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Calcium

Jarod

Senior Member
Messages
784
Location
planet earth
The major function of calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Another important function is the storage of the mineral in the bones for use by the body. The calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating according to the diet and to the body's needs. About 99% is deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is involved in the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood.

Calcium deficiencies are wide spread in human society with only a third to a half of the necessary requirements, being consumed.
Tetany - One of the first signs of a deficiency is a nervous affliction called Tetany, which is characterised by muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
Osteoporosis - Another calcium deficiency ailment is Osteoporosis, in which the bones become porous and fragile because calcium is withdrawn from the bones and other areas faster than it is deposited in them.
Other symptoms - Moderate cases of calcium deficiency may lead to:
  • Cramps
  • Joint pains
  • Heart palpitations
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Slow pulse rates
  • Insomnia
  • Impaired growth
  • Excessive irritability or nerves
  • Brittle nails,
  • Eczema
  • Numbness or tingling of the arms and/or legs.



Certain substances interfere with the absorption of calcium:
  • When excess amounts of fat, protein or sugar combine with calcium, an insoluble compound is formed which cannot be absorbed.
  • Insufficient vitamin D intake or excess phosphorus and magnesium hinders the absorption of calcium.
  • Oxalic acid found in chocolate, spinach, beet greens, swiss chard, soy beans, almonds, cashews, kale and rhubarb, when combined with calcium, make another insoluble compound which may form into stones in the kidney or gall bladder. A typical diet should not cause this to happen.
  • Large amounts of phytic acid present in unleavened grains may also inhibit absorption by the body.
  • Other interfering factors include lack of exercise, physical and emotional stress, excitement, depression and too rapid a flow of food through the intestinal tract. Even moderate exercise encourages absorption.
  • The parathyroid glands in the neck help adjust the body's storage of calcium. If these glands are not functioning properly, accumulation may occur. The remedy for this situation is to renew the proper function of the parathyroid glands, rather than to cut down on the intake.
  • Calcium needs acid for proper assimilation. If acid in some form is not present in the body, the mineral will not be dissolved and therefore cannot be used as needed by the body. Instead it may build up in tissues or joints as deposits, leading to a variety of disturbances.
  • Drugs affecting absorption include caffeine, diuretics, fatty acids, fibre oxalates, glucocorticoids, fluoride, losec, Mylanta, protein, thyroxine.
  • Adding 1 tablespoon of unpasteurised Apple Cider Vinegar to 100ml of tepid water and taking calcium with this, will help with a better absorption of this mineral. This vinegar must contain "the mother" which is usually clearly stated on the label.



Can you have too much Calcium?

When the concentration of calcium is too high, hormones and vitamin D make sure that calcium is deposited in its storage place in the bones. When it is too low, the imbalance is corrected in several ways: In the kidneys, which slows excretion; In the bones, which control the release of needed amounts: And in the intestine, which encourages absorption. Calcium stored in the bones supplies the bloodstream, which is unaffected by dietary or food intake. However a chronic dietary deficiency will diminish the stores of the bones after a number of years.
If the intake of calcium is too high, magnesium levels also need to be high. Too little magnesium results in calcium accumulations in the muscles, heart and kidneys. Too much calcium can interfere with the functions of the nervous and muscular systems. An excess amount in the blood causes calcium rigour, which is characterised by muscles that contract and cannot relax. When an excess is added to blood plasma, coagulation does not take place. Too much calcium will decrease the body's absorption of zinc and iron.

http://www.healthy.co.nz/ailment/1018-calcium-deficiency.html