The importance of calcium cannot be overstated; it performs various functions in your body. It regulates your heartbeat, conducts nerve impulses, prevents clotting of blood and stimulates hormonal secretions. You can find calcium in high quantity in several foods like lentils, milk, and yogurt. Calcium is necessary for your body, as it is something that is lost regularly through urine, feces, hair, nails, and sweat regularly. There should be a mechanism through which the body is able to regain the lost amount of calcium. If that mechanism does not exist, then the body uses calcium from bones, which results in making the bones and joints weaker in the body. Calcium supplements are important if you are trying to prevent osteoporosis or just simply maintaining healthy cartilage in your body. Along with that, consider anti-inflammatory diet and healthy routine that comprises of strenuous physical activity.
How Much Calcium Should You take?
The safe range for consuming calcium is simple: if you are under fifty, then you should get around 1000 mg, and people who are over fifty should go for 1200 mg. If the amount crosses 2500 mg at any point then it is harmful to your system. More and more calcium can halt the absorption process of other minerals and you do not want that. It is recommended that adults should have an intake of up to 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium every day. Even though there are various foods available that are a provider of calcium, it is important for you to intake enough calcium to ensure that your body gets what it requires. Therefore, calcium supplements have proven to be beneficial for your body. The focus on how it is good for your joints. If you maintain a good diet, then you are already getting up to 750 mg of calcium in your body. If you are still someone who struggles with joint pain, do consider calcium supplements.
Choosing the Perfect Calcium Supplement
Choosing your calcium supplement can be a daunting process, so here is a set of questions that you should ask yourself to make a sound decision. An ideal calcium supplement is the one that satisfies your requirements. You can consult a doctor as well that will guide you in answering these questions. First, ask yourself how well your body has the ability to tolerate the respective calcium supplement. Second, whether it has any side effect on your body. Third, what is its cost and is it under your budget. Lastly, you need to see whether you can easily find it around your locality because it is something that you will be taking every day.
You need to see if the brand sounds familiar and if it has a U.S Pharmacopeia symbol, and if it does not, then it is safer not to go for it. Do not opt for any option that has high levels of lead and other toxic metals. If you are still unsure about the kind of supplement that you have invested in, then take warm water and see if your supplement dissolves in thirty minutes. If it does not, then it shows that it would not dissolve in your body. Therefore, it is better if you go for chewable or liquid calcium supplements because they dissolve easily.
Side effects of Calcium Supplements
There is an emphasis on the kind of supplement you choose because it can lead to several side effects as well. Some supplements have the tendency to cause gas and constipation, so be careful in that regard. If you feel that your joint pain is still prevalent, even after supplements, then go to your doctor and increase your calcium supplements intake. Make sure it is an informed decision; otherwise, it can lead to several complexities. These complexities include kidney stones and cardiovascular risk. People think that consuming calcium in large quantity is always beneficial, which is not the case. It is, therefore, advised repeatedly to not begin any supplement regime without consulting your doctor.
Calcium Interactions with Other Substances
Your doctor will inform you regarding the interactions of your other prescribed drugs with calcium supplements because it is extremely crucial. This is the reason why you are not advised to take both calcium and iron supplement at the same time. Therefore, it is better to talk it through with your doctors and note all the dos and don'ts. Detailed research is important before making any decision.
Vitamin D is Important
Apparently, calcium is not the only mineral needed for stronger joints, as vitamin D is extremely significant for stronger bones. Research suggests that vitamin D plays a big role in strengthening joints. The key here is to get enough of both calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, if you have weaker joints, focus on investing good calcium and vitamin D supplements that do not clash with each other. Do not put your focus on any one of the minerals only.
Anti-Flammatory Compounds
Your journey does not stop here; focus on anti-inflammatory compounds as well. You can also treat your joints by including ginger and turmeric in your routine. However, consult your doctor before starting any anti-inflammatory compounds. Follow this diet for improving your joints as well.
If you are taking calcium supplements to improve your joints, then you should go for it. However, given the information above, you now realize that it is not only supplements that enhance your joints but other things as well. What you eat, your daily routine and other minerals also play a vital role. It also sheds light on the complexities regarding supplements of calcium. Like everything else, overusing something results in disadvantages and that is the last thing you want. Hence, we recommend you to make an informed decision regarding your health and not compromise on it. Consult your doctor and understand what they say if you want to live a healthy life.
