Below is an excerpt from the recipes in Wheat Belly Total Health, also posted in Undoctored.) The recipes in Wheat Belly Total Health and Undoctored are not all conventional recipes, such as those for soups or entrees; they are functional recipes that provide specific health benefits, from electrolyte restoration to bowel flora cultivation. Here, I reproduce the recipe for Magnesium Water, the best form of magnesium supplementation available that you cannot buy, but with an updated warning to avoid milk of magnesia that contains sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach—yes: chlorine bleach, a potent oxidizing agent) that is making its way into more and more products.
While the best form of magnesium supplement is magnesium bicarbonate, in solid form is highly hygroscopic, or water-absorbent, such that it turns to a hard solid, then crumbles, in short order. For this reason, no manufacturer will sell you a magnesium bicarbonate supplement.
But you can make it yourself quite easily in liquid form and at very low cost using common materials. This form of magnesium is so well absorbed that I prescribed this mixture for patients over the years who had severe, life-threatening magnesium deficiencies (from such things as prior chemotherapy or specific magnesium-losing nephropathies, or kidney defects of magnesium reabsorption) that were chronic, requiring them to go to an emergency room or clinic every week for an intravenous infusion of magnesium to avoid the sudden cardiac death (via Torsade des pointes or ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation) that can result. But the weekly infusion was an awful experience, as getting an IV is no fun, it’s a major inconvenience, and costly. Using this Magnesium Water, I was able to keep magnesium blood levels in a safe range using this convenient oral mixture—no more IVs, no more weekly trips, far less cost, and less fluctuation of magnesium levels, since it could be supplemented every day, rather than once per week. This formula is perfectly safe even if you don’t have a life-threatening magnesium deficiency, though your needs will be less.
If we were able to drink water straight from streams that flowed over rocks and minerals, or if we ate wild foods rich in magnesium, none of this would be necessary. But given the fact that water filtration removes virtually all magnesium, modern crop-growing methods mobilize as much as 60% less magnesium compared to older methods, and prior grain consumption blocks nearly all magnesium absorption (due to grain phytates), nearly all of us suffer from magnesium deficiency. Inadequate magnesium intake has real consequences such as higher blood pressure, higher blood sugars, muscle cramps, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (as well as fatal rhythms), and osteoporosis. Because of our poor intake, supplementation is necessary for a lifetime for the majority.
This magnesium water is therefore the best fix I know of.
Magnesium water
This simple recipe yields magnesium bicarbonate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium that restores tissue magnesium with least potential for diarrhea. A 4-ounce serving provides 90 mg of elemental magnesium; 4 ounces twice per day thereby adds an additional 180 mg of elemental magnesium to your diet. Building up to an intake (as permitted by bowel tolerance) of 8 ounces twice per day is ideal, providing 360 mg per day.
Note that the milk of magnesia must be unflavored, as flavorings block the reaction. And look for brands (e.g., Walgreen’s) that does not contain sodium hypochlorite, as it is an unhealthy additive and yields “off” flavors and smells. Be sure to label your bottle to prevent any unexpected guzzling by someone (which results in diarrhea). Magnesium water does not need to be refrigerated if consumed within 1-2 weeks.
2 liter bottle of seltzer or other unsweetened carbonated beverage (not club soda)
3 tablespoons unflavored milk of magnesia
Uncap the seltzer and pour off a few tablespoons. Shake the milk of magnesia, then pour out 3 tablespoons. (Most brands come with a handy little measuring cup.) Pour into the seltzer slowly.
Cap securely, then shake until all sediment has dissolved. Allow to sit for 15 minutes and it will clarify. Start by drinking 4 ounces twice per day. Label the bottle to keep others from inadvertently drinking it (and experiencing diarrhea by drinking too much).
If rapid restoration of magnesium is desired, e.g., chronic migraine headaches or atrial fibrillation, I’ve had patients drink 8 ounces twice or even three times per day. Just be aware that even this great preparation has potential to cause loose stools, so build up to this dose over time.
Is the change in this recipe the Club Soda? I’m wondering why no club soda.
Joanne wrote: «Is the change in this recipe the Club Soda?»
I haven’t dug into it, but the main change seems to be the caution about the all-too-common sodium hypochlorite in the MoM. That last time I had to resort to storefront retail for a MoM, I had to hit 4 different stores to find a clean product.
re: «I’m wondering why no club soda.»
