Calcium-not just for bones

Osteoporosis, osteomalacia and strong healthy teeth, sure but do you know there are many more reasons that are body depends on calcium?
The contraction of muscles, release of neurotransmitters, regulation of heart beat and the clotting of the blood. (pg 149 Murray)
Calcium is a mineral that is abundant in our bodies. Mostly residing in our bones, the recommended daily allowance is 1,000mg for adults, higher for those deficient and those who are pregnant or nursing. For growing children it may be even higher.

We hear that we need to consume dairy, as it a prime source of calcium but then also hear that we should stay away from milk products because of the high growth hormone use in bovine... This is why we need to choose supplements.


As much as I believe "let food be your medicine and medicine be your food".. there are times when we can not stick to this rule because the foods that are available are less than healthy for us.

Foods that are high in calcium may not be as easily absorbed as you may think either, so lets take a look at some of the foods that have calcium and if they are easily absorbed. M. Murray N.D. has a list of foods that are high in calcium:

tofu, kale, spinach, turnip greens, and other green leafy vegetables, kelp and other seaweeds, cheddar cheese, and some nuts and seeds. Kelp being the highest out of all of them.

He also states that calcium from spinach is poorly absorbed yet calcium from kale is superior, even superior to milk. (turnip, collard, mustard are as beneficial as kale).


Just as with Vitamin D deficiency, (because Vitamin D helps with the absorption of Calcium) a deficiency in Calcium can lead to rickets, bone deformities and stunted growth and softening of the bones, high blood pressure, muscle cramping and spasms.

*magnesium should be taken with calcium- the magnesium-calcium relationship is important because it works together to increase the distribution of calcium across cell membranes while fighting to restrict calcium's access to myosin,a protein that helps muscles contract.

The Magnesium calsium ratio is usually a 1 to 2 ratio but consult with your nutritionalist or physicians as sometimes those numbers are different. Also, remember that it is always wise to consult your physician before supplementing because like other supplements, magnesium calcium may altar blood coagulation.
A special note to take your magnesium at a different time of the day than you take your calcium because the relationship seems to be antagonistic, so do not take in a mag-cal combo as it isn't as readily absorbed as taking each mineral seperately.

PRESCRIPTIONS THAT MAY REDUCE YOUR CALCIUM LEVELS;
Antacids
Antibiotics
Anti inflammatories
Diuretis
Ulcer medications
Diuretics
Aspirin

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is sometime referred to as a hormone or prehormone because it is something that our own bodies make. It is actually produced in our liver.
Some ask then:
"If we make our own Vitamin D in our bodies, why then should I take a supplement?"

Vitamin D indeed is made in our bodies but we need enough sun to transform that vitamin D into a usable source.

With the Skin Cancer scare of today, a lot of people avoid the sun or use sun screen and may not be getting enough sun to transform the vitamin D into a usable form.

With added toxins such as pesticides etc in our foods and environment... it has been a question if this too prevents us from processing and converting our body made vitamin D properly.

Certain prescription drugs that you take can deplete your vitamin D as well:
Antacids/ulcer medication
Anticonvulsants
anti inflammatories
Weight loss drugs


So what do we do?

We take supplements.

Today Vitamin D deficiency diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia are rare, but I fear that such diseases my reappear due to the Vitamin D deficiency issues we have today.
If you are affraid of being deficient then there is a blood test called Vitamin D, 25 hydroxy that can give a good reading on your deficiency.

What are the signs and symptons of Vitamin D deficiency?:
fatigue
muscle and joint ache and pains
lack of bone strength and density

Why else it may be important to test my Vit. D level?:

Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium (deficiency leads to osteoprosis)
Vitamin D has many anticancer properties (especially against breast and colon cancer)
Vitamin D may also have a relationship with estrogen and magnesium levels

Will just any ol' Vitamin D supplement work?
This is complicated for me to answer, a would suggest talking with your physician to FIRST see if you are deficient because TOO MUCH vitamin D can cause toxicity and can cause increased blood concentration of calcium and deposit calcium into internal organs. In Fact Kidney stones would be a result of too Vitamin D toxicity.

I would encourage anyone and everyone to be tested, your physician should have any problem with your request to a Vitamin D, 25 hydroxy test being requested by thier patient.

If the test comes back deficient than there should be follow up tests like Vitamin D 1,25. However some people with High Vitamin D 25 hydroxy are extremely low in Vitamin D 1,25. For instance this may be a conversion problem related to how well your liver and kidneys convert Vitamin D. Since it is complicated it is important to discuss this with your physician so that you fully understand.

You can also get Vitamin D from egg yolks, butter and dark green leafy vegetables, If you are like me.. I don't believe that I eat enough of those and since I do have a vitamin D deficiency (just found out yesterday) then I will supplement.

There are many forms of Vitamin D and knowing which ones and why you may need them may be tricky and confusing.
Vitamin D2
Vitamin D3
25 OH D2
25 OH D3
1,25-(OH)2D3
1,25-(OH)2D2

Some of these are more potent than others, get with your doctors.. do research, be proactive in your health, it is your body and your business and it is empowering when you are knowledgable on how to care for you body and understand what the doctor is actually saying.