Coral calcium products are derived in a variety of ways from the coral reefs in the sea. The hard outer shell of live coral is composed of calcium and other minerals. Through the normal wear-and-tear of life in the sea, coral reefs “shed” tiny bits and pieces known as coral sand. This coral sand is what is used to make coral calcium supplements. (While some conservationists have suggested that harvesting of coral calcium damages coral reefs, most manufacturers specify that they use only coral sand, which is essentially already “dead” coral.)
People started talking about coral calcium in relation to the extraordinary health and long life of people in Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa is located in a chain of coral islands called the Rukuyuku Islands, and some scientists suggested that their amazing good health might be due to the high coral content in their water.
Research has shown that coral calcium contains between 24 and 40 percent calcium carbonate, between 1 and 18 percent magnesium, and as many as 70 other trace elements. For this reason, some experts have suggested that “coral calcium” is a misnomer, and that the terms “marine coral minerals” and “fossilized stony coral minerals” are more accurate.
In today’s world, many people’s bodies have developed an overly acidic pH, due to forces like stress, low water intake, and poor diet. When the body is overly acidic, it is difficult for the body to properly utilize other important nutrients. This can result in a variety of serious problems, including fatigue, increased susceptibility to chronic disease, increased sensitivity to pain, poor sleep quality, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal problems. But coral calcium contains high levels of alkaline minerals, which can help reverse the body’s pH and move it to a more alkaline state.
Martin Milner N.D. advises his patients to regularly test and track their pH levels using single pH paper strips, which are available from the Center for Natural Medicine Mail Order Dispensary 1-888-305-4288 or online at www.cnm-inc.com. Dr. Milner recommends checking the pH of your urine and saliva as soon as you wake up in the morning, and tracking the results over a few weeks. The goal is to get your urinary and salivary pH between 6.4 and 6.8. The saliva may need to be as alkaline at 7.3
When Dr. Milner has patients that show a trend toward acidity (a pH level of 6.2 or lower), he recommends coral calcium to help bring their levels into balance. And, he’s seen impressive results in his patients’ pH levels and, ultimately, their overall health with this approach.
Dr. Milner’s protocol begins with a starting dose of a ¼ teaspoon which delivers 300 mg. ionized calcium and 150 mg ionized magnesium from 100% grade, pure unpolluted deep sea Japanese Coral Minerals powdered in 100% nickel-free grinders. He specifically recommends the use of Coral Legend. Make sure the source of coral minerals is as non-contaminated as possible. Dr. Milner recommends Coral Legend available at www.cnm-inc.com. Coral calcium is best taken in the evening before bed on an empty stomach. It is important to wait at least one hour before eating after taking coral calcium so stomach acids get a chance to return to normal. pH is monitored and as needed the dose is increased by ¼ teaspoon. It can take up to 1-2 teaspoons (1200 –2400 mg. ionized calcium and 600-1200 mg. ionized magnesium) to regulate urine and salivary pH. It takes some people 2-3 months before their pH gradually optimizes in the 6.4 to 6.8 range in both urine and saliva. Dr. Milner uses Coral Legend, Premier Research Labs, 100% Grade Japanese Coral, 2 ounces retails for $20 or 8 ounces for $70.