Our bodies depend on calcium for many vital bodily processes. Although most calcium is stored in bones and teeth, calcium also plays an important role in helping muscles contract, regulating heart rhythms, nerve functions and controlling testosterone and estrogen production in our blood vessels.
Overexposure to calcium can be harmful, so it is wise to limit how much you take in through supplements. Overdoing it could result in kidney stones or constipation and may disrupt magnesium, phosphorous and potassium levels in your blood - while some researchers even believe excessive calcium consumption could even cause osteoporosis.
Diet and exercise are key components to reaching an adequate calcium intake; however, if these methods alone do not suffice, your physician may suggest supplementation as an option. Your physician can explain all of the different forms of calcium available, and assist in selecting one that will best meet your needs. They'll also monitor how much is being absorbed so as not to interfere with any medications you might already be taking. Your doctor can advise on other dietary factors that could impede absorption of this nutrient.
Most people can obtain enough calcium from diet alone; however, some individuals may require supplementation in order to meet their daily requirements. A physician will recommend an appropriate dosage plan based on individual circumstances.
Milk products are the primary source of calcium in the American diet, but other foods contain significant amounts of this essential mineral as well. Nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources, along with dark leafy vegetables (excluding spinach), canned salmon with bones, dried beans, tofu, quinoa blackstrap molasses okra as well as certain fortified foods including bread fruit juice cereal etc.
Calcium deficiency occurs when an individual does not consume enough of this nutrient in their diet, although this problem is relatively rare. It may arise if they have an underlying medical condition or medication which hinders absorption, such as corticosteroids, high sodium intake or dark cola soda containing phosphatic acid which reduces absorption rates for calcium absorption.Overexposure to calcium can be harmful, so it is wise to limit how much you take in through supplements. Overdoing it could result in kidney stones or constipation and may disrupt magnesium, phosphorous and potassium levels in your blood - while some researchers even believe excessive calcium consumption could even cause osteoporosis.
Diet and exercise are key components to reaching an adequate calcium intake; however, if these methods alone do not suffice, your physician may suggest supplementation as an option. Your physician can explain all of the different forms of calcium available, and assist in selecting one that will best meet your needs. They'll also monitor how much is being absorbed so as not to interfere with any medications you might already be taking. Your doctor can advise on other dietary factors that could impede absorption of this nutrient.
When taking multivitamins, be sure to read their labels to make sure that there are sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D. Also inform your physician of any other dietary supplements you're taking as this will help prevent interactions that could harm your health - for instance between them and over-the-counter antacids, calcium carbonate tablets, or calcium citrate tablets.
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