Saturday, 9 December 2023

Exploring Alternatives to Calcium Supplements for Bone Health

 

Our Bone is made up of 12 minerals boron, calcium, chromium, selenium, sulphur, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, silica, zinc and 64 trace minerals.

There are certain scenarios where calcium supplements alone might not effectively improve bone health or reduce the risk of fractures:

  1. Insufficient Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D are essential for the absorption of calcium from the intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body may struggle to absorb the calcium effectively, rendering calcium supplements less useful. Thus, ensuring proper vitamin D levels is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.


  2. Lack of Other Nutrients: Bone health relies on a variety of nutrients, not just calcium. Magnesium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and other minerals and vitamins play important roles in bone metabolism. If there's a deficiency in these nutrients, simply increasing calcium intake might not produce the desired improvement in bone health.


  3. Unbalanced Diet: Relying solely on supplements without a balanced diet might not yield the expected benefits. A diet rich in calcium-containing foods (such as dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) along with a variety of other nutrients is essential for overall bone health.


  4. Individual Health Conditions: Some medical conditions or medications may interfere with calcium absorption or metabolism, reducing the effectiveness of calcium supplements in improving bone health.


  5. Excessive Intake: Consuming too much calcium through supplements may have adverse effects. Excessive calcium intake can lead to health issues like kidney stones or cardiovascular problems.

It's important to understand that bone health is influenced by various factors beyond just calcium intake.

A holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, adequate intake of essential nutrients, regular exercise, maintenance of proper vitamin D levels, and minimizing factors that contribute to bone loss (such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption) is crucial for optimizing bone health and reducing the risk of fractures.

Options for bone health

Almonds,

Celtic salt and Himalayan salt ,

Dark green leafy vegetables,

Oranges

Dried figs

Soybeans

Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance for maintaining and improving bone health based on individual needs and circumstances.


By,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.

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