Calcium (Ca)

Is calcium important? Most definitely!
Do we need it? For sure!
Should we all take calcium supplements? Depends!
Post- menopausal women? Possibly!
In the western world, calcium’s primary benefit is seen as building and strengthening the bones, and its main source being dairy.
However, those who consume large amounts of dairy still have calcium deficiency problems such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
In Chinese medicine Ca is also important for its cooling and sedative aspects. We need all the minerals in the body to be in balance. The best way to enhance calcium metabolism is via a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, seaweeds such as Wakame and Arame, whole grains and beans. This diet is rich in Magnesium and Magnesium draws out Ca from soft tissues and places it in the bones.
As we age, nutrient malabsorption becomes a big issue; also those who follow a diet rich in processed food & refined carbs, have increased use of pain killers and live a sedentary lifestyle may need Ca supplements.
In order to avoid excess calcium deposits in soft tissues, causing conditions such as arteriosclerosis, kidney stones or even Alzheimer’s disease, we need to combine Ca supplements with Magnesium, Vit D, Vit K and Boron. This would enable proper deposition of calcium in the bones where it’s needed.
Did you know that the best Ca supplement is not Ca Carbonate, but Ca citrate which is much better absorbed and has fewer side effects.
My favourite is Bone Support by @cytoplan_. Take it in the evenings for a smooth sleep.
In short, caution is needed with Ca supplements.