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Calcium-The Knitter

Updated: Sep 24, 2024

Calcium, known as the knitter because it "knits" bones back together, is one of the seven essential macrominerals needed by the body. 1% of the calcium in the body is used to support critical metabolic functions. The other 99% is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports their structure and function.


Calcium is needed not only for the body but also for the mind. A person considered to be "high-strung" or a person with an inferiority complex may need calcium.


You must have proper levels of vitamin D for calcium to be absorbed.


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Benefits

  • Healthy bones, teeth, and gums

  • Lowers cholesterol

  • Required for contraction of blood vessels

  • Required for dilating of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure

  • Aids in muscle contractions/prevents muscle cramps

  • Necessary for blood clotting

  • With vitamin D, calcium may help protect agains cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure

  • Prevents bone loss

  • Needed to activate enzymes that break down food

  • Enables protein structuring of RNA and DNA

  • Protects against preeclampsia in pregnancy

Signs of Deficiency

  • Achy joints

  • Brittle nails

  • Eczema

  • High blood cholesterol

  • Heart palpitations

  • High blood pressure

  • Insomnia

  • Muscle cramps

  • Nervousness

  • Numbness in arms and legs

  • Pale complexion

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Tooth decay

  • Cognitive impairment

  • Convulsions

  • Depression

  • Delusions

  • Hyperactivity

  • Children may not reach their full height as adults

  • Low bone mass leading to osteoporosis

Food Sources

  • Cheese

  • Milk

  • Yogurt

  • Seafood

  • Fish with edible, soft bones like sardines and canned salmon

  • Dark leafy green vegetables

  • Almonds

  • Asparagus

  • Brewer's yeast

  • Broccoli

  • Cabbage

  • Collards

  • Dandelion greens

  • Figs

  • Kale

  • Oats

  • Prunes

Herbal Sources

  • Alfalfa

  • Burdock root

  • Cayenne

  • Chamomile

  • Chickweed

  • Chicory

  • Dandelion

  • Eyebright

  • Fennel seed

  • Fenugreek

  • Flaxseed

  • Hops

  • Kelp

  • Nettle leaves

  • Pau d'arco

  • White oak bark

  • Valerian root

Note

You may have difficulty absorbing calcium if you:

  • Follow a vegan diet

  • Drink water that has had flouride added to it

  • Have lactose intolerance

  • Consume a lot of protein or sodium which can cause your body to excrete more calcium

  • Are on a long-term treatment with cortiocosteriods; many other drugs block the absorption of calcium as well

  • Have inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease

  • Eat sugar, white flour products, and cocoa

Resources

  1. Hovis, B. S., ND, MH, CCII. (n.d.). Nutrition-Vitamins & Minerals. Retrieved March 15, 2021, from https://trinityschool.instructure.com/courses/499/pages/week-1-lecture-3-vitamins-and-minerals

  2. Office of dietary supplements - Calcium. (n.d.). Retrieved April 08, 2021, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

  3. Are you getting enough calcium? (2020, November 14). Retrieved April 08, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097



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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Cynthia A. Barrington is not a physician and the relationship between her and her clients is not as prescriber and patient but as educator and client. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Cynthia presents. Naturopathy, homeopathy, flower essences, and any other recommendations do not "treat" illnesses; they address the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. In order to be treated or diagnosed, Cynthia believes the advice of a holistic physician is in order. Never stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your physician. Consult your physician before starting a fitness program or taking supplements.

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