 Calcium - Choosing the Right Calcium for You
By Dr. Antonio Jimenez, M.D. of Hope4Cancer Institute It is difficult to choose a proper calcium supplement to
support the bones and help prevent osteoporosis. Currently, 1.4 million
Canadians suffer from osteoporosis, or one in four women and one in eight men, over the
age of 50. The cost to the health care system is approximately $1.3 billion annually. It
is important to consider getting a good product and taking it properly.
Many women have long depended on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to
help with osteoporosis. With the latest HRT large trials showing negative health effects,
more women are refusing these medications and are seeking alternatives to keep their bones
healthy.
We are taught to take calcium supplements to help our bones before and
after menopause. Recently, new calcium formulas that prevent the progress of bone
deterioration and those that can actually help to rebuild bone have gained attention.
For post-menopausal women, a form of calcium known as microcrystalline
hydroxyapetite (MCHC) has been shown to aid in restoring bone density. European studies
show an increase in bone density of 12% with this form of calcium. It is said to be the
most available form of calcium and works by contributing both a mineral and a protein
matrix to increase bone tissue more effectively.
For someone who wants to support their bone density but has no
immediate indicators of a problem, a calcium citrate form of calcium works well. This form
of calcium is widely used to maintain good levels, and generally may be purchased at a
lower price. A complete, multiple mineral formula should be taken as well, as the bones
(and, indeed, the entire body) require these minerals for proper functioning.
Simply taking a calcium supplement or depending on adequate levels from
our diet may not be enough support. The product you select should contain the mineral
magnesium and vitamin D3. These two nutrients play a crucial role in the process of
calcium absorption and utilization into the bones and other areas where calcium metabolism
is essential. As a general rule, I suggest a formula that has a 2:1 ratio of calcium to
magnesium. Vitamin D is usually a part of any calcium formula, as it helps to break down
calcium in the digestive tract to make it more absorbable.
A new calcium supplement showing very promising results is coral
calcium. This product is derived from fossil minerals from the ocean off Okinawa, Japan.
Coral minerals contain a citrate form of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, as well as an
excellent composition of trace minerals that the body can use for many purposes. In
addition, coral calcium benefits our ionic pH. As we age, our ions tend to become more
acidic and this mineral helps to provide us with more alkalinity, which is the state our
body needs to sustain optimal health.
We can do more for our bones than simply take calcium
supplements. We can eat foods that are rich in calcium, including seafood, most green
leafy vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, some nuts, and soy products. To aid in the absorption
of calcium, consume foods that are high in magnesium, folic acid, and manganese. These
include seafood, apples, apricots, brown rice, garlic, beans, nuts, and green leafy
vegetables. In addition, avoiding certain foods such as soda, alcohol, and any food that
contains phosphates, may provide extra help with the body’s structure. I also believe
sugar should be avoided because it can cause problems in digestion, glucose metabolism, as
well as absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract.
Calcium should be taken at night as the body more readily
accepts, absorbs and utilizes it at this time. Calcium and magnesium are our body’s
natural calming and sleep aids, so it makes sense to use these supplements prior to
bedtime. Some medications, including certain antibiotics and fibre products, will bind
with calcium and cause an absorption problem. Diuretics and tetracycline antibiotics both
show this interaction.
I suggest you have a bone density test prior to beginning a
supplement program. This can help in deciding on the proper type of calcium to use.
Don’t wait until you receive a poor bone density test to consider supplementing your
body. Calcium supplementation is one of the best examples of using nutrition toward good
preventive health.
Dr Tony Jimenez is one of the leading authorities in
alternative cancer therapies. His clinic, the Hope4Cancer Institute, uses more than 20
cutting-edge alternative therapies that treat the root of chronic degenerative conditions.
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