It’s always been contraindicated, but it’s a matter of regional terminology. What you want is a product that contains only filtered water and carbon dioxide.
Club soda is apt to also contain potassium bicarbonate and/or potassium sulfate (again, with possible regional variations).
Other forms of carbonated water may contain sweeteners, flavorants, preservatives or colorants — all presumed to interfere with the reaction or the result.
At my house, we’re on what, with any luck, will be our last store-bought bottle of seltzer water. When I ran the numbers on home carbonators, it looked favorable (with local cylinder exchange), so we bought one. I may have more to say after giving it try.
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This may be a little off topic but I remember reading in Wheat Belly that anyone who is taking blood thinners to be aware that the Wheat belly protocol could be harmful and I’m thinking it was the magnesium water. Can anyone steer me in the right direction to find that info please?
Randy wrote: «…reading in Wheat Belly that anyone who is taking blood thinners…»
It’s not in the WB books. It is in Undoctored, and also here on the blog.
re: «…and I’m thinking it was the magnesium water.»
Nope. Vitamin K2.
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So any and all of the undoctored supplement protocol is fine for someone taking blood thinners as long as they do not take vitamin K2 as a supplement?
Randy wrote: «So any and all of the undoctored supplement protocol is fine for someone taking blood thinners as long as they do not take vitamin K2 as a supplement?»
For context, the core supplement list does not include K2. Those it does contain (D3, EPA&DHA, I, Mg, gut flora support) do not come with any cautions for thinners or anti-coagulants.
The K2 caution is not a prohibition. It identifies a need to consider and tailor to the specific agent in use. Further, a lot of people who think they are on blood thinners are actually on anti-coagulants, which is a different story.
If we ever identify the dietary adjustment that restores ancestral K2 production levels in the gut, this whole topic might need to be revisited.
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Thank you for the quick and clear clarification.
Avoid the milk of magnesia that does NOT contain bleach?
This doesn’t sound right. I don’t really want to ingest bleach.
Julie wrote: «Avoid the milk of magnesia that does NOT contain bleach?»
Well, unless it got edited after you saw it, it says: “And look for brands (e.g., Walgreen’s) that does not contain sodium hypochlorite…” No double-negative in sight.
re: «This doesn’t sound right. I don’t really want to ingest bleach.»
The problem seems to be the prevalence of MoMs that contain this preservative, including Phillips so-called Original (which I suspect is not really original). I’ve used it by mistake on several occasions, and get some sort of white precipitate every time. NaClO-free MOMs also include the Kroger product, Good Sense and other house brands.
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Kroger brand now has Sodium Hypochlorite. I can’t find it anymore, and good sense brand is not available any longer. Do you know of an acceptable source for MoM?
Allen Paine wrote: «Kroger brand now has Sodium Hypochlorite.»
And so does the Dollar General house brand now, according to a user report on the Undoctored forum.
re: « Do you know of an acceptable source for MoM?»
You might try CVS, but it appears that all these clowns now are sipping from the first post-COVID tanker that docked, and the bulk Mg(OH)₂ had preservative (bleach) added for the trip. It’s not there to preserve your microbiome.
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Bob, do you know how much magnesium you’re getting in the CVS pharmacy brand versus Phillips brand? CVS says it has 1200 mg of magnesium hydroxide for 3 ml and Phil’s brand says it has 500 mg of magnesium in 3 ml. Is this the same concentration of magnesium in both brands? I just went to a couple of CVS pharmacies and bought out their milk of magnesia and there is a buy one get one half price.
Allen Paine wrote: «…how much magnesium you’re getting in the CVS pharmacy brand versus Phillips brand? CVS says it has 1200 mg of magnesium hydroxide for 3 ml and Phil’s brand says it has 500 mg of magnesium in 3 ml.…»
Same thing. When I last ran the numbers down to the atomic weights, Mg(OH)₂ is 41.68% Mg by weight, so 1200mg would contain 500.16mg of Mg.
re: «I just went to a couple of CVS pharmacies and bought out their milk of magnesia and there is a buy one get one half price.»
Be on alert for a re-stock with bleach, bleh.
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I’ve watched my local suppliers of pure MoM disappear one by one. First Wegmans where the shelves emptied of Top Care brand. Then my local pharmacy, which had GeriCare brand, switched to the bleached. They located two other pure brands but both are out of stock.
