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The ideal calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratio in an unwashed sample of hair is about 6.67:1.
Generally, a Ca/Mg ratio lower than 4.5 or greater than 8.5 is indicative of a sensitivity to sugars
and simple carbohydrates. Between 10:1 and 12:1, or 3:1 and 3.3:1 are considered
hypoglycemic ranges. Over 12:1 and less than 3:1 are considered diabetic ranges. Washing the
hair at the laboratory can skew the Ca/Mg ratio and render it less reliable.
Ratios greater than 10:1 or less than 3:1 also indicate a tendency for calcium precipitation in
the tissues. This can cause bone spurs, arthritic changes, arterial calcification and calcium stone
formation in the kidneys or gall bladder. Magnesium is required to keep calcium in solution.
When the ratio is imbalanced, it may reflect a relative magnesium deficiency.
Highly imbalanced ratios - above 12:1 and less than 3:1 - often indicate emotional difficulties.
But I Don't Eat Carbohydrates
An imbalanced Ca/Mg ratio usually indicates excessive carbohydrates in the diet. All foods
contain carbohydrates. However, carbohydrate-rich foods are grains, pasta, bread, potatoes,
beans, carrots, peas, corn, fruit, sweets and sugars such as fructose, dextrose, malt sweeteners,
honey and maple syrup. At times, patients tell us they are not eating any of these foods, yet their
Ca/Mg ratio is unbalanced. There are several explanations.
Many people are not aware or truthful about the amount of carbohydrates they consume.
Carbohydrates may be hidden in many foods, especially prepared and packaged foods. Many,
many items have added sugar, cornstarch, barley malt, flour, fructose and other starches or
sugars. Also, remember the starchy vegetables - potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, rutabaga,
winter squash, corn, beans and peas. Although they are superior to eating sugar because they
contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals, one can still overeat on them. Fruits, fruit juices, wine,
beer, mixed drinks and soft drinks may be very high in carbohydrates.
If you have thoroughly ruled out excessive dietary carbohydrates, consider these other causes
for an unbalanced Ca/Mg ratio.
Stress
Stress of any kind can affect the Ca/Mg ratio. This is most likely due to its affect on the
adrenal glands and glucose metabolism. Stress can increase blood sugar through the action of
cortisol, leading to reduced sugar tolerance. Nutritional depletion from stress, and sustained
excessive cortisol and insulin secretion can cause increased insulin resistance.
Cortisol release increases osteoblastic activity that may lead to a higher tissue calcium level as
calcium is released from the bones. Excessive calcium channel activity due to stress can cause a
catabolic state, with increased cell death and release of magnesium from the cells.
An imbalanced Ca/Mg ratio may also be secondary to an imbalanced sodium/potassium
(Na/K) ratio. The latter is a blood sugar ratio related less to diet and more to the effects of stress
on energy production.
The Ca/Mg and Na/K ratios may correlate because of a direct relationship between calcium
and sodium, both extracellular elements and between magnesium and potassium, both
intracellular elements.
Also, sodium and magnesium tend to be antagonistic, as do calcium and potassium. That is,
one rises when the other falls. Dr. Louis Kervan found that sodium-magnesium is a common
transmutation, perhaps affected by adrenal gland activity. Dr. Paul Eck found the Ca/K and
sodium/magnesium (Na/Mg) ratios better indicators of glandular activity than simply mineral
levels.
When both Ca/Mg and Na/K ratios are low, it is referred to as a double inversion. It can
reflect a more severe Na/K inversion, associated not only with carbohydrate intolerance, but also
immune system weakness, protein catabolism, chronic emotional stress and adrenal exhaustion.
Similarly, if the Ca/Mg and the Na/K ratios are elevated, the high Ca/Mg ratio may reflect a
more severe high Na/K pattern, associated with acute stress, inflammation and related symptoms.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress, even positive stress, can affect the Ca/Mg ratio. Perhaps it is because stress
affects carbohydrate tolerance. Other factors may also contribute. For example, the 'calcium
shell' phenomenon is related to an excessively elevated calcium level. This has a numbing and
protective effect in the face of stress. Usually the magnesium level also rises, but in some cases
the Ca/Mg ratio may also be elevated.
Copper toxicity, often related to stress, also initially affects the calcium level. Once again, the
Ca/Mg ratio is usually maintained, but may not be under some circumstances. Addressing
emotional factors may be essential for balancing the Ca/Mg ratio.
Zinc, Taurine and Vitamin B6
Deficiencies of zinc, taurine and vitamin B6 affect magnesium levels. These nutrients are
synergistic with magnesium. High-carbohydrate diets deplete zinc and vitamin B6 and often lack
taurine, which is found only in meats.
Deficiencies of these nutrients may cause a magnesium loss or biounavailability. Recall that a
high level of any nutrient element on a hair analysis often indicates biounavailability, or loss of the
element into the hair tissue.
Most diets are also low in magnesium. This is made worse by drinking a lot of milk, taking
calcium supplements that do not contain magnesium, or eating refined-food diets. While calcium
deficiency gets lots of press, magnesium deficiency also occurs commonly.
Toxic Metals and Contamination
Lead and other toxic metals in the body can skew a Ca/Mg ratio. Lead displaces calcium
from the bones. Cadmium can also displace calcium. Toxic metals may or may not be revealed
on the hair analysis, as they may be sequestered deep in body tissues. If not revealed on the test,
they will often show up on future tests as body chemistry improves provided the patient follows a
scientific program designed to balance body chemistry.
Handling Imbalanced Ca/Mg Ratios
Begin by reducing dietary carbohydrates, improving digestion and correcting the diet in
accordance with the oxidation type. Supplementing with sufficient zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6
and taurine are helpful, along with supplements indicated by other hair analysis patterns.
Reducing stress may be very important. Severe stress can inhibit or even override any dietary
or supplement program! Any time the Ca/Mg ratio is very imbalanced - greater than 15:1 or less
than 2.5:1 - emotional stress is likely and important to address.
If a double inversion is present (low Ca/Mg and low Na/K), or adrenal exhaustion is
suspected, the first priority for correction is the Na/K ratio. As this improves, often the Ca/Mg
ratio will improve as well. The two ratios may alternate in their improvement over a period of
months.
If toxic metals are affecting the ratio, the diet and supplement program can help mobilize these
from storage, at which time the ratio will often improve.
Copyright © 2000
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
