Calcium has long been heralded as essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones, particularly as we age and face the looming threat of osteoporosis. The prevailing message from media, healthcare professionals, and well-meaning advice has been clear: increase calcium intake to combat the dreaded brittle bone disease. However, despite substantial calcium supplementation, many still struggle with bone health issues. This paradox begs the question: where does all the supplemented calcium go, and is it genuinely beneficial?
The Misconception of Calcium Supplementation
The idea that simply ingesting more calcium will lead to stronger bones is fundamentally flawed. As people age, their bodies become less efficient at utilizing calcium from supplements. The excess calcium often does not reach the bones at all. Instead, it can overwhelm the cells and cause them to malfunction. High levels of calcium in the bloodstream can be toxic, leading to a host of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, dementia, and even premature death.
The problem lies not in calcium deficiency but in the body’s ability to effectively use the calcium already present. This revelation indicates a critical need for a different approach to bone health and calcium utilization.
The Magnesium Connection
Emerging science suggests that the key to proper calcium utilization is not more calcium but rather adequate magnesium. Magnesium is vital in numerous bodily functions, including regulating calcium absorption. Without sufficient magnesium, the body cannot correctly process or utilize calcium.
Most people do not need additional calcium; they need more magnesium to activate the calcium already in their system. This mineral partnership allows calcium to be effectively directed to the bones, enhancing bone density and strength while preventing the toxic buildup of calcium in other parts of the body.
The Ineffectiveness of Oral Magnesium Supplements
While magnesium supplementation is crucial, oral magnesium supplements are often inadequate. The human body absorbs less than ten percent of oral magnesium, insufficient to meet the needs of cells and tissues. Thus, while oral supplements can help somewhat, they do not provide the full benefits needed to optimize calcium use.
The Benefits of Topical Magnesium from the Ocean
A transdermal approach is recommended for effective magnesium supplementation. This involves applying magnesium directly to the skin, allowing it to be absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the cells that need it most. Ocean-derived magnesium, in particular, is highly beneficial due to its compatibility with human biology. Seawater magnesium was used as a substitute for blood transfusions during wartime, highlighting its safety and effectiveness.
When applied topically, oceanic magnesium bypasses the digestive system and is absorbed directly through the skin. This method ensures that a significant amount of magnesium reaches the bloodstream, where it can then interact with calcium in the cells. The magnesium-calcium bond detoxifies calcium and enables it to be transported to the bones, where it is most needed.
A New Paradigm for Bone Health
As the understanding of calcium and magnesium’s relationship evolves, it becomes clear that the focus should shift from calcium supplementation to ensuring adequate magnesium intake. This shift could revolutionize how we approach bone health and aging.
Manufacturers have attempted to address this by combining calcium with magnesium in supplements, but this approach must fully address the underlying issue. The body still requires a more efficient delivery of magnesium to maximize calcium utilization.
For those concerned about bone health, especially in the later stages of life, the emphasis should be on reducing calcium supplementation and increasing magnesium intake through topical applications. This strategy enhances bone strength and mitigates the risks associated with excess calcium.
What Does This Mean?
The traditional approach of increasing calcium intake to combat osteoporosis and other bone-related issues is ineffective and potentially dangerous. The proper solution is enhancing the body’s ability to use calcium through adequate magnesium levels. We can significantly improve bone health and overall well-being by adopting topical magnesium sourced from the ocean, providing a safer and more effective alternative to conventional calcium supplementation.