Health

Getting Enough Calcium - the Right Way!

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Getting Enough Calcium - The Right Way!

From: Duke and the Doctor

Date: Tue Jan 22, 2002 2:08 pm

Subject: Getting Enough Calcium - The Right Way!

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It maintains proper body pH and is crucial for good bone and teeth health, as well as nerve impulse, muscle contraction and blood clotting functions. Calcium losses are associated with osteoporosis, muscle cramps, insomnia, tremors or spasms, nervousness, joint pain, arthritis, tooth decay and high blood pressure. To protect against this, it is important that the calcium we receive from food or from supplements is properly digested, absorbed and utilized by the body. Here are some tips:

Eat whole foods rich in all of the essential nutrients as opposed to processed foods. Include sardines, nuts, seeds and dark, leafy green vegetables, all good sources of calcium. Drink plenty of water to insure an adequate supply of stomach acid, which is necessary to release calcium and other minerals from food. This becomes particularly important as we age.

Minimize consumption of meat and dairy products, where the protein either neutralizes the effects of calcium or causes it to be leached from the bones. Eliminate carbonated soft drinks, which contain calcium depleting phosphoric acid.

Vitamin D aids in the uptake of calcium from the gut and reduces excretion from the kidneys. Its manufacture in the body is triggered by exposure to sunlight. Food sources of vitamin D include eggs and oily fish.

Finally, moderate exercise can help maintain calcium levels in the body. Research has actually shown that 50 jump ropes a day can increase bone density by up to 10 per cent.

For more information on calcium, osteoporosis, and other health conditions listen to Duke and the Doctor every day. You can ask Dr.McBarron about your health concerns during the show M-F between 9 and 11am at 1-877-3853(Duke).