Calcium
There are probably more different malfunctions that can occur in the body from a lack of calcium than any other single nutritional deficiency. Calcium has an entire economy and is involved in a myriad of actions which are vital to normal body processes.
Here is the short list of things that calcium is important for:
1.) Make up of bones and teeth
2.) Necessary for blood clotting
3.) Needed for digestion, stomach acid production and enzyme activation
4.) Immune system function, and white blood cell activation
5.) The nervous system requires calcium
6.) Muscles need calcium for proper function and relaxation (prevent cramps and spasms)
7.) Joints require calcium for lubrication and healing
8.) Necessary for detoxification processes in the body
9.) Serves a function in the proper dilation of arteries and in maintaining proper blood pressure
10.) Essential in the production of hormones
11.) Necessary for fat metabolism and energy production
12.) Helps mineral and ion transport across membranes
13.) Necessary for connective tissue maintenance and the healing of injuries
14.) Used to maintain the proper acid base balance of the blood and body
Every major vitamin has an interactive relationship with calcium. Every major gland affects calcium and/or is affected by calcium. More times than not when someone is sick, calcium is more important to their recovery than Vitamin C. In fact, fevers and even muscle seizures associated with sickness are linked with getting calcium out of the bones to fight infection. Cold sores are often related to calcium deficiency as are many menstrual problems. Indeed, because women require more calcium during their time of menses it is not uncommon to see problems that occur related to their menstrual cycle associated with calcium balance. This includes such things as yeast infection.
Problems with calcium metabolism may occur from a lack of calcium in the body or it may be that the calcium in the body is simply not in the right places as needed. The latter is usually a hormonal problem. Calcium may be low in the body if it is not absorbed properly. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium to be absorbed from the intestine. Certain proteins, magnesium and phosphorous also aid absorption. Phytates in grains and oxalic acid from certain greens such as spinach may interfere with calcium absorption. Calcium may also be low if too much is lost in elimination as from kidney or colon problems. Minerals and mineral ratios play an important part in the proper utilization of calcium. There is a proper calcium to magnesium ratio that is important to maintain for instance. Zinc has been found to be important in calcium metabolism as well.
Blood calcium levels are kept at very exact levels. The principal hormones that are involved in this are the parathyroid hormone and the thyroid hormone called calcitonin. In general the parathyroid hormone raises calcium in the blood and calcitonin lowers calcium in the blood. Vitamin F and certain essential fatty acids help calcium to exit the blood into the tissues where it may be utilized. Calcium is affected by estrogen levels as is apparent with women who develop weak and brittle bones after menopause. Truly this is more of a problem of a weak matrix or connective tissue foundation for the bone than a lack of calcium but nevertheless calcium is vital in order to maintain bones at their proper strength. The weak matrix is usually due to hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately the most important time to prevent osteoporosis from occurring late in life is during the formative years. This is when the structure is usually laid down.
As you can see proper calcium metabolism is very important for maintaining healthy bodies. Calcium creates strong structure, activates enzymes and is directly involved in vital cellular processes such as muscle contraction and nerve function. Should calcium become low or imbalanced, bodies become sluggish, painful and slow healing. Not all calcium is the same, by the way. There are better forms and worse forms. Calcium carbonate for instance is limestone like the rocks in your driveway, and is very hard for the body to use. At our office we have nine different types of calcium, as well as all the co-factors and glandular support necessary for proper utilization. Using precise muscle testing procedures we are able to determine which forms and supporting factors best suit your body. Should you or someone you know have many things wrong with your body the solution may be simple — calcium. Make an appointment by calling 260-459-6160 (Fort Wayne) or 773-929-3964 (Chicago) to find out.
