Calcium supplements; do you need it and are you taking the right supplement in the right way?
Calcium is important for maintaining electrolyte balance in body fluids. Plus calcium is a structural component of bones and teeth, it plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting and enzymatic reactions.
Best sources include cheese and yoghurt, salmon and sardines. Veggies such as turnip, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and dried fruits provide a relatively high amount of calcium. Legumes especially tofu are also a good source, meats, on the other hand, are a poor source of calcium.
Calcium carbonate does not absorb well without hydrochloric acid, so if you are taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors your calcium will not be getting absorbed. If stomach acid is not a problem make sure you are taking calcium carbonate with your food and in small doses as calcium absorbs better in low doses. Calcium citrate is better absorbed and it doesn’t require stomach acid for absorption.
Vitamin D is also required for the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread as many people are not getting the required sunlight or food sources.
Diet also plays a role in calcium deposition and function. If you are having too much soft drink, for instance, this will pull calcium from the bones to act as a buffer in the blood to counter the effects of the soft drink. Prolonged consumption can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Zinc, magnesium, iron, fibre, phytates and oxalates are nutrients that are either inhibit calcium absorption or are inhibited by too much calcium. Furthermore, too much sodium, protein or caffeine enhances the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.
Menopause is another factor that reduces calcium absorption as reduced oestrogen levels decrease the vitamin D mediated absorption of calcium.
Calcium can interact with blood pressure tablets and antibiotics, always consult your practitioner prior to taking supplements.
If you would like to discuss any details further please email me or schedule an appointment.
It’s THYME FOR NATURAL MEDICINE
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Published by Theresa Stevenson
My passion for naturopathy and the desire to heal has been a long-standing tradition in my family with my grandparents living amongst the indigenous Aboriginals practicing traditional herbal medicine. Today, I have fulfilled my dreams to become a naturopath, living on the gorgeous Gold Coast with my family.
My professional background is in retail management but as an adult, my desire to further my knowledge in natural medicine led me to undertake a health science degree in naturopathy. I was very fortunate to have such inspiring teachers/mentors and I embraced the naturopathic knowledge they passed down, especially in herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, iridology, extemporaneous compounding and Swedish massage.
I wanted to immerse myself in the naturopathic world and support the profession wherever possible. This led me to apply for a volunteer position as a student representative on the board of The Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association (ANPA) where I have resided for the past 3 years.
Additionally, I was fortunate enough to be able to inaugurate a chapter group on the Gold Coast where I facilitate regular meetings where other local naturopaths are able to attend to in order to build and enhance their own naturopathic knowledge.
As a naturopath, I believe that my patients’ health and wellbeing is paramount. I am passionate about the utilisation of naturopathic principals such as treating the cause, enhancing the body’s innate ability to self-heal and educating the patient. Therefore preparing a holistic treatment plan through to the taking of a comprehensive case history can provide the pathway to self- empowerment for the patient to achieve and maintain optimal health. Supporting the journey to total wellness with whole body therapy will engage the natural interplay that occurs between the physical, spiritual, mental and environmental elements that ultimately decides our health and vitality. I have available an array of evidence-based naturopathic treatment options such as herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, extemporaneous compounding, Swedish massage, or diet and lifestyle advice that will provide the healing properties needed to repair, restore and maintain internal harmony.
I am passionate about naturopathy and look forward to supporting and participating in the health and wellness journeys of both my past and future patients.
View all posts by Theresa Stevenson
Thyme for Natural Medicine - Theresa Stevenson (BHSc) - Naturopathic Practitioner - 0413925678 