the refining process. The quality of our soil has deteriorated as well, due to the use of fertilizers that contain large amounts of potassium a magnesium antagonist. This results in foods lower in magnesium than ever before.

The current RDA for calcium is 1000 mg. The RDA for magnesium is 300 mg. Clients are generally recommended to take up to 1000 mg of calcium and 400-500 mg of magnesium twice a day for leg cramps. It may take up to 12 weeks to get optimum results. If you have problems with kidney stones, consult with your doctor before taking any calcium supplements.

The best form of calcium is calcium citrate- it is much better absorbed than other forms of calcium. The best form of magnesium is magnesium aspartate; magnesium malate or citrate are also good choices. Calcium and magnesium supplements should be taken between meals for best absorption. Taking 250-500 mg of vitamin C along with the minerals will increase absorption as well.  

Include lots of foods that are high in calcium and magnesium in your diet. Calcium rich foods include kelp, dairy products, leafy green vegetables and nuts and seeds. Magnesium rich foods include kelp, wheat germ, nuts, molasses and tofu.

Be sure to avoid alcohol, caffeine, soft drinks, and excess protein, sugar and sodium, as these all increase calcium excretion from the body. Medications like aluminum containing antacids and diuretics can also deplete calcium and magnesium in the body.

Dr. Michael Caterer, DC is an evaluator at IME Plus Evaluations Ltd. He  is a licensed chiropractor certified with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, associate member  of the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators and certified by the American Board of Forensic Professionals in Impairment and Disability Rating. In addition, he is a certified FCE and In-Home evaluator.  Dr. Caterer is currently completing the residency program in Rehabilitation Sciences at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.