BTW has anyone else noticed a fishy taste in the Magnesium Water just after a couple of days in the fridge? I am going to begin making a fresh glass of it each time to avoid the nasty taste, assuming I ever find it again.
Avoid the milk of magnesia that does NOT contain bleach?
That doesn’t sound right. I don’t really want to ingest bleach.
Further down in the article: “Note that the milk of magnesia must be unflavored, as flavorings block the reaction. And look for brands (e.g., Walgreen’s) that does NOT contain sodium hypochlorite, as it is an unhealthy additive and yields “off” flavors and smells.”
SO the unflavored Walgreens brand is recommended?
On Walgreen’s website for their brand:
Active Ingredients: Magnesium Hydroxide 1200 mg (In Each 15 ml Tablespoonful)
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Hypochlorite
“Here, I reproduce the recipe for Magnesium Water, the best form of magnesium supplementation available that you cannot buy, but with an updated warning to avoid milk of magnesia that does not contain sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach—yes: chlorine bleach, a potent oxidizing agent) that is making its way into more and more products.”
Do you avoid Milk of Mag that contains sodium hypochlorite or are we looking for Milk of Mag that has it? The above paragraph is written in a confusing way. Clarification is needed. And, that clarification should be right there at that point in the article. Not half way down in another section – no wonder we are getting confused.
Perhaps someone can edit these before they are published for everyone to see? Hire a writing specialist to edit in order to avoid these issues.
So much criticism from someone whom has to question if they should want bleach in their M.o.M.
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge on this topic.
Marie wrote: «Do you avoid Milk of Mag that contains sodium hypochlorite or are we looking for Milk of Mag that has it?»
For the benefit of those wondering what this is all about, there was a typo in the blog article as originally posted, since corrected. Usually these get caught and fixed before becoming the subject of comments.
But yes, avoid the hypochlorite. We want the only ingredients in the MoM to be:
Magnesium Hydroxide
Purified water
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In researching the active and inactive ingredients on Walgreen’s website, their product “sugar free Milk of Magnesia” also contains Sodium Hypochlorite:
Active Ingredients: Magnesium Hydroxide 1200 mg (In Each 15 ml Tablespoonful)
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Hypochlorite
Update:
Further search on Amazon found this:
Good Sense Milk of Magnesia Saline Laxative. I ordered the minimum order of three bottles, so I should be Magnesium water-rich for some time!
Best to buy Kroger brand from pick n save because it is $1.99 compared to $5.37 for Good Sense from Amazon.
Michael wrote: «Best to buy Kroger brand from pick n save because it is $1.99 compared to $5.37 for Good Sense from Amazon.»
And it’s somewhere in between on Vitacost, plus or minus arranging your order for free shipping, and their frequent sales (and tricks that might game that process). Vitacost is a division of Kroger.
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If one is able to work up to 360 mg per day, this still does not meet the total amount that Dr. Davis recommends when taking Magnesium Malate or Magnesium Citrate (I need to take this because of history of kidney stones). If I am reading his recommendations correctly, one needs to take what amounts to close to 1200 mg daily? Unfortunately I have tried to take the Magnesium Citrate three times a day and my body is not tolerating it. Have a diagnosis of osteoporosis also, so this is a double whammy.
Does the MoM with seltzer water, though less than the 1200 mg via capsules, meet the requirements of Dr. Davis? He has said NOT to take straight calcium .
Betty wrote: «If one is able to work up to 360 mg per day, this still does not meet the total amount that Dr. Davis recommends…»
Keep in mind that the program target is a titer:
RBC Mg (typically CPT Code 83735)
at the top of the Reference Range, or even slightly above. Supplement needs may be expected to vary by individual, region and diet.
And yes, the program recommendation is more typically seen as 400-500mg or elemental Mg.
re: «…when taking Magnesium Malate or Magnesium Citrate (I need to take this because of history of kidney stones).»
Favoring the citrate form is one part of the Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones Protocol on the subscription site, which also includes hydration, bowel flora cultivation and a specific B vitamin recommendation.
re: «If I am reading his recommendations correctly, one needs to take what amounts to close to 1200 mg daily?»
I don’t read that.
re: «Does the MoM with seltzer water … meet the requirements of Dr. Davis?»
As I understand it, you can get all your Mg that way, but with kidney stones, the citrate form might be preferable.
re: «He has said NOT to take straight calcium.»
