Nutrients and Alzheimer's
- mimic3554
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Since ancient times, the region from the southwestern Kii Peninsula in Japan to Guam has been known for a high incidence of three neurodegenerative diseases:
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) — occurring in the nerve cells of the spinal cord
• Parkinson’s disease — occurring in the substantia nigra of the midbrain
• Alzheimer’s dementia — occurring in the frontal lobe of the cerebrum
Dr. Shiraki from the University of Tokyo conducted analytical studies on the geology, water, and crops in the Kii Peninsula and Guam. The findings revealed extremely low levels of calcium and magnesium, but unusually high levels of aluminum.
It is known that large amounts of aluminum accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Generally, aluminum is toxic to nerves and does not pass through the blood-brain barrier, a protective barrier in the body. However, Dr. Shiraki confirmed that under certain conditions, harmful substances like aluminum can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain.
That condition is precisely a “deficiency in calcium and magnesium.”
Dr. Shiraki conducted an experiment administering aluminum to monkeys. When aluminum was given alone, it did not penetrate nerve cells. However, when the monkeys were made deficient in calcium and magnesium, aluminum easily crossed the barrier.
The primary cause was identified as a “deficiency in minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium.”
The following is a bit technical, but it is hypothesized that a deficiency in calcium or magnesium allows aluminum to enter brain cells for the following reasons:
When calcium intake is insufficient, blood calcium levels drop. Since a certain level of calcium must be maintained in the blood, parathyroid hormone is secreted, dissolving calcium from bones to compensate. However, the calcium released from bones is in the form of a compound called “hydroxyapatite,” which differs in nature from the calcium obtained from food.
In fact, large amounts of hydroxyapatite have been found deposited in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases in the Kii Peninsula and Guam.
Dr. Shiraki’s view is that hydroxyapatite binds with harmful substances like aluminum, enters nerve cells in the brain, and causes degeneration and destruction of those cells.
Moreover, parathyroid hormone, secreted when calcium is dissolved from bones due to deficiency, is said to increase cell membrane permeability, making it easier for calcium (and other substances) to enter cells. This suggests that when the body is deficient in calcium, aluminum is even more likely to penetrate nerve cells in the brain.
It is believed that if this occurs in the nerve cells of the spinal cord (lateral columns), it leads to ALS; if it occurs in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, it leads to Parkinson’s disease; and if it affects the frontal lobe of the cerebrum, it results in Alzheimer’s disease.
While avoiding aluminum (e.g., aluminum pots and kettles) is important, actively consuming foods rich in calcium and magnesium is even more significant.
Recommended daily intake of magnesium.
The recommended daily intake of magnesium varies by age, sex, and life stage. Here are the general guidelines for adults in simple terms, based on U.S. National Institutes of Health standards:
• Men (19+ years): 400–420 mg
• Women (19+ years): 310–320 mg
• Pregnant women: 350–360 mg
• Breastfeeding women: 310–320 mg
Easy Ways to Get Magnesium:
Foods:
Magnesium is abundant in seawater and is therefore found in seaweed and seafood.
• Nuts (almonds, cashews): ~80 mg per ounce
• Spinach (cooked): ~80 mg per half cup
• Black beans (cooked): ~60 mg per half cup
• Whole grains (like oatmeal): ~40 mg per cup
• Banana: ~30 mg per medium fruit
• Tips: Snack on nuts, add spinach to meals,
or eat beans in soups or salads.
• It is also found in other grains, vegetables, and legumes, and in spices such as basil.
• Eating with foods rich in vitamin D (salmon, sardines, saury, kikurage, etc.)
increases the absorption rate of magnesium.
Supplements:
If needed, magnesium
supplements (like citrate or oxide) are available, but talk to a doctor first to avoid overdoing it.
Eating a balanced diet with these foods usually covers your needs. Too much magnesium from supplements can cause diarrhea or other issues, so stick to food sources when possible.f
Overdosing on magnesium from a normal diet is unlikely because foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains contain moderate amounts that your body can regulate. The kidneys typically filter out excess magnesium from food.
However, overdosing from supplements or medications can be a concern. Taking too much magnesium from pills, powders, or drugs (like laxatives or antacids containing magnesium) can lead to:
• Diarrhea: Excess magnesium pulls water into the intestines.
• Nausea or stomach cramps: High doses can irritate the digestive system.
• Low blood pressure: Too much magnesium can relax blood vessels.
• Heart issues: In severe cases, very high doses can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
• Kidney problems: People with kidney issues are at higher risk since they can’t filter excess magnesium well.
Safe Upper Limit:
For adults, the tolerable upper intake level for magnesium from supplements/medications is 350 mg per day (not including food sources). Exceeding this can increase risks, especially if taken regularly.
“Roughly 30% of ingested magnesium through food or drinking water is absorbed by the intestine, although the extent of absorption depends on the body magnesium status (increased in case of Mg2+ deficiency).”
↑ This means that by taking magnesium from the diet, about 30% of its content can be absorbed.
If this is the case, then consuming magnesium-rich foods as much as possible will efficiently improve magnesium deficiency.
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