What is Calcium Deficiency?

A lack of enough calcium in the body is known as calcium deficiency. Women are more likely to have it than men. Calcium deficiency is common in postmenopausal women and women who have recently given birth. Calcium aids in the development and growth of bones and teeth. It regulates the heartbeat, aids blood coagulation, and allows nerve impulses to flow freely. Calcium shortage is treated by taking calcium supplements (1000 mg to 1500 mg per day). However, too much calcium can cause bloating and constipation.

Brain Exercises

Calcium is required for so many biological functions, a deficit can have far-reaching consequences, affecting muscles, bones, and teeth, as well as mental health. There are usually no early signs if the shortage is caused by a low food intake. A person may develop osteopenia, or reduced bone density, in the long run. This can lead to osteoporosis, or brittle bones, if not treated.

Some of the symptoms of Calcium deficiency are:

Causes

The decrease in blood calcium levels can be caused by a variety of factors. When people spend long periods of time indoors, they may be deficient in vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption. Calcium shortage can also be caused by hypoparathyroidism. This disorder can develop after surgery, as well as as a result of an autoimmune disease or genetic factors. Vitamin D insufficiency and, as a result, calcium shortage can be caused by renal disease and liver disorders. Pseudohypoparathyroidism, hypomagnesemia, hypermagnesemia, sclerotic metastases, and Fanconi disease are among illnesses that can induce calcium shortage. Any sickness that affects the thyroid or parathyroid glands will cause a general mineral deficit, which will include calcium.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of calcium are many. The most important ones are, it helps in maintaining bone health and dental health. It also helps in the prevention of colon cancer and the reduction of obesity. Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body from birth to old age. It protects cardiac muscles, helps maintain optimal body weight, controls blood pressure and prevents premenstrual depression.

Infants require calcium for proper bone and tooth growth; adolescents for bones development, and for the aged to lead a healthy life. As one gets older, the bones become porous and weak. This condition requires us to take ample calcium. Calcium also helps in reducing the risk of kidney stones, promotes a healthy alkaline level and transportation of nutrients in the body.

Complications

Calcium Deficiency has various complications like:

Treatments

The first step in preventing calcium deficiency is to make sure that one's diet contains enough of the mineral. Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese are high in calcium. Calcium-rich vegetables include spinach, broccoli, avocado, okra, collards, and kale.

Beans such as white beans, soybeans, and flat beans are also good sources of calcium in the diet. Sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout are all rich calcium sources.

The first step in preventing calcium deficiency is to make sure that one's diet contains enough of the mineral. Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese are high in calcium. Calcium-rich vegetables include spinach, broccoli, avocado, okra, collards, and kale.

Some calcium-rich foods are:

Calcium must be consumed on a daily basis and absorbed properly in order to maintain good health. The majority of people can receive adequate calcium by consuming a variety of calcium-rich foods. Milk and other dairy products, green, leafy vegetables, shellfish, almonds, and dry beans are all naturally high in calcium. Orange juice, morning cereals, bread, and other fortified foods also contain calcium.

Facts

Women in the post-menopausal stage witness the heavy loss of calcium, which makes them greatly prone to osteoporosis, a condition where the bones turn brittle and weak. It is extremely important to take enough calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and K2 throughout the tender and adolescent years.

Diet & Calcium

Milk and dairy products are rich sources of calcium. Nuts, seeds and pulses also provide a sufficient amount of calcium. Leafy green vegetables including broccoli, spinach, orange juice, cereals, oysters, rice beverages, soy, almonds, black-eyed peas and green peas can enhance the calcium content in the diet.