How to prevent Calcium deficiency

Studies have shown that one of the most under-recognized health problems in the United States is Calcium deficiency.Currently, medical experts estimate that almost 80% of Americans are not getting the Calcium that they need.This is a crucial problem since Calcium does ninety percent of its work building bone mass during the first seventeen years of life, with the balance occurring by age twenty eight. The bottom line is that if bone loss occurs after this time, it cannot be restored. High levels of Calcium are important for healthy bones throughout a person's entire life. In addition, Calcium is an essential element that is vital to many body functions.

Children are especially vulnerable to the problems that are associated with Calcium deficiency. Pediatricians report that they are seeing infants with rickets. Rickets is a disease that is usually associated with vitamin D deficiency. This happens due to lack of Calcium in the diet, after breast feeding was discontinued. Children are not alone in facing the problems of Calcium deficiency. Osteoporosis in Americans (especially aged 50 years old and up) has been cited as the reason for nearly 1.5 million fractures every year. It is estimated that today nearly 10 million people have Osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone mass placing them at risk for Osteoporosis.

The two most common causes of Calcium deficiency are a diet that is low in calcium, and an inability to absorb, and metabolize the mineral. Calcium is the main component of bones and teeth. Calcium plays a major role in the maintenance, growth, and reproduction of the human body. Other functions of Calcium include: transmitting nerve impulses, regulating heartbeat, blood coagulation, muscle contraction and relaxation, stimulating hormone secretion, and the activation of enzyme reactions. When Calcium deficiency becomes a problem over time it can then be linked to osteoporosis, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. The good news is that there are easy ways to prevent problems from developing.Here is what you need to know about how to prevent Calcium deficiency-

• Eat a diet high in Calcium- Many people assume that they must have diet that is high in dairy, in order to get enough Calcium.You may be surprised to learn that this is not true. The best sources of calcium can be found in leafy green vegetables.Some of the best ones are:spinach, collard greens, mustard seeds, and kale, Swiss chard, and turnip greens. Some other great sources of Calcium include: mozzarella cheese, yogurt, cow's milk, goat's milk, basil, cinnamon, thyme, dill seed, and peppermint leaves. Good sources of Calcium include:broccoli, romaine lettuce, celery, Brussels sprouts, oranges, asparagus, sesame seeds, fennel, and cabbage. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of calcium in food is not affected by cooking or storage.


• Consider taking a Calcium supplement-If you are unable to get the needed levels of Calcium in your diet you may want to consider taking a supplement. Calcium supplements can be purchases in several different forms. The most common type of supplements is carbonates or citrates. Experts advise that Calcium Citrate is the best choice for maximum absorption in the body. Before beginning any supplement program, it is highly recommended that you consult with your health care provider, for the best type of supplement and the recommended amount for you.

Calcium is one of the essential minerals needed to maintain life. While, most people in America are Calcium deficient and are in danger of serious health conditions developing there are steps that can be taken to correct this. The bottom line is that by taking preventative measure, you can avoid the undesirable outcome of Calcium deficiency.