Why should we talk about calcium? Why not? The body parts that come to mind when calcium is mentioned are our bones and the teeth, as it keeps them strong and healthy enough to enable them to carry out their functions. But calcium is so much more than that. We need calcium for maintaining our total body health, as it also helps our muscles and nerves to function properly. It’s no wonder that the weight of an average adult consists of two percent calcium.
Throughout our life, the level of calcium that we need varies, but we need them all the way just the same. Fortunately, lots of food are calcium-rich, milk being the foremost example. For the lactose intolerant, there’s always the green and leafy vegetables. And tofu, fish, nuts and soy.
There’s so much more calcium-rich (and fortified) food that it is almost unforgivable if you are calcium-deficient. I say almost, because some people are just picky eaters, or else too busy with their life to bother with asking themselves if they are getting enough of one of the most important mineral in our body. Which most people feel sorry for in the end when they have brittle teeth and bones. Thus the invention of dietary supplements. You know what they say. Necessity is the mother of invention.
Although natural sources are still the best way to get our daily recommended calcium needs, it could be wise to take in supplements especially if you are prone to osteoporosis. As always, consult a health care professional first before actually taking supplements, to know how much or when to take the supplement. Constipation is a known side-effect of taking in too much calcium. You’ll want to avoid that.
As for the bones and the teeth, these two need more calcium than the rest of our body. Additionally, they also need magnesium and phosphorous, which sounds like they are too demanding for a body part, really. But since they are important to people, we can perhaps forgive them for that.
Why should we talk about calcium? Why not? The body parts that come to mind when calcium is mentioned are our bones and the teeth, as it keeps them strong and healthy enough to enable them to carry out their functions. But calcium is so much more than that. We need calcium for maintaining our total body health, as it also helps our muscles and nerves to function properly. It’s no wonder that the weight of an average adult consists of two percent calcium.
Throughout our life, the level of calcium that we need varies, but we need them all the way just the same. Fortunately, lots of food are calcium-rich, milk being the foremost example. For the lactose intolerant, there’s always the green and leafy vegetables. And tofu, fish, nuts and soy.
There’s so much more calcium-rich (and fortified) food that it is almost unforgivable if you are calcium-deficient. I say almost, because some people are just picky eaters, or else too busy with their life to bother with asking themselves if they are getting enough of one of the most important mineral in our body. Which most people feel sorry for in the end when they have brittle teeth and bones. Thus the invention of dietary supplements. You know what they say. Necessity is the mother of invention.
Although natural sources are still the best way to get our daily recommended calcium needs, it could be wise to take in supplements especially if you are prone to osteoporosis. As always, consult a health care professional first before actually taking supplements, to know how much or when to take the supplement. Constipation is a known side-effect of taking in too much calcium. You’ll want to avoid that.
As for the bones and the teeth, these two need more calcium than the rest of our body. Additionally, they also need magnesium and phosphorous, which sounds like they are too demanding for a body part, really. But since they are important to people, we can perhaps forgive them for that.