Can I ask why the topic of calcium arises? The program does discourage calcium supplementation, but encourages getting ample via foods, within the context of making sure that the Ca ends up where you want it (bones), and not where you don’t (endothelium).
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Thanks for your response. I had posted early Spring that my doctor wanted me to get A brand of Vit. d3 with Calcium Citrate and that I couldn’t find it locally , ( high mg) Dr. Davis responded that calcium like in OsCal not recommended on his program. Made good sense., naturally. I bought the Magnesium Citrate 131 or 133 mg , and was taking 3 capsules three times a day. Worked up to that number slowly and by the time I was taking three, three times a day, it was too much and I had to stop. Every time I go back to his explanations in Undoctored and on posts on the Detox FB page, it SEEMS to say to take 400 mg three times a day. So many people were having problems interpreting this , and he replied so many times, but confusion still reigns. I DO try to get in calcium via food.
Just found the page in Undoctored, p. 335:”Take Magnesium Citrate as your magnesium supplement. Ideally 400 milligrams three times per day. Both magnesium and citrate (citric acid) block the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, making magnesium citrate a convenient means of obtaining both.”
I do hope I have interpreted this wrong . I have just gone back to reading responses on the Detox FB page. Now I THINK I FINALLY understand. If my Mag Citrate was 133 mg, per capsule, then I only have to take three, spread out during the day, to total 399.
So sorry for my confusing post. I hope your response and the explanation of my misunderstanding will help others who may read this.
Betty wrote: «…my doctor wanted me to get A brand of Vit. d3 with Calcium Citrate…»
What do we suppose that was about?
re: «Just found the page in Undoctored, p. 335:”Take Magnesium Citrate as your magnesium supplement. Ideally 400 milligrams three times per day. Both magnesium and citrate (citric acid) block the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, making magnesium citrate a convenient means of obtaining both.”»
Yep, I see it, and it doesn’t specify whether elemental Mg in citrate form, or total amount of compound. The vague labels on typical products don’t help either. They never seem to specify both the total compound dose and the elemental dose, and even the single number they give is often unspecified as to what that number is.
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My “Now” brand Mag Citrate says “magnesium 400 mg — from magnesium citrate” — per THREE capsules. Since a recent run-in with a kidney stone I’ve been taking 1 cap + 4 oz of mag water twice a day. Wondering if I should drop the mag water entirely and replace it with the caps to get a little more of the unstated dose of citrate. Looks like that would be 3 caps per day.
The “experts” seem to be all over the map about what role — if any — dietary oxalate plays in the formation of kidney stones, and whether mag and/or citrate has much to do with it. My urologist says don’t worry about it, just make sure the “intake” of water is sufficient to produce an “output” of at least 2 qts a day.
Kate, my last episode a few years ago came a week after I had the lithotripsy procedure! I ended up in the emergency room around midnight. Was not real happy about that. I have never been given any specific medicines to ward them off. Just take Tylenol or Advil when they or it is moving around in the kidney.
I have recorded just today the Magnesium Citrate I was taking after reading Dr. Davis’ Undoctored. One capsule is 133 mg elemental magnesium. I have gone round and round reading all the questions ( and many wrong answers) on the 10 Day Detox site where there has been confusion about how many pills or capsules to take to meet the 400 to 500 milligrams recommended by Dr. Davis. The brand I ordered was Source Naturals.
I THINK I am supposed to take one of the capsules 3 times a day, since each is 133 mg. I had been taking 3, three times a day with my first order, and I had to stop because my body was truly rejecting it and everything else! Please tell me I only need the three per day!
The other important reason I am taking the magnesium citrate is because Dr Davis said this is what I need for the osteoporosis that is fast closing in on me.
I also ordered the Milk of Magnesia brand. Good Sense that had been recommended by folks on the Detox site because it seems to be the only one that does not contain the inactive ingredient sodium hypochlorite, which Dr. Davis says is bleach. I bought this just in case I go with the magnesium water so many of the participants use rather than the mag malate or citrate.
I think another visit with my urologist is in order to discuss these issues.
