find their eyes don’t function as well. Chances are you or someone you know has had cataract surgery, an almost routine procedure for older adults. Dogs also get cataracts, but for them aging is not the pri- mary cause. About 40 breeds of dogs are predisposed to cata- racts. Such popular breeds as retrievers, spaniels, poodles, terriers and huskies are among those that, due to heredity, may get cataracts. Generally if a dog has cataracts and no other plausible cause can be determined, the cataracts are deemed to be in- herited. Dogs that have this genetic predisposition can show signs of developing the condition at just a few months old.


Cataracts in dogs and what to do O


About 40 breeds of dogs are predisposed to cataracts.


ne of the most obvious signs of aging for us humans is failing eyesight. Even those who had perfect vision in their younger years


The second cause of cataracts in dogs is diabetes. As the incidence of diabetic dogs increases, so too does the increase in cataracts, a familiar complica- tion of diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). As with people, this type of diabetes is largely a lifestyle illness resulting from obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet. The final, less common causes of cataracts in ca- nines are trauma and old age. If a dog has an injury to or an infection in an eye, the resulting long term effect may be cataracts. Senile cataracts, called late-


Dogs also get cataracts, but the cause may not be age-based.


onset cataracts, can occur in dogs though it is far less common in them than it is in humans. The only effective method to treat cataracts is through surgical removal and replacement of the lens. The procedure is the same one used for people. Unfortunately, our pets are not covered by medicare and the procedure is expensive. Besides cost, other factors that should be considered in contemplating surgery are the underlying cause of the cataract as


ccording to Bruce Ames, the fa- mous professor of biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, we need a healthy diet and about 28 micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, essen- tial fatty acids and amino acids) each day to slow down the aging process, keep our minds sharp, and help prevent DNA dam- age that can lead to the diseases of aging, includ- ing cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system dysfunction, dementia and cataracts.


Ames’ Triage Theory predicts that the conse- quence of a deficiency of even a single micronutri- ent like magnesium can


Magnificent magnesium A


well as the overall health and age of the dog. Early detection of cataracts can help to minimize their damage. Be certain that your vet is checking for indications of cataract development, watch for any change in the colour of the eye and be aware of evidence of vision impairment (such as bump- ing into things, squinting, misjudging jumps). Vets currently have several weapons such as powerful an- tioxidants and anti-inflammatory medications that can delay a worsening of the condition. Depending on the type of cataract, a dog may not go completely blind and will usually adapt well to their diminished sight. The worst thing an owner can do fail to act or go into denial since left un- checked a dog may suffer unbearable pain. Since cats, unlike dogs, rarely inherit the predispo- sition for cataracts, they have far fewer incidents of the affliction. Most cataracts occurring in felines are the result of trauma or some eye disease that leads specifically to cataracts. Of course, if a cat lives long enough, as many seem to these days, senile cataracts may form but usually do not cause complete blind- ness.


Just as we are reminded to have our eyes checked regularly, so too should we have our pets’ eyes checked regularly. Early detection of any eye prob- lem generally results in better treatment and better sight.


Magnesium is required for growth and development, maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, regulating heartbeat, wound healing, tempera- ture regulation, cogni- tive performance and mental health, heart and skeletal muscle contrac- tion, building bone min- eral density and immune function. A recent meta- analysis of 11 controlled trials found that magne- sium


supplementation


Nathan Zassman Natural Health


result in DNA damage that is equal to the damage caused by radiation. The second most abundant mineral in soft tissue (after potassium), magne- sium is critical for energy metabolism, and is vital to the production of ATP (required for energy), which the body requires for mental, physical and bio- chemical processes. It also relaxes mus- cles and to help reduce stress, as it acts as a natural tranquilizer and anti-stress mineral, while helping to improve sleep by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Magnesium is a critical co-factor for


the production of proteins, enzymes, and over 300 biochemical and enzy- matic reactions in the body. It plays an important role in the synthesis of pro- teins, the metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates and fats, and the synthe- sis of glutathione, the most important antioxidant in the body. Magnesium inhibits platelet aggregation which may help prevent blood clots, and helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, improving circulation.


may reduce chronic in- flammation. As an impor- tant co-factor for the pro- duction of detoxification enzymes, magnesium helps the body eliminate toxins, including lead, mercury, aluminum, cad-


mium and arsenic.


