MIGHTY MAGNESIUM - A DIETARY MINERAL YOU NEED
by Dr. Dan Wagner I frequently have patients ask me whether they should be taking magnesium with their calcium supplement. I always answer, "Yes, definitely. Never take calcium without magnesium and vitamin D. Remember, calcium intake is not the reason why nearly 80% of American women have osteopenia (early osteroporosis); it because of poor absorption." A critical balance between calcium and magnesium ensures the proper use of both minerals. The other most important mineral balance in the human body is sodium and potassium.
Magnesium is important to nearly every function and tissue in the human body, from the heart to the bones, to the nerves, and everything in between. Plus, it is the mineral that is inherently LOW in the American diet. It plays an important role in a vast array of acute and chronic diseases. Over 350 enzyme functions depend on magnesium, including the enzyme that generates energy for every cell in the body.
Recent studies strongly suggest that when it comes to magnesium, most of us are running on less than a full tank. Unfortunately, most physicians are unaware of the important health benefits of this essential mineral and are oblivious to the health problems caused by magnesium deficiency. Disease states directly related to magnesium deficiencies include heart disease, migraine headaches, asthma, obesity, PMS, muscle pains, hypertension, diabetes, and traumatic stress.
Starting with Diet
The best way to begin to remedy magnesium shortfalls is always with diet, although magnesium supplementation is still critical for most women over the age of 25. Most foods consumed daily by Americans are filled with preservatives and additives and are generally nutrient-depleted. Among foods relatively rich in magnesium are whole-grain breads, buckwheat flour, brown rice, and cereals such as 100 percent bran and oats. Nuts like almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, walnuts, and pecans, as well as pumpkin and squash seeds, are some of the best sources of magnesium. Legumes such as soybeans, tofu, lima beans, baked beans, and chickpeas are also good sources. Some of the best vegetable sources of magnesium include spinach, broccoli, collards, and corn. Certain fish like Pollock, tuna, flounder, sardines and salmon are important sources. Pure, filtered water can also be a significant source of dietary magnesium, assuming that the water is not too "soft" or "distilled" (devoid of minerals). The amounts of magnesium in our water supply differ greatly in various parts of the country.
Magnesium and Disease States
Many people suffer needless pain from muscle cramps, fibromyalgia, and headaches, or struggle with high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or heart disease because they don't get enough magnesium. With adequate amounts of magnesium your health problems will not all go away, but in truth your heart beat should be more regular, your blood pressure should be more stable, and your arteries and muscles should be more relaxed. With sufficient magnesium, blood sugar stabilizes, insulin is more efficient, bones strengthen, and pain subsides.
Important Ways that Magnesium Helps
Migraines and Headaches.
I would estimate that 40-50 percent of all headaches and migraines may be due to low
magnesium levels. Upping magnesium levels has reduced the duration, intensity, and
frequency of migraines. I had a twelve-year-old patient who suffered from migraines
every day for four years. Her doctors and pediatric neurologist were stumped. After
giving her just two teaspoons daily of calcium/magnesium/vitamin D liquid for five weeks,
she reported her migraines abated after one week of supplementation.
Diabetes.
In many ways "diabetes is a magnesium deficiency state." Researchers at the University
of North Carolina found that 80 percent of diabetics have low intracellular magnesium. Indeed,
low magnesium increases your risk of getting type-2 diabetes. Magnesium can improve insulin
activity and may cut diabetes' complications.
Blood pressure.
Magnesium is sometimes referred to as "nature's calcium channel blocker." With higher
levels of magnesium inside your cells, you are more apt to have lower blood pressure, more
elastic blood vessels, and a less enlarged heart.
Bone strength.
Regardless of what your doctor or anyone else tells you, magnesium is just
as important as calcium in preventing osteoporosis. A doctoral paper I wrote on
osteoporosis verified, as did a recent Swedish study, that magnesium helped prevent hip
fractures in older women and may be more important for maintaining strong bones than calcium,
even though both are critical.
Fibromyalgia.
