…Could You Have a Calcium Deficiency?…
For our bodies to run efficiently, they need to be receiving the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. Often we’re able to get these from our diet, but sometimes things can go wrong. Certain eating habits, dietary requirements or illnesses can mean we’re either not getting enough, or not properly absorbing what we do get which can lead to some serious issues. A calcium deficiency is something that can affect certain people and can be incredibly dangerous. We all know calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones, but did you also know it’s essential for nerve health, stabilizing blood pressure and muscle contractions? Here are some of the reasons you could develop a calcium deficiency.
You Don’t Eat Certain Food Groups
If you’re a vegan or just exclude dairy from your diet, you have an increased risk of becoming deficient in calcium. There are lots of other sources of calcium that don’t come from dairy, so you definitely don’t have to eat animal products for this nutrient. But it’s important to keep an eye on it, especially if it’s a recent change you’ve made in your diet. You could look at AlgaeCal reviews for one example of calcium supplements if you’re not quite hitting your daily target.
You’re an Older Adult
Hormonal changes, especially in women after the menopause can result in calcium being leeched from the bones. This can cause brittle bones, osteoporosis and mean that any kind of fall or injury can be extremely dangerous. Many older people who fracture a hip never make it out of the hospital, it’s shocking that a simple fall can be fatal. On top of this, as we age our bodies struggle to absorb nutrients like they once did. So even if you’re eating a healthy diet, it’s something to be aware of. Having a bone density scan will let you know if you’re on track or need to make changes.
You Have Other Health Issues
A low calcium level can be a result of a problem with the parathyroid glands, these are located in the neck and control the body’s calcium level. They release a hormone into the blood which increases the body’s ability to absorb calcium from food and increases the kidney’s ability to hold on to calcium that would otherwise be lost in the urine. So when these glands malfunction, it naturally causes some severe problems in the body. Kidney disorders can also be a cause as again the kidney isn’t storing the calcium and is instead removing it in the urine. Certain drugs can also cause a problem too, as they interrupt this delicate balance. If you have been diagnosed with brittle bones or are experiencing symptoms of a calcium deficiency such as muscle cramps and spasms, numbness and tingling, this is something to get checked out.
Are you at risk of getting a calcium deficiency? What steps will you take to prevent this?
