THE BODY NEEDS A LOT OF CALCIUM (the most plentifully used mineral in the human body)
• The bones consist mainly of calcium.
• One third of the body protein, by weight, consists of collagen (a jelly-like substance that holds the cells together) that has vitamin C as its most important ingredient. This jelly is dependent on sufficient calcium to set, that is, these two ingredients are mainly responsible for firmness of tissue.
• So calcium is vital in the healing process.
• A shortage of calcium results in nervous tension and irritability and is probably a large contributor to the widespread use of tranquilizers.
• Calcium is a key ingredient for normal sleep.
• Cell walls need calcium to resist infection-related intrusions (it plays a primary role in maintaining optimum cell wall permeability to allow nutrients in and waste materials out).
• Sufficient calcium in the blood will alleviate many instances of pain (calcium injections sometimes used for even excruciating pains).
Calcium is difficult to absorb
BUT CALCIUM IS DIFFICULT TO ABSORB:
• Calcium has large molecules.
• Calcium needs to work with other minerals, mainly magnesium.
• Calcium dissolves in acid whereas both calcium and magnesium are alkaline; the right pH-balance is needed for calcium to be absorbed.
Until about 30 years ago, it was believed that peoples’ bones naturally grew more porous with age. But, blood calcium stays fairly constant throughout life, because the body will withdraw it from the bones when needed. Excess calcium and magnesium, is not a problem, calcium is stored in the bones, but if the blood constantly has a shortage, the withdrawal from the bones will make them porous. If enough calcium is absorbed from the diet – the bones don’t get robbed.
CALCIUM ABSORPTION AND MODERN DIETS:
Nature seems to have arranged the digestive system so that certain difficult-to-absorb nutrients are subjected to hydrochloric acid in the stomach (right near the start of the digestive process). However, modern diets are high in sugars and refined starches, which also use up hydrochloric acid.
Magnesium Deficiency: Why It’s Important
A supplement in which the calcium is already dissolved in acid appears to bypass this situation and so becomes effective even when the digestion has been hindered by excess sugars and refined starches.
CALCIUM DEFICIENCIES: (per many authorities, one of the most commonly occurring deficiencies)
• Are a primary factor in mood swings before and during menstruation.
• Are a major cause of dental problems.
• Are most marked in people over 40, especially women, and especially women who have given child-birth.
• Arthritis from calcium deposits at the joints as it is withdrawn from the bones to meet shortages in the blood.
• Are a prime cause (along with magnesium deficiencies) of muscle dysfunction.
MAGNESIUM:
• Is a prime factor in digestion. It occurs in over 300 digestive enzymes and is involved in most of the fat-related enzymes. When deficient, it will often be felt as reduced energy levels or getting hungry too soon after the last meal.
• Is a prime factor in controlling blood cholesterol.
• Coats the nerve ends – the reason that a deficiency causes jumpiness. A common deficiency condition is that there is then no buffer between the nerve end and the environment which can result in over-sensitivity to even light stimuli.
• Deficiencies, as with calcium, cause irritability and sleeplessness.
• Deficiencies are a prime cause (along with magnesium deficiencies) of muscle dysfunction.
CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM IMBALANCE AND MUSCLE DYSFUNCTION
The main way that the body achieves smooth muscle function is through two main sets of electrolytes: Calcium/magnesium in one set; sodium/potassium in the other set. In each set one element is involved mainly with smooth muscle contraction and the other with smooth muscle relaxation.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is important for maintaining the health of cartilage and connective tissues in the joints. Some studies have suggested that vitamin C might have a protective effect against certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
Collagen Formation: Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, a protein that helps maintain the integrity of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Supporting collagen production might contribute to joint health.
Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Osteoarthritis involves inflammation and oxidative damage, so vitamin C's antioxidant properties might have a protective effect on joint tissues.
CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
The role of vitamin D in calcium absorption has been known for decades. Famous nutritionist devoted a whole chapter to this in her LET’s GET WELL in 1954; as usual, emphasizing the need for balance in nutrition Vitamin D, being oil soluble, needs correct oils for transportation though the body.
Make sure you use the correct Calcium. CARBONATE is not good- if you do not use it with ViT D and K 2. Celate is the best.
