Calcium is a mineral that is crucial for healthy bone development. Besides keeping our bones strong, it also helps maintain our cardiovascular health and muscle function. Even though calcium can be consumed from various natural resources such as dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, many opt for calcium supplements for osteoporosis (a bone disease).
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak. Besides good bone health, calcium is an ingredient used in many antacids; it also helps control blood pressure. Many doctors use it to ward off high magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium levels. Here are some interesting facts about calcium health benefits that you didn’t know.
Your Body Doesn’t Produce Calcium
If you think your body produces calcium, you’re certainly wrong. It can only be consumed from food rich in calcium, such as:
- Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk.
- Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and broccoli
- White beans
- Fish such as salmon and sardines
- Cereals and fresh fruit juice
People who wish to fulfill their daily calcium requirement through other means consume calcium supplements. The benefits of calcium supplements have been proven by research.
Vitamin D Is Important for Calcium Absorption
Without sufficient vitamin D in the body, calcium doesn’t get absorbed into the bones. You won’t benefit from a calcium-rich diet if vitamin D in your body is low. Try increasing your vitamin D intake from fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms. Sunlight is also a good source of vitamin D, so ensure a safe amount of exposure during the daytime.
Your skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Vitamin D is also available through supplements, so consume them daily for maximum calcium absorption.
Lack Of Calcium Causes Health Issues
When your body starts to experience a calcium deficiency, your chances of developing many severe health conditions increase; for instance, too little calcium can cause an onset of osteoporosis. This bone disease can hinder your everyday performance and require subsequent medication. It is common in women, so the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women consume more calcium supplements for osteoporosis.
Too Much Calcium Can Be Bad for Your Body
Many people might not know this, but too much calcium has adverse effects on the body. When people consume more calcium than their daily requirements, they might experience digestive problems such as gas, constipation, and bloat.
Extra calcium in the body also causes kidney stones. In some cases, too much calcium in the bloodstream can cause hypercalcemia, which weakens bones and teeth and interferes with the functioning of the heart and the brain. Also, some doctors think that calcium supplements, when taken in bulk, can increase your risk of heart disease, but there isn’t enough research that supports this theory. More data is required to understand how calcium supplements affect heart health, backed up by evidence.
The Verdict
We’ve provided some intriguing facts about calcium that we bet you didn’t know about. If you are looking for a good brand to purchase calcium supplements, hop online on Totally Calcium and benefit from calcium-rich supplement bundles!