Betty, I’ve just re-read Undoctored, Pages 335-336 plus the blog post that Bob linked above, and I think I see the confusion. Here’s the logic as I see it. The 800-1200 mg is specifically given as a laxative dose, therefore that amount couldn’t be the routine maintenance dose. It looks like *that* is supposed to be 400-500 mg per day. So 3 of your capsules would get you to within 1 mg of the 400 mg of elemental Mag that the program recommends per day for maintenance. Much more than 500 mg would have a laxative effect, as you found out. I think what the book and blog post meant to say was that after the constipation is relieved, back the Mag down to 400 mg *total* to be taken in divided doses, 2-3 times per day. That’s really all it could mean if the laxative dose is 800-1200 mg. I agree, it could have been expressed more clearly.
You might want to check out Vitamin K for your osteoporosis. Bob likes Koncentrated K. Their website has a TON of information.
http://k-vitamins.com/
Kate, thanks for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it! Am waiting for the reordered Source Naturals Magnesium Citrate to arrive. Will start back on the regime of one capsule, three times a day.
Thanks for the reminder about vitamin K-2. I am already taking it along with my vitamin D3, along with the other supplements recommended by Dr. Davis.
Good luck with finding the best course of action for your situation. And again, thanks so much for the iresponse to my query!
Betty, I’m continuing with the 400-500mg per day, too, unless I hear differently. Thanks and good luck to you, as well. :-)
Kate wrote: «Here’s the logic as I see it. The 800-1200 mg is specifically given as a laxative dose, therefore that amount couldn’t be the routine maintenance dose.»
Concur. Dr. Davis confirmed to me today that “It’s 400 mg x 3 doses.”, or 1200mg/day, possibly working up to more as needed.
re: «Bob likes Koncentrated K.»
The top two K2 supplements used by subscription forum members are probably Life Extension Super-K and Koncentrated-K. I’ve used both at various times, and don’t specifically endorse either one.
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Bob, do you switch between brands every once in a while? I saw something recently that doing so is a good idea because it keeps the body from getting “used” to one product, possibly reducing it’s effectiveness over time. I’ve been taking LE Super-K and considering ordering KK next time.
Kate wrote: «…do you switch between brands every once in a while?»
No. It’s a question of what dose you seek. This blog has quite a bit of coverage of the K2 issue (articles in which MK-4 appears). Note that Dr. Davis suggested Super-K.
re: «I saw something recently that doing so is a good idea because it keeps the body from getting “used” to one product, possibly reducing it’s effectiveness over time.»
That’s new to me. Do you have a cite I could look at?
If someone can figure out how to get our gut flora to produce ancestral amounts of K2, we can probably dispense with the K2 supplements (which, by the way, are optional in the basic WB/Undoctored program, and only come in for specific indications).
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Bob –RE: your 9/5/18, 9:43 a.m. reply. Chris Wark mentioned it in one of his “Square One” videos (a 10-part nutrition-based cancer treatment program that was recently presented online.) He didn’t say in the video where he got that idea. I did not purchase the docu-series, which would have included a transcript book, complete with references. I tried searching his website a bit, but didn’t find a mention of it. Here’s the address if you’re interested in looking around: chrisbeatcancer.com
Somehow, the idea does ring a bell. A functional medicine MD I worked for, or one of his colleagues, might have mentioned something similar — maybe it was just someone’s “opinion.” However, that was a Long Time Ago, so I can’t say for sure. Seems like we might have heard about it from more than a single health blogger if there was any substance to it, though
Kate wrote: «Chris Wark mentioned it in one of his “Square One” videos (a 10-part nutrition-based cancer treatment program that was recently presented online.»
I took a quick look and noticed a couple of things straight off:
For a survey of current dissident cancer leaders, there were at least 4 key names missing in the presenter list. They would be among those appearing in my cancer article.
That Dieneke Ferguson curcumin story on Chris’ site is probably misleading, and makes me wonder if the rest of his site has similar problems. Although curcumin is credited, other sources reported that she was doing HbO2 therapy (but they credited the spice anyway). Anyone doing HbO2 is very likely well outside the deadly embrace of NHS diet & cancer policy. What else was she doing, particularly in diet? People with multiple myeloma really need to know, and reports on this case are letting them down.
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Bob: As evidenced by your observation re: the curcumin story, there may indeed be some disconnects between the website (which I confess I haven’t spent much time on) and the SQ-1 video series. Chris states in the videos that even though some of the reports on his site are about people who had success with just a single treatment modality, that’s not the norm and that approach is strongly discouraged. With this in mind, it’s curious that in a case where other therapies were actually used, no mention was made of them.
