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Calcium has many biological functions. Involved in bone structure, this mineral precipitates in the bone making it stronger. For blood to coagulate, calcium must be present. This mineral increases cell permeability as well. When in abundance, calcium helps other nutrients into the cells. Transmission of nerve stimuli is also effected. Calcium is deposited at the ends of muscle fibers effecting the contraction of the muscle, especially the long muscles and heart muscles. When calcium flows through the circulatory system it aids in the relaxation of muscles. Calcium also works as an enzyme activator telling the catalysts what to do. Calcium [1] is the most abundant mineral in the body with the average male having 950 to 1,300 grams [2-3 pounds] and the average female has 770 to 920 grams [1 ½ to 2 pounds] yet deficiencies are very common and affect children in the form of rickets [stunted bone growth] and osteoporosis [fragile bones] that affect about 25 percent of women and 7 percent of males including osteomalacia [soft bones].[2] Calcium is essential for vibrant health and is one of the most supplemented and aggressively marketed minerals, along with magnesium, but is a “rip-off” of the American public because of our ignorance in what kind of calcium and magnesium are absorbable. The RDA is 800 milligrams, but the recommended intake is between 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams for optimum health. Although some believe that as much as 3600 mgs along with 2070 mgs of magnesium and 90,000 IU of vitamin A with 7200 IU of Vitamin D is needed to bring the pH of the body from acidosis [4.5 to 6.0] up to the normal alkalinity of [6.5 to 7.4] to prevent a wide variety of degenerative diseases, including all cancers because mineral deficiency induced acidosis causes the body to become prone to disease, accelerated aging, and intracellular mutations. It is interesting that even though the RDA for vitamin D is 400 IU, a sunny day at the beach causes the body to produce over 3 million IU.[3] We will explore this RDA discrepancy and the therapeutic and disease prevention value of vitamin D when its function with other vitamins and minerals are explained. Adequate absorbable calcium [absorbable is the key phrase] is needed for the formation of strong bones and teeth, maintenance of healthy gums and regular heartbeat, transmission of nerve impulses; it helps prevent cardiovascular disease, lowers cholesterol, and is necessary for muscular growth and contraction, and is essential to prevent tetany [severely painful spasms] and prevents muscle cramping. It is essential in blood clotting, helps prevent colon cancer by binding with cancer-causing bile acids produced in the colon, is vital in the production of energy, maintains cell membrane permeability, keeps skin healthy, participates in DNA and RNA structuring and abnormalities by assisting in maintaining proper intracellular pH, it activates numerous enzymes including lipase which breaks down fats, and several studies have shown that calcium may normalize blood pressure in mild hypertensive patients. Calcium appears to prevent absorption of lead in bones and teeth, appears to help protects against pre-eclampsia (the number one cause of maternal death), although HeLLP has recently emerged as the most deadly with a 20-60% morbidity and mortality rate, but it is also the most difficult to diagnose, additionally calcium is essential for neuromuscular activity. According to one study of pregnant teenagers calcium supplementation reduced the number of premature births. Calcium deficencies affects almost half the population of developed countries because of inadequate consumption with chronic marginal widespread deficiencies reported that may take years to fully manifest with serious long-term consequences.[4] Calcium deficiencies and can lead to aching joints, eczema, insomnia, nervousness, brittle nails and bones, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, muscle cramps, numbness in the arms and legs, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, tooth decay, convulsions, depression delusions, hyperactivity, acidosis along with it’s array of diseases and cognitive problems. The ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is 2-2.5 to 1 magnesium[5] and the ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1 to 1, but this dietary ratio is reduced to between 1 to 2 and 1 to 4 in most people.