DR. CAROLYN DEAN, M.D., ND: Our high-calcium [cheesy] diet and tendency to take calcium supplements make getting enough magnesium almost impossible.

A 2015 study confirms that magnesium has a major role in dissolving calcium crystals in calcified arteries. All muscle cells including those of the heart & of the smooth muscles lining the blood vessels, contain more magnesium than calcium. If magnesium is deficient calcium floods into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and causes spasms, leading to constricted blood vessels and therefore higher blood pressure, arterial spasm, angina, and heart attack. A proper balance of magnesium to calcium can prevent these symptoms. Calcium excess stimulating the cells in the muscular layer of the temporal arteries (located over the temples) can cause migraine headaches. Excess calcium can constrict the smooth muscle surrounding the small airways of the lungs, causing restricted breathing and asthma. Finally… too much calcium, without the protective effect of magnesium can irritate delicate nerve cells of the brain. Cells that are irritated by calcium fire electrical impulses repeatedly, depleting their energy stores and causing cell death (DR. CAROLYN DEAN, MD, ND)

“The irony of the calcium-magnesium story is that without magnesium, calcium will not work properly in the cells, but it will inappropriately precipitate out into soft tissues. However, our high-calcium diet and tendency to take calcium supplements make getting enough magnesium… pic.twitter.com/PBHwAf1zRe

— Wejolyn 🇺🇸 (@Wejolyn) July 5, 2024

"Understanding Magnesium," Dr. Carolyn Dean, 2023.

"Magnesium and Longevity," Dr. Carolyn Dean, 2023.

"Magnesium and Heart Health: What You Need to Know," Dr. Carolyn Dean, 2023.

In "Are You Taking Too Much Calcium," Dr. Dean writes,

During one of my radio shows where the topic was magnesium and osteoporosis, I shared the following:

Did you know that there are approximately seventeen nutrients essential for healthy bones, including magnesium, the most important mineral, along with calcium? Susan Brown, Ph.D., Director of the Osteoporosis Education Project in Syracuse, New York, [be sure to check out her videos] warns that “the use of calcium supplementation in the face of magnesium deficiency can lead to a deposition of calcium in the soft tissue such as the joints, promoting arthritis, or in the kidney, contributing to kidney stones.” Dr. Brown recommends a daily dose of 450 mg of magnesium for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

To meet Dr. Brown’s “requirement” for 17 nutrients, I recommend, picometer liquid magnesium [ why this type?  For greatest absorption], calcium in the diet, a picometer liquid multiple mineral, food-based vitamins, ¼ tsp of a good colorful sea salt in each liter of your drinking water. 

Further, Dr. Dean's point on the calcium/magnesium conflict provides excellent insight, 

Calcium and magnesium are antagonists, and this antagonism drives many functions of the body. For example, calcium contracts muscles; whereas, magnesium relaxes muscles. Magnesium helps reduce blood clots; whereas, calcium helps with blood clotting. Calcium may contribute to inflammation according to several studies; magnesium is a natural anti-inflammatory. This opposition helps the heart to beat, contributes to blood circulation, and allows us to move our bodies. 

Do you want to be precise on your calcium intake?  Try the app, Cronometer.

To discover how much calcium is in the food you eat, begin with the Cronometer, an app that helps you add up the nutrients in your diet to see if you are getting the 600mg of calcium you require.

Got questions about magnesium?  Go ahead and ask: questions@drcarolyndean.com.  You can also call: 888-577-3703. 

Magnesium: The Missing Link to Total Health (Revised) https://t.co/SQZx7hoDdk via @amazon

— St. Michael, the Archangel (@aveng_angel) July 5, 2024