Grandma's Calcium Deficiency and Benefit Guide

Calcium deficiency can lead to low estrogen levels. Although calcium is vital for the formation of strong bones and teeth and for the maintenance of healthy gums, it's also an important mineral for many other health benefits. Like, the maintenance of a regular heartbeat and the transmission of nerve impulses.

It also lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent cardiovascular disease. It's needed for muscular growth and contraction, and for prevention of muscle cramps. It may even increase the rate of bone growth and bone mineral density in children.

This important mineral is also essential in blood clotting and helps prevent cancer. It many lower blood pressure and prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis as well.

Calcium provides energy and participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA. It is also involved in the activation of several enzymes, including lipase, which breaks down fats for utilization by the body.

In addition, it maintains proper cell membrane permeability, aids in neuromuscular activity, helps to keep the skin healthy, and protects against the development of preeclampsia during pregnancy, the number one cause of maternal death.

Know the Signs of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium protects the bones and teeth from lead by inhibiting absorption of this toxic metal. If there is a deficiency, lead can be absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones.

Calcium deficiency can lead to the following problems:

• aching joints
• brittle nails
• eczema
• elevated blood cholesterol
• heart palpitation
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• insomnia
• muscle cramps
• nervousness
• numbness in the arms and legs
• pasty complexion
• rheumatoid arthritis
• rickets
• tooth decay
• cognitive impairment
• convulsions
• depression
• delusions
• hyperactivity

Natural Calcium Rich Foods and
Herbal Calcium Sources

Food High in Calcium

• milk and dairy products
• salmon (with bones)
• sardines
• seafood
• green leafy vegetables
• almosds
• asparagus
• blackstrap molasses
• brewer's yeast
• broccoli
• buttermilk
• cabbage
• carob
• cheese
• collards
• dandelion greens
• dulse (purple algae)
• figs
• filberts
• goat's milk
• kale
• kelp
• mustard greens
• oats
• prunes
• sesame seeds
• soybeans
• tofu
• turnip greens
• watercress
• whey
• yogurt

Herbs that contain calcium

• alfalfa
• burdock root
• cayenne
• chamomile
• chickweed
• chicory
• dandelion
• eyebright
• fennel seed
• fenugreek
• flaxseed
• hops
• horsetail
• kelp
• lemongrass
• mullein
• nettle
• oat straw
• paprika
• parsley
• peppermint
• plantain
• raspberry leaves
• red clover
• rose hips
• shepherd's purse
• violet leaves
• yarrow
• yellow dock

Calcium Supplements - Amino Acids
Vitamin D and Estrogen

Lysine is needed for calcium absorption.

Food sources of Lysine include:

• cheese
• eggs
• fish
• lima beans
• milk
• potatoes
• red meat
• soy products
• yeast

Lysine is also available in supplement form.

Female athletes and menopausal women need greater amounts of calcium than other women because their estrogen levels are lower. Estrogen protects the skeletal system by promoting the deposition of calcium in bone.

Heavy exercising hinders this minerals uptake, but moderate exercise promotes it. Insufficient Vitamin D intake, or the ingestion of excessive amounts of phosphorus and magnesium, also hinders the uptake of calcium.

Taking calcium with iron reduces the effect of both minerals. Too much calcium can interfere with absorption of zinc, and excess zinc can interfere with calcium absorption. A hair analysis can determine the levels of these minerals and quickly tell you if you are suffering from calcium deficiency.

A diet that is high in protein, fat, and or sugar affects calcium uptake. The average American diet of meats, refined grains, and soft drinks (which are high in phosphorus) leads to increased excretion of calcium by the body, which leads to calcium deficiency.

A diet based on foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which contain significant amounts of calcium but lower amounts of phosphorus, is preferable.

Oxalic acid found in:

• almonds
• beet greens
• cashews
• chard
• cocoa
• kale
• rhubarb
• soybeans
• spinach

This amino acid interferes with calcium absorption by binding with calcium in the intestines and production insoluble salts that cannot be absorbed. Casual consumption of food with oxalic acid should not pose a problem, but overindulgence in these foods inhibits absorption of calcium.

Calcium supplements are more effective when taken in smaller doses spread throughout the day and before bedtime. When taken at night, calcium also promotes a sound sleep. This mineral works less effectively when taken in a large megadose.

Several vitamin companies use D1-calcium-phosphate in their products, but do not list it on the label. This form of calcium is insoluble and interferes with the absorption of nutrients in the multi-nutrient supplement. The level of electrolytes in the body also affects calcium absorption.

Antacids such as Tums, are not recommended as a source of calcium. While they do contain calcium, if taken in sufficient quantities to serve as a source of this mineral, they would also neutralize the stomach acid needed for calcium absorption.

Cautions

Calcium may interfere with the effects of veraparmil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan) a calcium channel blocker sometimes prescribed for heart problems and high blood pressure.

Calcium supplements should not be taken by persons with a history of kidney stones or kidney disease.