[6] Every mineral needs to be balanced for proper utilization and dietary intakes that are out of balance produce, over time, deleterious effects, both intra and extracellular. Of recent interest is the fact that nanobacteria are found in all calcification processes and you can search the internet for information about these potentially life-threatening entities that usually are found in low serum calcium patients. These entities are smaller than bacteria and larger than viruses and secrete a slime that becomes a calcium phosphate aggregate that increases in size just as all mineralization reactions do and as a result they do not appear to be “alive”, when in reality they are indeed a form of life that has been missed until recently. They are found in almost every calcification process including most diseases. I strongly encourage you to read the book by Douglas Mulhall and Katja Hansen, The Calcium Bomb-The Nanobacteria Link to Heart Disease and Cancer. As Dr. Eric Fisher puts it, “Sometimes a book comes along so compelling and so important, that we must pay attention to it. This is one such book.” Of course the FDA denies their existence even though NASA and many researchers have investigated and identified them and are currently trying to map their elusive DNA.
“Calcium is the stuff of life and of death. Every human must have it to survive. Yet, in many of us, a tiny fraction of it goes bad. This is known as ‘calcification.’ It is one of the most pervasive yet least understood medical conditions on Earth…The calcification list includes aging of the skin, Alzheimer’s disease (deterioration of brain function), arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid), autism (childhood brain disorder), bone spurs, brain sand and brain cysts, breast implant calcification, bursitis (inflammation of the joints), calcinosis cutis (calcium deposits in the skin), cancer (bone, brain, breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian), cataracts, deafness from middle ear ossification, diabetes (type II in adults), gallstones, glaucoma (eye disease that degrades vision), heart disease, notably arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, heterotopic ossification (bone formation in soft tissue), hypoparathyroidism (low production of some hormones), kidney stones, cysts, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), liver cysts, macular degeneration (degeneration of a part of the eye), Ménière’s disease (vertigo from inner ear malfunction), multiple sclerosis (degeneration of the nervous system), parathyroid disease (affects hormones that balance calcium), prostitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), psoriasis (inflammation of the skin), salivary gland stones, scleroderma (hardening of the skin), stroke (brain aneurysm) and other blockages), tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons).”[7] It is my opinion that almost every disease is intimately linked to calcification and/or inflammatory processes associated with not only mineral deficiencies, but cellular acidity and moderate to severe poor cellular health. Since calcium deficiencies appear to be involved in almost every disease state, I encourage you to look at the foot notes and read as much as possible on all of the minerals and their influence on health and disease. Commentary: All athletes require more calcium due to the fact that calcium ions either transported through the cell membrane or sarcoplasmic reticulum are involved in the contraction of muscles and deficiencies reduce muscle contractibility with marked deficiencies leading to fatigue or cramping. Moderate exercise promotes calcium absorption whereas heavy exercise decreases the ability of calcium to be absorbed and therefore increased intake of almost all the minerals, absorption co-factors and electrolytes become critical. Female athletes and menopausal women need more calcium because of lower estrogen levels and a study by the USDA found that calcium supplemented women had fewer menstrual problems including cramps, backache and mood changes. You will need more calcium if you do very heavy exercise or work, have a high protein, fat, magnesium, refined food, soft-drink, alcohol, coffee, or sugar intake. The intestinal binding of oxalic acid found in almonds, beet greens, cashews, cocoa, kale, soybeans, spinach, and chard interferes with calcium absorption. Excessive phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron also interferes with calcium absorption, however, Vitamin D, the amino acid L-lysine, and boron increase calcium uptake. TUMS or any other antacid should not be taken as a source of calcium because they neutralize stomach acid needed for calcium absorption. Calcium and magnesium are taken together for synergy and coincidental health function benefits. Absorption/Storage: Calcium needs an acidic environment to be absorbed. Therefore, the best time to take calcium is during a meal because when food is eaten the stomach releases hydrochloric acid (HCl) making the absorption of calcium more efficient. The duodenum is the site of the initial absorption, then ceasing in the lower intestinal tract. Phosphorous and vitamin D must also be present for the absorption of this mineral. Dosage/Toxicity: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests the following amounts: newborns-6 months 400mg, infants 6 months-1 year 600mg, children 1-10 years 800mg, males 