Remedy List
Description of calcium
Possibly the most talked about and media hyped supplement is calcium and for good reason. Studies
indicate that most Americans including children, men and women are not getting enough calcium, which
can mean serious problems down the road. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and is
absolutely essential for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is also important for muscle contractions
including the heart, nerve impulse transmissions, clotting blood, maintaining healthy blood pressure and
metabolizing iron and vitamin B. Known mostly for its ability to prevent osteoporosis and damage due to
brittle bones calcium has been linked to many other benefits including the prevention of colon cancer, high
blood pressure, PMS, rickets, and heart disease. Many products like antacids and fruit juices are now
including calcium supplements because of the attention calcium has been getting in the media. The best
supplements to look for in these food products are calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate,
calcium lactate, and calcium phosphate- all of which are safe and effective. Calcium can be found naturally
in dairy products, yogurt, cheese, beans, nuts, tofu dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, okra, kale
and turnip greens.
Calcium is a vital element of the human body and must be part of a healthy diet with exercise to avoid
future problems like osteoporosis. Its important to note that some foods can actually deplete the body's
reserve of calcium without you even knowing. Caffeine and phosphorous (found in soft drinks) both
deplete calcium and should be limited or at least accounted for in your daily calcium intake. It is absolutely
imperative that pregnant or nursing women increase their calcium intake so that their bodies are not
depleted by the added burden of pregnancy or nursing. Normally healthy children should consume
between 400 and 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day. Adults up to 50 years old should consume 1,000
milligrams a day and older adults should consume 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams a day. Nursing and pregnant
women should consult a doctor but are generally required to consume 1,200 milligrams a day.
An overabundance of calcium does have some possible side effects for people with kidney stones, kidney
disease, and hypercalcemia (a very rare disorder linked to excessive vitamin D). Most people, however, are
not getting enough calcium and some people are actually depleting the calcium already in their bodies with
caffeine, phosphorous, steroids, antacids, alcohol, thyroid medication, high cholesterol medication, and
smoking. If you think you are at risk of depleting your calcium eat more calcium rich foods and see a
doctor about including a calcium supplement in your diet.
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