When I finished one of my residency rotations for my doctorate, I researched
the syndrome of fibromyalgia with Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. When data
was collected from an extensive survey done on 120 women with diagnosed fibromyalgia, the
results were astounding. In spite of the minimal benefits of some drugs like anti-depressants,
anti-inflammatory agents, and muscle relaxants, the number one product that eased fibromyalgia
symptoms was . . . magnesium!
Pain relief.
Magnesium is essential in relaxing muscles. Tight muscles, or lack of blood
flow to the muscles (i.e. backaches, fibromyalgia, leg cramps, restless legs, chronic fatigue)
is almost always a magnesium deficiency problem. Extra magnesium reduces a painful dilation
of skin blood vessels and reduces a pain transmitter in the nervous system.
Blocked arteries and cholesterol.
Research shows that high blood magnesium cuts the odds of
dying from common "ischemic" heart disease by one-third. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention reported that low magnesium levels will lower good HDL cholesterol
and accelerate hardening of the arteries.
Insomnia and difficulty sleeping.
I often tell my patients to take their calcium/magnesium/vitamin D capsules at bedtime
because they may improve their sleep. Why? Because magnesium relaxes the muscles and calms
you down. Several studies show that a lack of magnesium can alter electrical activity in
the brain, causing agitated sleep and frequent awakenings.
Extra benefits.
Taking magnesium could counteract the heart attack and stroke hazards of
hormone replacement. Magnesium can balance hormones, so it is essential in PMS and
other hormone-related problems. It is also helpful in heart arrhythmias, pregnancy,
asthma, allergies, and many other conditions.
Most people probably cannot fulfill their magnesium needs through diet alone. Magnesium supplements are inexpensive and will fill the gap. Dosages for women over 25 years old should be 400-600 mg daily (your multiple-vitamin probably has less than 60 mg). Remember to take it with your calcium (citrate form, not carbonate) and vitamin D. In most cases the ratio of calcium to magnesium should be 2:1; therefore, if you are supplementing with 1,500 mg of calcium daily, add about 500-700 mg of magnesium. Minimal amounts should be 250 mg a day for most healthy individuals.
Can you get too much of a good thing? Yes, you can. Too much magnesium will cause loose stools (usually beneficial for patients who are constipated), but if diarrhea occurs, cut back the dosage of magnesium. Since calcium supplements tend to be more constipating, a mix with magnesium seems to be ideal. If you have kidney disease, renal insufficiency, or are on dialysis, please limit your daily intake of magnesium to about 100 mg per day. As always, it is best to see a qualified doctor or health care practitioner before taking too many supplements or mixing them with drugs.
The Boss gets Married
Nutrifarmacy owner Dr. Dan Wagner married Lynn Caywood on May 29, 2004. The ceremony
was held in the Great Room at Hartwood Acres mansion and the reception was on the lawn. The
newlyweds honeymooned in the Grand Cayman Islands. The happy couple would like to thank
everyone who extended their prayers, joy and well wishes.
The Dirty Eleven: Herbs to Avoid
Just because herbs are "natural" it doesn't mean they are always safe to ingest. A
recent article in the OB-GYN News listed twelve herbs that are likely hazardous to your
health with documented cases of organ failure, high blood pressure, convulsions or known
carcinogenic properties. They include: chaparral, germader, comfrey, snakeroot (wild ginger),
kava, bitter orange, lobelia, pennyroyal oil, skullcap, yohimbe.
Patients Taking Prescription Drugs along with Herbal Supplements have Few Adverse Effects
Common Drugs Put on Unexpected Pounds
New Hope for Painful, Numb Feet?
While the use of dietary supplements appears to be very common among patients who also take
prescription medications, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that most potential
drug-dietary supplement interactions were not serious. Dr. Lauren Trilli, Assistant Professor
at Pitt's School of Pharmacy, comments: "This is encouraging news for millions of patients
currently taking Rx medicines along with dietary supplements; however, limited information on
drug-dietary interactions exists and health care providers should continue to inquire about
dietary supplement use." The results of the University of Pittsburgh's study were published
in Archives of Internal Medicine.
