Calcium



Why is calcium so important?
Calcium is an essential mineral for the formation of our bones, also necessary in the multiple electrical transmissions generated in the nervous system, and involved as well in muscle contraction and growth. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of our heart, and for blood coagulation. It takes part in multiple enzymatic and hormonal functions.

Along with magnesium, it acts as a pH regulator in the blood. When our blood is acidic, our body secretes a hormone called parathyroid, responsible for the reabsorption of calcium from the bones into the blood, thus producing a demineralization of our bones.

So the first thing we should ask ourselves is: How do we lose calcium from our bones?
Our bones serve as reservoirs of calcium. In the event of calcium levels in the blood being low and the calcium demand by our metabolism being high, there will be a loss of calcium from the bones.

Let’s point out the factors that favor the loss of minerals such as calcium in our body.

• The consumption of alcohol.
• Tobacco.
• Consumption of sugars and refined products.
• Eating plenty of solanacea (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, etc.).
• Insufficient intake of vegetables, especially green.
• Insufficient or inadequate consumption of protein.
• Malnutrition.
• A sedentary lifestyle or excessive exercise.
• The use of drugs such as corticosteroids or tranquilizers.
• Weak intestines or chronic and inflammatory diseases of the intestine.
• Surgical reduction of stomach, gastric bypass, etc.
• Thyroid or kidney disease.

Ultimately it will be necessary to avoid everything that acidifies the blood, or whose toxicity requires our minerals to dispose of it.

On the other hand it is essential that we get the right amount of calcium in our diet.

Let's see what foods, supplements and actions will be critical for a good supply of this mineral in the body.

• A strong intestinal flora, capable of introducing calcium into our blood.
• An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals for a proper calcium absorption and balance in our body; mainly vitamin D, present in green vegetables, mushrooms, and fish. Also, sunbathing for ten to twenty minutes daily activates the formation of this vitamin in our body.
• And of course, calcium-rich foods such as:
• Green, leafy vegetables.
• Seeds, like sesame (ground or as purée for its proper assimilation).
• Nuts.
• Seaweed or sea vegetables have a high and balanced content of vitamins and minerals.

Currently society gives great importance to calcium intake, through diet or even with the aid of drugs. But we must give equal or more importance to its constant loss.

If we avoid or reduce these factors that demineralize us, and we have a balanced diet that’s rich in green vegetables, seeds, nuts and seaweed, we will have strong and healthy bones.



David Gasol Mestres

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