I swear, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone’s doctor told them to take calcium supplements….
The thing is the body needs a lot more than just calcium to make healthy bones.
And the real problem: calcium supplements alone in the body (especially in large amounts), without the needed nutrient co-factors that make sure that calcium makes it to the bone, can be super dangerous.
Because if the calcium can’t get into the bone where it belongs, the body sure as hell isn’t going to let it hang out in the blood.
It runs a tight ship and even tighter ph balance which means it’s not going to let something so basic (in the chemistry, not PSL kinda way) just hang out there.
It’s going to stick it somewhere — usually in soft tissue.
And this is where things can get serious as a heart attack (no really).
So let’s talk co-factors…
- Vitamin D
- K2
- Magnesium
These things direct and drive calcium into the bone where it belongs so it doesn’t end up in soft tissue.
Calcium is what makes our bones hard, but we also need the things that make bones flexible….
Cause what happens when you try to bend something that’s hard but not flexible?…
It breaks!
Bones are 30-40% protein — which we have to be able to digest and absorb from our food.
It all goes back to digestion doesn’t it?
It’s true! All disease — even weak bones — begins in the gut!
Hormones signal the build up and break down of bone tissue (yes, BTW, our cells are constantly replacing themselves – including bone cells!) so certain hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance (think PMS and hot flashes) or high cortisol can be contributing to weakening bones.
And, as with everything else, inflammation too… can dramatically speed up loss of bone density.
See… a bit more complex than just taking some extra calcium….
Yet, here we are in 2021 and STILL with the calcium supplements.
This is not to say calcium doesn’t matter. It absolutely does.
Taking large amounts of calcium supplements is just not the best way to go about bolstering your calcium levels.
If you are taking calcium supplements, it’s best in a combination formula with those nutrient co-factors I mentioned above that have a synergistic effect for bone health.
It’s also best taken in small incremental doses (200-300mg max at a time; 700mg max per day).
Better yet – get your calcium from calcium-rich food sources, like dark leafy greens (collards, spinach, kale), almonds, salmon, sardines, beans and lentils, high quality, organic and grass-fed dairy.
Share this post with anyone you know who takes calcium.
It hurts my heart that people don’t have this info and are still taking calcium supplements thinking they’re doing something good for the body when they may actually be putting themselves at risk for heart disease.
Sharing this info could save someone’s life. Literally.
Spread the word,
P.S. If you’re concerned about your own bone health or any of the other underlying factors (digestion, hormones, inflammation) that contribute to maintaining healthy bones and overall vitality as we age, know that you can take a more proactive, preventive approach. This is what I help my clients with as a functional health coach.
My practice is currently full with a couple of spaces opening up next month. If you’re curious about working together best thing to do is schedule a free strategy session ASAP with me here to get on the waitlist.
