Omega Alpha Cal-Mag Plus - 240 V-Caps

CALCIUM

Your bones, muscles, nails and your mind all need Calcium to stay in shape…

What Is Calcium And What Does It Do?

Calcium is an important mineral for the optimal functioning of many body systems, and a building block in our bones and teeth. Calcium also protects the body from heavy metal toxicity by competing for absorption against lead. Calcium ions are involved, at the cellular level, with the folding structure of the RNA and DNA molecules and the activation of enzymes for the metabolism of fats. Our nerves also use calcium for the proper transmission of impulses, and our muscles use calcium to contract and relax.

In addition, calcium lowers cholesterol, by inhibiting plaque formation, and lowers blood pressure, by ensuring the proper functioning of the arterial muscles. This mineral is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, PMS, pregnancy, nervous disorders, muscle cramps and insomnia.

Deficiency

Deficiency of calcium can occur because of insufficient dietary intake or because of increased loss caused by negative conditions within the body. The standard North American diet is high in protein, fat, sugar and phosphorus from the consumption of meats, refined grains, junk foods, salty foods, alcohol, coffee and soft drinks. Not only is this diet low in calcium, it also leads to a disruption of the acid/base balance with a shift towards acidity, and the body is forced to buffer using calcium. The calcium drawn out of the bones to be used as a buffer in the bloodstream is then lost in the urine. This can also be caused by some medications, or when the body is in a state of inflammation, like with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. If calcium is deficient, toxic lead is absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones. The muscles in the body use calcium for contraction and deficiency can result in painful muscle spasms. Similarly, the heart uses calcium in its contractions, so deficiency can lead to arrhythmias. Deficiency of calcium also causes bone and joint diseases such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis and osteo-arthritis. It also leads to poor growth and poor bone density in children (Rickets).

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium plays a role in every cell in our bodies, with many relaxing effects & is a very important mineral for cardiovascular health ...

Magnesium is an essential mineral for all known living organisms. Magnesium ions catalyze many chemical reactions in the human body, including those in the mitochondria where most of the energy inside each cell of the body is produced. It also plays a role in cell signaling within the body, with wound healing and with enzymes governing the replication of DNA.

Magnesium is actually essential for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.

Who Needs Magnesium?

In short, most people...Recently, there has been some debate in regards to the efficacy of magnesium status testing using blood. It is argued that blood testing may not show deficiencies until they are dangerously low because only around 1% of the body's magnesium is found in the blood. It is possible that 50% or more of the population have low magnesium stores despite normal serum levels (a condition called "subclinically deficient"). These deficiencies may have to do with low dietary intake of magnesium, due to poor dietary habits, or loss through the refining and processing of foods. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea, excessive urination and sweating can also deplete magnesium. Foods rich in magnesium include dark leafy vegetables, bananas, avocado, peas, legumes, soy and whole grains.

Deficiency

Without magnesium, the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses is compromised. This can lead to nervous system disorders, muscle weakness or contraction, as well as cramps and spasms. For example, magnesium has been shown to decrease menstrual pain by relaxing the uterine muscles. Magnesium deficiency has also been strongly associated with depression, migraines, ADD, PMS, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies and type II diabetes. Magnesium loss can be caused by some medications such as diuretics, antibiotics and some anti-cancer drugs. Foods high in fat and oxalic acid interfere with the absorption of magnesium. Oxalic acid containing foods include almonds, chard, cocoa, rhubarb, spinach and black tea. Body requirements for magnesium increase with increased intake of zinc and vitamin D.

Magnesium And Women's Health

In addition to decreasing menstrual cramping, magnesium acts in pregnancy as a uterine relaxant that can prevent premature labour. Studies show supplemental magnesium in pregnancy also decreases the risk of birth defects such as cerebral palsy. It has also been researched for its ability to protect against osteoporosis.

Magnesium And Cardiovascular Health

Given its vital role in nerve and muscle function, magnesium is also an especially important mineral for heart health. An small increase in the body’s circulating magnesium levels can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and ischaemic heart disease. Deficiency can cause abnormal heart rhythms, coronary spasms and calcification of the arteries. Studies have also shown that diets high in magnesium significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, and this correlation is stronger in women than in men.

Magnesium and Type II Diabetes

Excessive urination is one of the signs of poorly controlled diabetes. Because magnesium is lost in the urine, many diabetics are deficient. Research has been shown that magnesium may be protective against getting Type II Diabetes, and that supplementation may improve blood sugar control in those already affected.

Magnesium As A Laxative And Detoxifier

Because of its high osmotic gradient, taking large doses of magnesium can lead to increased water content in the intestines. This results in a "flushing" of the intestinal contents that is often used to treat constipation or to promote cleansing for detoxification. Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) is the most commonly used form of magnesium for treating constipation. For detoxification, commercial products containing magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), and magnesium citrate are used. It is important never to attempt to create your own detoxification products using the above ingredients as fluid balance is delicate and misuse can result in severe dehydration. Consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning any detoxification protocol.