11-24 years 1200mg, males 25-51+ years 800mg, females 11-24 years 1200mg, females 25-51+ years 800mg, lactating women 1200mg. Before taking more than 10 times the RDA, you should consult with a physician. Magnesium levels must be high if calcium levels are high. The reason for this is to prevent accumulation of calcium in the heart, kidneys, and muscles. Muscle rigor, a condition when the muscles contract and not relax, is experienced when there is an excess of calcium in the blood. The absorption of iron and zinc is depleted when there is too much calcium present. Deficiency: When deficient in calcium, one of the first signs is a condition called tetany. This is when the muscles cramp and a tingling sensation is felt in the arms and legs. Osteoporosis is the most common aliment associated with a deficiency in calcium. Osteoporosis, "holes in the bone", is caused by the body's need for calcium; therefore, pulling this mineral from the bones. When you hear, "Grandma fell and broke her hip", it literally means "Grandma broke her hip and then fell". This happens because the bones become very brittle in this condition. Hypertension may result from low levels of calcium because the effects of sodium are counteracted by calcium; therefore, if calcium is not present then sodium cannot be counteracted. Calcium deficiencies can lead to aching joints, eczema, insomnia, nervousness, brittle nails and bones, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, muscle cramps, numbness in the arms and legs, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, tooth decay, convulsions, depression delusions, hyperactivity and cognitive problems. Other symptoms of a deficiency include heart palpitations, impaired growth. Common Uses: Calcium is commonly used to relax the nerves. The skin also benefits from this mineral, protecting it from damage caused by the sun. Tooth and gum disorders are alleviated with the use of calcium. This mineral is used in the treatment of rheumatism as well. Calcium is notorious for treating and maintaining bone structure. Precautions: Calcium may interfere with the effects of Verapamil, Calin, Isoptin, Verelan, a calcium blocker prescribed for heart problems and high blood pressure, therefore you should inform your doctor if you are taking calcium channel blockers, but bear in mind that calcium is the original calcium channel blocker and some authorities believe that high doses of calcium may alleviate the need for prescription calcium blockers. Consult your physician if you have kidney stones or kidney disease and seek alternative professionals for advice on how to prevent and cure them, naturally! The literature suggests that calcium-oxalate kidney stones can be prevented by taking magnesium and potassium supplements. The citrate form of calcium is least likely to cause kidney stones. FOOD SOURCES: include broccoli, kale, asparagus, cabbage, figs, tofu, figs, almonds, molasses, turnips greens, watercress, soybeans and kelp.Calcium may interfer with the effects of Verapamil, Calin, Isoptin, Verelan, a calcium blocker prescribed for heart problems and high blood pressure. Consult your physician if you have kidney stones or kidney disease. The citrate form of calcium is least likely to cause kidney stones. Scientific References: John Feltman. Prevention’s Food and Nutrition pp. 37-38 Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1993 Guyton and Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology 10th Edition pp. 83-93 W.B. Saunders Co. 2000 [2] V. Herbert, M.D, J.D, et al. Total Nutrition: The only Guide You’ll Ever Need- From the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. pp. 111-112 St. Martin’s Griffin. New York 1995 [3] RR Barefoot & CJ Reich, M.D The Calcium Factor pp. 90-112 Triad Marketing Southeastern, PA 2002 [4] DA, McCarron & D Hatton. Dietary calcium and lower blood pressure. We can all benefit. Editorial. JAMA 2759(14):1128-9, 1996 [5] J. Durlach. Recommended dietary amounts of magnesium: Magnes Res 2(3):195-203, 1989 M Seelig, M.D., Ph.D.- interviewed by M Zucker in Let’s Live, April, 1996:36-38 [6] B Worthington-Roberts. Contemporary Developments in Nutrition. St. Lewis, MO, C.V. Mosby Co., 1981:240-253 [7] D Mulhall & K Hansen The Calcium Bomb-the nanobacteria link to heart disease and cancer pp. 3-15 The Writers’ Collective Cranston, RI 2005 Additional References: Groff, J., Gropper, S., and Hunt, S. (1995). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. St. Paul Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Gropper and Hamilton. (1987). The Biochemistry of Human Nutrition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Company. Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. (1996). Nutrition Almanac. New York, New York: McGraw Hill. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. National Research Council. (1989). Recommended Dietary Allowance. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. |