In fact, the videos detail multiple radical nutritional and lifestyle changes, plus some alternative therapies (such as IV Vit C) that Chris personally had success with. SQ-1 is intended to be a starting point for those wishing to avoid toxic therapies. It’s a hard-core multifaceted approach from every conceivable angle that eliminates controllable risk factors as much as possible and maximizes immune support. He also emphasized that he didn’t make anything up, but compiled the program based on research and the successful work of others (citations in the transcript book) as well as his own successes. He worked with an integrative oncologist, who closely monitored his progress, and a nutritionist. [Some of the dietary guidelines would be considered at odds with WB/Undoctored, but the details could possibly be tweaked enough to make it compliant.]
Thanks for again linking to your “Ruminations.” I’ve read it before but very interested in the “refresher,” especially having just watched the videos. The other curious thing is why the major players named in your article were not cited in Chris’ material.
Kate wrote: «With this in mind, it’s curious that in a case where other therapies were actually used, no mention was made of them.»
Awareness, agendas, who knows. Even the person who has achieved remission may be mis-assigning credit.
re: «…the videos detail multiple radical nutritional and lifestyle changes…»
The internet has really empowered the Wisdom of Crowds effect. For any given ailment, there are tons of sites which may be contributing key tips, not to mention what appears to be a growing business model of “Summits”. Anyone working a problem, needs to survey as many of these sites as they can, but also develop a discipline in triaging the information. I’m only tangentially following CAM cancer therapies, but for most types, those exploiting the metabolic mitochondrial model seem the most promising.
re: «The other curious thing is why the major players named in your article were not cited in Chris’ material.»
Not cited implies not mentioned at all. Is that really the case? If so, it might be lack of awareness. As to why they didn’t appear as speakers, that could be a simple matter of time. There’s a lot of demand on the time of those at the forefront of effective cancer research and treatment. I’m sure they have to decline many invitations.
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Magnesium Citrate
Choosing a less efficiently absorbed form of magnesium is preferable in this situation, because some forms of magnesium can have an osmotic effect and pull water into the intestines. Magnesium citrate, 400 mg two or three times per day, is our preferred form for this purpose. If nothing results after 24 hours, one or more doses of 800-1200 mg will usually do the trick, then back down to the 400 mg dose two to three times per day long-term.
This was taken from constipation protocol from undoctored website.
Why not just use pure magnesium hydroxide? A bag from BulkSupplements is cheaper than buying bottles of milk of magnesia per elemental magnesium.
Jason wrote: «Why not just use pure magnesium hydroxide?»
It may come to that, if the last of the MoMs in the U.S. get bleached. People in the U.K. may already be in this spot, and some have been considering sourcing actual Mg bicarb from their chemist.
Questions arise about why the sodium hypochlorite is in there, and why all the brands are migrating to it. Speculation includes off-shore lowest-bidder (lowest quality?) suppliers, and that the NaOCl is basically a preservative during the weeks-long ocean voyage in a bulk container.
In addition to messing with our reaction, the NaOCl is suspect as a microbiome antagonist, and is yet another non-native halogen compound that our thyroid and endocrine systems hardly need.
re: «A bag from BulkSupplements is cheaper than buying bottles of milk of magnesia per elemental magnesium.»
That would be this product (and I have no insights on that product or reseller). It appears to be food grade, and is just Mg(OH)2.
Have you worked up a formula for mag water using it?
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This is what was posted on Amazon.
How to make Magnesium Bicarbonate Concentrate:
1. Get 1 liter of regular Seltzer Water (refrigerated)
2. Weigh out 3.6 grams of Magnesium Hydroxide. (About 1 teaspoon if scale not available)
3. Without shaking the bottle, gently open it. Quickly pour in the Magnesium Hydroxide. Quickly close and shake thoroughly.
4. Place bottle in fridge for 30 mins for the Magnesium Hydroxide to react with the CO2 in the seltzer.
5. Take it out after 30 mins and shake one last time. Let it settle in the fridge for another 30 mins and it’s ready for consumption.
The Magnesium Hydroxide reacts with the CO2 in the seltzer and creates Magnesium Bicarbonate. You will see the seltzer bottle cave in, signaling that the reaction is working (towards the end). You may adjust how much Magnesium Hydroxide you use, you will know you’re using too much because you will see white sediments at the bottom of the bottle (this is un-reacted Magnesium Hydroxide). Also the brand of Soda/Seltzer you use, as well as other factors will determine the amount of Magnesium Hydroxide you need to use. Some brands carbonate more and thus more Magnesium Hydroxide can be used. Not to worry if you put in too much and you see white sediment at the bottom, it is not bad for you – it just creates a laxative effect. You may use this Magnesium Bicarbonate concentrate 1-2 8 ounce glasses a day, or preferably create a diluted solution for all day drinking.
