Calcium deficiency and remedy

 Why you need calcium

Sometimes, we tend to overlook little things and eventually have to suffer the consequence later in life. One of such things people overlook is the benefits of the food they consume and the implications of not consuming certain foods at all, thereby leading to deficiency in some essential food minerals. One of such minerals is Calcium.

Our body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. 

Signs of calcium deficiency in children 

There are frequently no symptoms of hypocalcemia -(medical condition for calcium deficiency). However, if present, symptoms could include: 

-Short stature 

-Dry skin 

-Dry hair 

-Brittle nails 

-Muscle cramps 

-Tingling in the fingers and toes 

-Cataracts 

-Weakened tooth enamel   

-Seizures 

Signs of calcium deficiency in adults/generally

*MUSCLE RELATED PROBLEMS

muscle aches, cramps, and spasms

pain in the thighs and arms when walking or moving

numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, as well as around the mouth

*SKIN CONDITIONS

dry skin, dry/broken/brittle nails, coarse hair, alopecia (which causes hair to fall out in patches), eczema or skin inflammation that can lead to itchy or dry patches (psoriasis)

*DENTAL PROBLEMS

Tooth decay, brittle teeth, irritated gums, weak tooth roots

*FATIGUE

Low levels of calcium can cause extreme fatigue, which involves a lack of energy and an overall feeling of sluggishness. It can also lead to insomnia, dizziness, lack of focus among others.

Where can you find calcium?

Sources of calcium include:

1. Milk and other diary foods

2. Cheese

3. Green vegetables such as Kale, Okra but not Spinach (Spinach contains too much calcium that the body cannot absorb it all.)

4. Soya drinks

5. Bread or confectioneries made with fortified flour

6. Fish- such as sardines, salmon etc, especially when you eat the bones

7. Yoghurt

8. Fortified breakfast cereal

Final note: You should try changing and combining diets for your general wellbeing.

References

-John Hopkins Medicine

-Healthline