Posted by JLx on November 1, 2004, at 11:16:15
In reply to Re: Magnesium/calcium/chromium » JLx, posted by jujube on November 1, 2004, at 9:41:39
> Thanks JL. The slightly elevated calcium levels were actually detected by the gastrointerologist I was seeing (it was thought that I may have had a malabsorption problem because I was not responding to the months of iron supplementation to correct the iron deficiency). When I told my gp about the elevated calcium level, she immediately did some tests (parathyroid and another I think). All was normal, so it may have just been a blip. From what I have read, high calcium (hypercalcemia) can cause a whole host of problems (anxiety, depression . . .).Well, that's good it's not your parathyroid or something serious. I think too much calcium and/or not enough magnesium is an overlooked factor in many people's (especially women since we're often supplementing) depression and anxiety symptoms. Calcium can be excitotoxic to the brain in high doses. And perhaps for some of us what's a "high dose" is less than we've been lead to believe. I used to have suicide ideation quite often, for many years, sometimes was symptomatic of my deepest depression and sometimes didn't seem related to terrible depression. Since I've been taking magnesium (and cut way, way down on calcium foods) I have not been suicidal at all -- in 2 1/2 years now. That's something like a miracle to me.
> As for the chromium, when I first starting supplementing, I tried taking it during the day for a few days as well as at night, but daytime dose seemed to make feel fatigues. So, now I only take about 200 - 300 mg just before bed.Hmm...interesting. I've been taking it with meals but maybe now I will only take it later in the day.
> I was not aware that cinnamon lowered blood sugar levels. Thanks, its something to keep in mind.
I mix it up with applesause, very heavy on the cinammon and have a spoonful to end meals. It's also good for digestion, I think. And it warms you up a little. Nice in the winter where I live (Michigan).
>I think the chromium works differently in that it regulates blood sugar. So, I would think that it would probably be suitable for those with high or low blood sugar. I am beginning to think that some of my problems may be blood sugar related, although a glucose tolerance test did not indicate diabetes or hypoglycemia. Even though I eat a good, well-balanced meal in the evening and try to eat well during the day, I wake up in the morning feeling anxious and like I haven't eaten for days. That feeling is lessening since I added the chromium about a week ago. The other thing about chromium is that it is supposed to reduce carb cravings and help with weight loss (at least that is what I have read - who knows).
I've read that too but haven't noticed it especially myself. I, too, think that hypoglycemia has a big part to play in depression and anxiety. An interesting site I've run across just lately is this Australian one: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/index.html
If I am remembering your correctly, you said something recently about quitting smoking? Joan Matthews Larson's "Depression Free Naturally" is one I liked and I consult her website sometimes to refresh my memory. She has an article on her site http://www.healthrecovery.com/ that recommends Alka-Selzter Gold to help smoker's quit. This was so unusual that it stuck in my head. :) She also says this:
"Glutamine: Did you know that cigarettes are up to 75 percent sugar? Tobacco is cured with beet, corn, and cane sugars. A long as these sugars are entering their bloodstreams with any regularity, hypoglycemic smokers won't be able to bring the blood sugar under control. Glutamine, an alternative source glucose, can alleviate hypoglycemic reactions among smokers.
Zinc: Smokers are usually deficient in zinc because the body uses a lot of it to remove the buildup of cadmium, a metal contained in cigarette papers (it makes them white). Increase your total zinc intake to fifty milligrams per day for six weeks."
I've taken glutamine with some success, but only at lower doses. When I went over 1500 in one day, I felt terrible. I think it must have been converting to glutamic acid instead of GABA.
> With respect to magnesium, I had been using oxide (in some of my readings I had read that you get more elemental mag from oxide, but that other forms are more bioavailable). I think I will switch to a different form. What do you think of Magnesium Taurate or Magnesium chelate? Would I be getting more bang for my buck if I tried either of those?
Oh, definitely, but watch out for anything that just says "magnesium chelate" because the question is, chelated with what? If it doesn't say, I wouldn't take it. Magnesium taurate and magnesium glycinate are chelated with the amino acids taurine and glycine, for instance. Taurate is supposed to be good, haven't tried it myself yet. Mg citrate is good too, as is mg malate. I suggest you experiment, see which ones feel good and which might be more or less apt to induce diarrhea. (That's citrate for me.) Mg malate is the one that is specifically recommended for fibromyalgia and CFS too, I believe. I take it and like it. It's less sedating/calming in my experience than mg glycinate.
> I am just in the process of educating myself about the use and benefits of vitamins, minerals and supplements above the RDA values. I am glad to have found this board to further educate myself and to share experiences and successes.
>
> Thanks again, and take care.
>
> TamaraYes, indeed, lots of good info and people hanging around here. :) I learn a lot. It helps keep my motivated too to not slack off on my supplementing.
JL
poster:JLx
thread:408983
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041022/msgs/410040.html