How to make diluted solution to drink all day:
1. Measure out 11 ounces or 1/3 liter from the Concentrate (1/3 of bottle).
2. Add 3.5 liters of your drinking water (Preferably distilled or filtered)
3. Combine the two to make 1 Gallon of drinking water. You can consume this in 1 day.
This concentrate would make about 10-11 liters of drinking water. I personally make a healthy Gallon drinking jug every day. Start with clean distilled water I add Magnesium Bicarbonate, Potassium Gluconate, fresh lemons, Chia seeds, Pinch of Sea salt.
Today in our local H-E-B supermarket I found Ozarka Sparkling Water with 2 simple ingredients: “Spring Water and Invigorating Bubbles”! There is no Seltzer in Falfurrias, TX that I could find!
The I found the Supermarket brand of MoM right beside the Phillips brand. Of course, Phillips has the ingredient you told us to avoid! This H-E-B brand is unflavored, has as its active ingredient Magnesium Hydroxide 1200 mg. and the only inactive ingredient is purified water!
Will these two be okay for making the magnesium water?
Janie wrote: «…Ozarka Sparkling Water with 2 simple ingredients: “Spring Water and Invigorating Bubbles”!»
I presume that the “Simply Bubbles” product. It would be nice if they indicated what the bubbles are.
re: «There is no Seltzer in Falfurrias, TX that I could find!»
I may shortly have an article on using a home carbonator instead.
re: «This H-E-B brand is unflavored, has as its active ingredient Magnesium Hydroxide 1200 mg. and the only inactive ingredient is purified water!»
Sounds fine. For those in the U.S. who can’t find an unmolested local MoM, the Kroger house brand (Good Sense) is available on the web. Vitacost (itself a Kroger division) is one source.
re: «Will these two be okay for making the magnesium water?»
If, after following the recipe, you end up with a clear solution and no white precipitate, then the “bubbles” in the Ozarka probably were CO2.
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I have been unable to find any MoM that does not contain bleach. The last bottle I found was the Dollar General brand but they no longer carry it. I used to buy the Good Sense brand (Amazon), but the company no longer produces it. Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart brands all have bleach now.
Is there a good supplement, or should we make our own MoM?
smcgauvran wrote: «I have been unable to find any MoM that does not contain bleach.»
That seems to be the general situation, as we exit 2020. There are some indications that uncontaminated MoM may return to the market in early 2021.
re: «Is there a good supplement…»
Dr. Davis has suggested magnesium glycerophosphate powder. Fallback at our house is Source Naturals Mg Malate.
re: «…or should we make our own MoM?»
You can actually skip that step and make your own Mg-bicarb. You may optionally use a home carbonator (for which there is really no other use), and powdered magnesium hydroxide.
That article of mine depicts using MoM, but I’ve been using a 1 kg bag of Mg-hydroxide powder I bought a couple of years ago, ½ tsp./liter. If you want to try this, I’d suggest ordering directly from BulkSupplements.com, and not from reseller sites. A 100 gram bag might be suitable to start with.
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After several weeks without magnesium, I noticed I can buy pouches of pure magnesium hydroxide on eBay and make my own magnesium water. I put a tiny scoop into my sparkling water and make it fresh each day. No more MoM! No more fishy taste!
Frederick Rasmussen wrote: «…I can buy pouches of pure magnesium hydroxide…»
Bags of food-grade Mg(OH)₂ have been available for many years. I’m still using a 1 kg bag of BulkSupplements brand powder that I bought several years ago. The question has arisen, however, as to just how pure they are.
What brand did you get?
re: «…on eBay…»
Personally, although I buy & sell on eBay, there are entire classes of products that I would never buy there, and that includes anything to be ingested. With other resellers, inventory control (esp. co-mingling) issues need to be assessed.
re: «I put a tiny scoop into my sparkling water and make it fresh each day.»
How much? I’m using ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) per liter. Adding that much directly to seltzer water can apparently cause an annoyingly vigorous reaction. I add it to filtered water, which is chilled overnight, then carbonate it, and let it stand for 20+ minutes.
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