Because magnesium is required for so many biological and biochemical processes, a deficiency can cause a wide range


of symptoms and conditions that may not seem related. Estimates are that at least 60% of North Ameri- cans are deficient in magnesium. While magnesium deficiency can be due to a poor diet, many prescription drugs de- plete magnesium. With age, many have a gradual decrease in the stomach acid required to break down and assimilate minerals. In addition, the mineral lev- els in foods are decreasing due to farm- ing practices and soil quality. Early symptoms of magnesium de- ficiency include fatigue (physical and mental), irritability, twitching under the eyes, leg and muscle cramps, foot pain, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, abnormal heart rhythm and back pain.


Other symptoms can include neck


pain, upper back, neck and shoulder tension, tension headaches, TMJ (jaw


joint pain), bruxism (jaw clenching, teeth grinding), constipation, men- strual cramps, difficulty swallowing, sensitivity to loud noises, adjusting to bright oncoming headlights, insomnia, breast tenderness, anxiety, hyperactiv- ity (the inability to sit still), lack of mental focus, panic attacks and ago- raphobia. Craving salt, carbohydrates and cocoa (cocoa/chocolate is high in magnesium) can also be a symptom of magnesium deficiency.


Dr. Norman Shealy states, “Ev- ery known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency” and that, “magnesium is the most critical min- eral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient.” Mag- nesium may be the most important micronutrient needed by the body, af- ter oxygen, pure water and nutritious food. Dr. Marc Sircus, a magnesium authority, believes magnesium defi- ciency is directly related to diabetes and is at the root of many if not all car- diovascular problems.


Magnesium can help improve sleep quality, fight fatigue and may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that more than 50 percent of pre-diabetics given magne- sium supplements saw improvements in fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance. As well, magnesium improves insulin sen- sitivity and can reduce the risk of reti- nopathy. Magnesium improves blood clotting, can help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces mus- cle spasms including leg cramps and restless legs, and helps alleviate asthma symptoms, kidney stones, osteoporosis and migraine headaches. Magnesium deficiency is also a com- mon cause of constipation. Increasing fibre, probiotics, drinking plenty of


pure water and magnesium can almost always cure chronic constipation and normalize bowel function.


If magnesium levels are very low, it may not be possible to raise them to the normal range initially through oral sup- plementation. IV injections, foot baths or bathing in water with 1-2 cups of magnesium chloride crystals or flakes, or transdermal application of magnesium oil (rubbing it into or spraying on the skin), can more rapidly increase cellular magnesium levels, and can be effective for quickly reducing muscle spasms and cramps. Bathing in magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts), as it is excreted more quickly, is not as effective as magnesium chloride or Dead Sea Salts.


As magnesium is the center of the chlorophyll molecule, all green vegeta- bles contain this magnificent mineral. As Dr. Ames says, “eat your spinach.” Excellent sources include Swiss chard, nuts including almonds, yogurt, seeds (especially pumpkin), whole grains, sar- dines, salmon, cocoa and animal foods. A healthy diet, supplemented with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids (when necessary), reg- ular exercise and sufficient rest and sleep are critical factors in achieving optimum health and wellness. If you have any of the symptoms described above, I rec- ommend supplementing with 300-400 mg of elemental magnesium, in divided doses. Higher levels are sometimes re- quired, as individual requirements can vary. If you find the magnesium has a laxative effect, reduce the dosage. The health benefits can be remarkable. Next month’s article will discuss 14 different supplemental and topical/ transdermal forms of magnesium, mag- nesium bicarbonate water, and the el- emental amounts and bioavailability of each.


Nathan Zassman is the owner and presi- dent of Aviva Natural Health Solutions.


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