Calcium is more than just strong bones. Calcium is a key mineral that supports bone health, heart health, weight management, and much more. We are constantly bombarded with the suggestion to ‘get more calcium’. But what does that mean?
Clever Calcium
In truth, you are probably getting in enough calcium – but you may be missing the cofactors that allow the body to absorb or use it. Research has shown that calcium alone cannot, for example, build strong bones. You need other nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, potassium, and magnesium. These helper minerals help calcium get absorbed. Hydration is also really important when it comes to your body absorbing calcium.
Once your body properly absorbs calcium, it can function optimally. This means muscle contractions, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and nervous system messages can all happen properly. The calcium in your body fluid and tissues is regulated so that these functions can occur.
Benefits of Calcium
1. To The Bone
Calcium supports bone health. Did you know that 99% of calcium is stored in your bones? It is essential for building and maintaining strong healthy bones. Bones are such an important part of the body, and they need to be strong. There is a lot of stress put on your bones on a daily basis. No one wants brittle bones and getting a better bone density will take time and consistency.
In addition to this, calcium can alleviate back pain and strengthen the backbone. Talk about beneficial!
2. Smile
Calcium promotes dental health. Studies have proven that people who take calcium supplements have better dental health versus those who do not. Studies have shown that patients with teeth and gum disease who took calcium supplements for a year had better dental health than those patients who did not take supplements. So, make sure to get your recommended dose of calcium and show off those pearly whites.
3. Sail through your cycle
Studies have found that calcium supplements aid in effectively alleviating those nasty PMS symptoms. Specifically, it helps with your mood and body aches. Calcium influences chemical fluctuations in your brain, including neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones). There is strong evidence that calcium supplements help your PMS mood swings. Calcium can work wonders for PMS symptoms, so what are you waiting for?
4. Balanced Blood Pressure
Calcium helps the blood vessels, capillaries, veins, and arteries tighten and relax when needed. This is one of the most critical functions calcium plays in your health. Regulating how much blood or little blood gets through these veins and arteries is very important for blood pressure.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Calcium is amazing as it helps regulate fat and triglycerides which basically means it helps your body make these essential fats for energy and storing. Additionally, it helps break-down fats and increases thermogenesis which can aid in weight loss. This does not mean you will lose weight by taking calcium, it merely makes your cells and metabolism work efficiently, which can lead to weight loss.
Calcium Deficiency
When you are not getting in enough minerals, especially calcium, your body goes through a demineralisation process. This means that without this important mineral, your body will rely on and use the existing calcium which is in your bones, teeth, and organs, which leads to a calcium deficiency.
Additionally, as you age, your bone density will naturally decrease. Since calcium is stored in your bones, teeth, and organs, it is vital to increase your daily calcium.
Calcium Deficiency, also known as Hypocalcemia, has some signs and symptoms you can watch out for:
- Muscle Cramps & Spasms
- Numbness and Tingling – specifically in hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dry skin
Consuming Calcium
Since your body does not produce calcium, you have to rely on your diet. Some of the best sources of calcium are found in dairy foods, however solely relying on dairy can raise a whole other host of issues.
Here are the Top 10 calcium-rich foods you can add to your diet:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Beans
- Figs
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Tofu
- Soy milk
- Nuts and seeds
If you feel you are coming up short on your calcium intake, consider taking a calcium supplement or electrolyte drinks containing calcium, such as ReVitalise.)
To Sum Up
Without enough calcium, your health will suffer. Calcium also boasts significant health benefits such as regulating blood pressure and building strong bones and teeth. Electrolyte drinks are a nice and convenient way to get in calcium and all those helper minerals to help the calcium get absorbed. Calcium is a powerful mineral, and we should reap the incredible benefits it has to offer.
