Introduction
Due to the fast food culture in the present society, people are ignorant of the basic nutrient needs in their body such as calcium. Hypocalcemia or calcium deficiency can bring about various effects that would reflect in our general health. Now is the time to discuss what calcium deficiency is, why it occurs, how one can recognize it, and what can be done to prevent it.
What is Calcium Deficiency?
Calcium is also not only important for the maintenance of the bones and teeth but also for muscle contraction and nerve impulses as well as secretion of hormones. Without a proper amount of calcium in our body, the body begins to pull the calcium from our bones and gradually erode them. Such losses contribute to ostoporosis development as well as enhanced risks of fractures in the elderly populations.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
If one realizes the symptoms of calcium deficiency at an early stage then severe health complications will be prevented. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle cramps and spasms: Especially in the limbs/legs and the earlier onset of morning stiffness.
- Fatigue: Suffering from a headache despite not taking any painkillers.
- Brittle nails: This is loosely translated to brittle nails.
- Dental problems: As the case of a weak enamel or tooth decay.
- Numbness and tingling: Particularly in areas around the mouth and the fingers.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis causing breaks in the bones.
Causes of Calcium Deficiency
Several factors contribute to calcium deficiency:
- Inadequate dietary intake: Failure to take the adequate calcium containing foods such as the milks, green leafy vegetables, and cereals that have been fortified with calcium.
- Vitamin D deficiency: For calcium to be used in the body, it requires vitamin D; this implies that if the body lacks vitamin D it will not be able to utilise the calcium it intakes.
- Certain medical conditions: Like kidney diseases that have an impact on the calcium metabolism.
- Medications: Several agents may affect calcium levels in the body either by decreasing the amount of calcium absorbed or by enhancing calcium renewal.
Solutions and Prevention
Preventing calcium deficiency involves a combination of dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes:
- Increase calcium intake: More points that people should add to their diet include more dairy products, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, almonds, and foods that are fortified with calcium.
- Get enough Vitamin D: Ensure you go out in the sun to boost your vitamin D levels. If you cannot spend much time under the sun then take a supplement.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Some of these can hamper the absorption of calcium.
- Consult your doctor: If you think there is deficiency, blood test should be done to check calcium levels and consequently issues the appropriate treatment.
The Bottom Line
Right balance of calcium in the body is vital to the good health of any individual. Understanding the signs and possible causes of inadequacy of calcium in the body will enable a person to act accordingly to prevent it. Modification in a diet that has an adequate content of calcium along with vitamin D together with exercise and alteration of lifestyle assists in the development of a sound body and great bone mass.
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