In a recent and most disturbing report, weight gain is among the most common side effects
of some of the top-selling medications routinely prescribed by physicians and taken by
millions of Americans. These medications include anti-depressants such as Prozac, Zoloft,
and Paxil; heartburn drugs such as Nexium and Prevacid; mental-disorder drugs such as
Zyprexa; diabetes drugs such as Glucatrol and Diabeta; and high-blood-pressure drugs such as
Minipres, Cardura and Inderal. Dr. M. H. Fernstrom at UPMC states in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
article that "There is a general recognition among physicians that certain Rx drugs promote
weight gain, but it is not often considered as a reason to not use the medication."
Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage to the extremities, is one of the most common
complications of diabetes. It is characterized by pain and numbness in the feet and
legs, and sometimes in the arms. While much research has been devoted to the problem of
neuropathy, few improvements (drugs and/or treatments) are available that are effective.
A recent article in Diabetes Self-Management magazine recognizes the value of the ANODYNE
THERAPY SYSTEM, a safe, FDA-approved, non-drug device that uses near-infrared light emitting
diodes to safely increase circulation and reduce pain. Nutri-farmacy is one of only three or
four places in Western Pennsylvania with the ANODYNE machine. Call Dr. Wagner for an
appointment today.
PRODUCTS NOW AT NUTRIFARMACY
GlucoLow
A unique combination of ingredients for Type-2 diabetes and hyperglycemia.
60 caps - $18.99
Cholestiplex
A research-developed product for cholesterol, diabetes with high blood pressure
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Gastorease+
A product containing mastic gum that kills 50-90% of H. pylori strain.
60 caps - $18.99
Cogniplex
A mixture of herbs for memory enhancement and dementia.
120 caps - $27.99
AllerEase
A natural combination that combines two benign agents for treatment of allergic rhinitis.
90 caps - $29.99
Gastroplex
Provides a blend of powerful anti-microbial herbs for treatment of yeast, parasites, bacteria, and other organisms in the gut.
60 caps - $16.99
Flexizyme
A unique enteric-coated, broad spectrum anti-inflammatory enzyme.
180 caps - $44.99
EfferSea
Promotes a highly palatable form of buffered vitamin C and coral calcium in combination with magnesium and potassium for allergies, colds, flu, and asthma.
200 grams - $15.99
Immunoplex
A combination of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals formulated to supoort the immune system.
60 caps - $22.95
We at NutriFarmacy can assist you in legally obtaining prescription drugs from Canada with
savings from 20-70%! Call today at 412-486-4588 and we'll initiate the price search with a
reputable Canadian pharmacy.
STEP ONE: Know what drug you want filled, the strength and
quantity.
STEP TWO: What is the price you are paying for that drug in the United States?
STEP THREE: Provide information that we will freely fax or email to Canada on your behalf.
We may need a copy of your driver's license.
STEP FOUR: We will contact you in 24-48 hours
about the cost of the Rx from Canadian and show you the savings!
Remember, Canadian
pharmacies meet all the same standards as American ones. They just are able to buy much
cheaper from the drug manufacturers. Why don't you also take advantage of the savings?
WE 3 Together Total Fitness Center showcases many of the products from the shelves of NutriFarmacy. Dr. Dan Wagner has joined together with WE 3 to aid in a nutritional program for its members as well as utilize the facility for customers North of his current facility to accommodate their busy schedules. WE 3 schedules appointments for their members to sit and meet with Dr. Wagner to go over an individual plan best suited for their needs.
New research and clinical studies have shown that the role of folic acid in human health
is far more important than its use as a vitamin and dietary supplement. Folic acid is
well known as an important compound in preventing birth defects and lowering homocysteine
to prevent cardiovascular disease, but more and more is being discovered.
Worldwide research reveals that sufficient folic acid in daily diets shows a protective role
in certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer and
pancreatic cancer. Folic acid deficiency is also well documented in Crohn's disease,
Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, hearing
loss, and kidney disease.
Dosages for treating each disease state may vary, but
generally at least 200 mcg daily is regarded as essential, but higher doses may be
warranted. See your doctor or a qualified health care professional for proper dosing.
