Are You Getting Enough Calcium?

OK, time to get back to some healthy information…

I had a recent doctor’s appointment and my physician pointed out that I needed to take calcium everyday along with some Vitamin D3. He did a blood test and found that I was deficient in both. I have acid reflux and I take an antacid (Omeprazole) everyday to ward off that evil devil. If you have suffered from acid reflux, you KNOW what I mean.

The doc told me that these antacids leach calcium from your body and I need to replenish my system with supplements. The instructions are to take 500 mg by mouth 3 times daily (with meals). Right now I am taking, twice a day, Caltrate chewable (yummy) with 500 mg of Vitamin D3 included. Then I take a tablet of 500 mg of calcium once a day. Chewable with Vitamin D3 in the mornings (breakfast) and evenings (dinner); tablet without D3 in the afternoon (lunch). Calcium is also best absorbed when taken with magnesium.

Here are some things I found out about calcium or the lack of:

1.     Calcium may be involved with more bodily functions than any other mineral. It promotes the health of our bones, muscles, and heart, as well as many of the body’s cellular processes.

2.     While dairy products contain calcium, they are not typically the best source of calcium for most people.

3.     Your body may not be digesting calcium adequately to extract sufficient calcium to meet its requirements.

4.     Although Americans and Canadians tend to consume the highest amount of dairy products in the world per capita, we have a higher incidence of osteoporosis than most other countries.

Here are some common signs of a calcium deficiency that can be signs of other problems in the body and, of course, you should see your physician if you are suffering any health issues:

1.     Back or hip pain

2.     Bone loss, malformed bones, or bones that are vulnerable to fractures or breaks

3.     Brittle nails or vertical ridges on nails

4.     Cramps in fee, toes, or legs

5.     Dental cavities or frequent toothaches

6.     Headaches

7.     High blood pressure

8.     Heart palpitations

9.     Insomnia

10.  Joint pain

11.  Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

12.  Nervous tics or twitches, or muscles that twitch

13.  Women: painful or lengthy periods or excessive bleeding during periods

Source taken from The Phytozyme Cure, by Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD

When looking for a calcium supplement, avoid those that contain fillers, colors, or chemicals, and there should be a third-party verification that the supplement is lead free. It is said that this is a metal that is frequently found in many calcium supplements. I found this shocking since there have been so much research done and we know the effects lead can cause on the body. But double check to make sure…

McGillUniversity did a study of over 9000 women and found that those women who took 1000 mg of calcium supplements lived longer than those who didn’t.

Good sources of calcium include: almonds, almond butter, broccoli, carrot juice, carrots, dark leafy greens, kale, kelp, navy beans, oats, sesame butter (tahini), soymilk and tofu (which organic is suggested since soy is heavily contaminated by genetically-modified organisms – GMOs), wild salmon, and sardines.

Another good reminder, weight resistance is excellent in building healthy bones and exercising CAN improve your health.

Well, there you have it. I wish you good health in whatever way you decide to get your calcium and exercise.

Here’s to your health!