Why our body needs calcium (not just for bones)
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· You may think that calcium is only for bones but in fact calcium can benefit your body in many ways. Calcium is important for your teeth blood clots regulates muscle contractions and heart rate Calcium is something you need from birth until you reach old age Let's take a closer look at the benefits of calcium.
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What is the role of
calcium in our bod
· Calcium is an important mineral we need for our body to function properly. The following are the main functions of calcium in our body:
· Bone: Our bones are always porous and will grow again. Calcium is needed for bone regeneration.
· Heart: Calcium controls the contraction of the heart, which pumps blood throughout the body and also makes your heart rhythm more regular.
· Nerve Calcium can act as a natural sedative that calms the nervous system and reduces pain.
· Blood clots Calcium triggers a chain event that creates platelets, a component of our blood that stops bleeding.
· About 99% of the calcium in our body is in the bones and teeth. When we are young, we increase the amount of calcium in our body until we are 20-25 years old. Then the level of calcium in the body will reach its peak mass. As we age, our natural calcium levels begin to decline. The reason for the natural fall is because it is released from the body through sweat, skin cells, and dirt. Also, as women grow older, calcium absorption decreases as estrogen levels decrease.
· Calcium absorption can vary depending on race, gender, and age. Those who go on a low-calcium diet before they turn 20 or 25 are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Taking calcium supplements can help your bones return and stay strong.
· In our bodies, bones have the most calcium because they act as a storehouse of calcium and are ready to be released when your body needs it.
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How much calcium do we
need?
· The Institute of Medicine has determined the amount of calcium intake. The use of this amount in the diet is highly recommended. In some cases, you may need to take calcium supplements to get enough to keep your bones healthy. Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may recommend a higher dose.
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· According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women are encouraged to replenish calcium by about 1,500 to 2,000 mg daily, starting from the 20th week of pregnancy until the end of pregnancy. This is to prevent preeclampsia, a condition that develops during pregnancy and causes high blood pressure, and has the potential to harm the baby.
· The upper tolerable level of intake (UL) is the largest amount that most people can safely consume. For calcium, which is 2,500 mg/day for adults and children over 1 year.
· In general, it is better to take calcium supplements with food. For better absorption, no more than 500 mg should be consumed at one time. You can share a larger dose during the day, usually three times a day with food. For the body to use calcium properly, you need to get enough vitamin D.
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Who should consider
calcium supplements?
· Even if you eat a healthy diet and a balanced diet, it can be difficult to get enough calcium if:
· Go on a vegan diet
· You have lactose intolerance and restrictions on dairy products
· You eat large amounts of protein or sodium, which can cause your body to release more calcium
· Have osteoporosis
· Receive long-term treatment with corticosteroids
· Have certain intestinal or digestive illnesses that reduce your ability to absorb calcium, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease
· Pregnant women who are at At least 20 weeks pregnant.
· In this situation, you can use calcium supplements to meet your calcium needs. Talk to your doctor's nutritionist to determine which calcium supplements are right for you.
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Where can I Find
Calcium?
· Your body cannot produce calcium, so you need to get it from other sources. You can get calcium through dietary supplements. Calcium can be found a variety of foods, including:
· Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt
· Dark green leafy vegetables as broccoli and kale
· Fish with soft edible bones such sardines and canned salmon
· Foods and beverages that contain calcium, such as soy products, cereals, and fruit juices, as well as a milk replacer.
· Your body cannot absorb much calcium at once. Thus, foods may be more suitable for calcium absorption compared to supplements. You need vitamin D to absorb calcium. Most foods and supplements rich in calcium have small amounts of vitamin D, but you can get extra vitamin D from salmon, milk, and egg yolk. You can get vitamin D from processed products and sun exposure.
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