Calcium: Health Benefits, Deficiency, Foods, Supplements

To begin, let's break down what calcium is and why your body needs it. Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca. It is the most plentiful metal and the fifth-most abundant element in the human body. As electrolytes, calcium ions play a vital role in organisms' and cells' physiological and biochemical processes. In short, calcium is good for your cells and bones and is crucial in maintaining the immune system. Calcium also makes up teeth and bones. Calcium Deficiency There are many groups at risk of calcium deficiency, in particular, the elderly. Bones become brittle in old age because your body takes what it needs from calcium out of your bones. Checking with your general, homeopathic, or natural doctor is a smart move if you think you are deficient or just want to know where your calcium numbers are. What Are Some Benefits of Calcium? When your calcium numbers are in good shape, that helps your body ward off destructive diseases. It also keeps certain organs healthy. For instance, it helps: Prevent osteoporosis and helps to treat the condition once symptoms manifest. Prevents cancer Useful in the treatment of high blood pressure Prevents heart disease useful in treating arthritis Helps to keep skin healthy Alleviates leg cramps Encourages regular beating of the heart Soothes insomnia Helps the body to metabolize iron Necessary for nerve-impulse transmission and muscular function. -The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies High Calcium Food Sources If you are looking to increase your calcium through your food, the best sources are milk, beans, nuts, tofu, salmon, cheese, yogurt, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, tinned fish, and eggs. How Much Should a Person Take? 1,000mg. Per day is recommended when you are taking calcium in a supplement form. However, more calcium is needed for women who are in their childbearing years, breastfeeding or have just gone through menopause. How Much is Too much? A person should not go over 2,000mg per day. If you do, it may cause hypercalcemia (calcium deposits in the kidneys). However, this is not likely unless you are also taking vitamin D, as excess calcium excretes itself through the body.  There are multiple cases where people become deficient, so don't assume if you are elderly, you don't need to know what your calcium numbers look like. Besides calcium, it is important to know what all of your vitamin levels are, as deficiencies in any of them can cause significant problems and side effects inside and outside of your body. In Summary "Calcium is used in forming bones, also known as bone mineralization, and in the proper formation and maintenance of teeth. It is important in nerve impulse transmission, blood coagulation, and muscle contraction. Calcium functions in the body, solidity of the body, essential to fetal growth during pregnancy, found in cartilage, fluids and tissues and body alkalinity. Signs of possible deficiency --- weakness, fatigue, hemorrhaging, rickets, catarrh, bone softening, cramps, digestive disorders, abscesses and excessive sweating. Classical chiropractic conditions of the lumbar 5 areas known to receive nerve fibers from this spinal segment are lower legs, andles, feet, toes and arches. Some of the conditions that can follow a pressure on or interference with these nerves include poor circulation in the legs, swollen ankles, weak ankles and arches, cold feet, weakness in the legs, and leg cramps." -Minerals for the Genetic Code Magnesium helps calcium to not form rock candy in your kidneys, causing kidney stones. After all a kidney stone is a calcium saturated kidney. So think of Magnesium as a twin to Calcium. When you take one you should be taking the other. Magnesium keeps calcium in solution form so there is no build-up. The main goal is you and your health, so investigate pairing supplements, and keep your body and mind on the correct track. Until next time, stay healthy and free. Heather EarlesHeather is married to a retired Special Forces Officer, and they live on a farm with their four children. She is an established author, a stay-at-home mother, and an advocate for healthy living. She publishes a weekly blog and podcast (Herb ‘N Wisdom™) and writes for a local newspaper to aid and inspire others. Learn More About the Author