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated, "$20 billion in hospital
charges alone could be saved every year if women of childbearing age were to take supplements
containing zinc and folic acid."
GRILL TALK: Healthy Advice for your summer barbecuing
Barbecuing is enormously popular. Recent research says that there is a price to pay,
though. When we grill meat- beef, pork, poultry, lamb- carcinogens enter the food. If you
eat barbecued meat often, you're definitely increasing you cancer risk. Playing with fire,
so to speak.
First, understand that whenever fat drips onto a flame, heating element,
or hot coals, chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed. They rise
with the smoke and are deposited onto the surface of the food. Hydrocarbons can also form
directly on food when it is charred. Grilled meat is a major source of PAHs in our food.
The key to preventing PAHs from forming is to ensure the heat source or flame doesn't touch
the food so as to char it. Also stop the fat from dripping on the heat source. That's why
broiling- with the heat source above the food- pan cooking, stewing, and baking result in
few, if any, PAHs.
Reduce the cancer risk on occasional barbecue by doing the following:
The Face Place
412-492-9882
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Remove toxins & mineral waste, burn calories, increase blood circulation,
relieve pain, ease joint pain & stiffness, clear cellulite, enhance skin tone,
improve the immune system and reduce stress & fatigue!
REJUVENATE YOURSELF!
Make your appointment today!
Call 412-492-9882
ESSENTIAL YOGA WITH DR. DAN WAGNER
WHAT'S YOUR ASTROLOGICAL SIGN?
Cathy Bednar, from Astrological Insights by Cathy will review the basics
of astrology, the various types of astrology charts and their value, and how your
chart can identify your strengths and vulnerabilities, and steer you in a positive
direction.
September 14 7:00 - 8:30pm
Class with David Speer - 412-362-3569
Reflexology
Meditation Techniques For Everyday Living
Meditation is a practical and powerful way of creating balance in your life. Explore 3
meditations designed to helpyou release stress, gain clarity, access your highest
potential, AND easily fit into a busy life !!
Wednesday August 11 7:00pm
SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
Spa Evening with Essential Oils
Creating a Safe Home
Smart Shopping
Holistic Approach to Dementia and Alzheimers
Call Jan at (412) 492-0767 for details.
Vibrant Health
Located at 3782 Coventry Ct.
Colon Health = Vibrant Health
Colon Hydrotherapy for:
Please call or stop and see
Level I
Mondays 6:30 - 7:30pm $45 (7 sessions)
July 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23
And
Thursdays 12:00 - 1:00pm $45 (7 sessions)
July 8, 15, 22, 29 August 12, 19, 26
Free Lecture
cathybednar@astrologicalinsights.org
(412) 760-2827
Tuesday, July 20 7:00 - 10:00pm $15
Cost $15 Pre-registration required.
Susan Rapani (412) 417-6300
JAN POLANSKY, MS, ND
Tuesday July 27 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost $20
Thursday August 12 6:30 - 8:30pm
Cost $15
Tuesday August 17 7:00 - 9:00pm
Cost $15
Monday August 23 7:00 - 9:00pm
Cost $15
Allison Park, PA 15101
Bloating/Gas
Constipation
Weight Gain
Heartburn
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fatigue
Plus more!
Kathy Scott
Certified Colon Therapist
(412) 486-9654
The Relevance of the ARL HAIR ANALYSIS and the FOLLOW-UP
Since December 2003, over 200 people have had the ARL Hair Analysis at Nutri-farmacy. The results have been comprehensive and revealing for most patients. Many people have reported improvements in overall health (i.e. more energy, less headaches, better glucose control and less craving sweets, reduced adrenal stress, better emotional control, less stress and excessive emotional states), and many others.
The hair analysis is an invaluable screening tool which allows a corrective program of supplementation and diet designed doe each individual's specific needs.
Initial screenings cost $88 (12.5% discount for club members), and the 6 month follow-up exam costs $76. The follow-up is critical to see if the suggested protocol has been effective. Please be sure to have the second test done if you have completed the first. Call Dr. Wagner for a initial or a re-test. (412) 486-4588.