The Need to Know on Calcium
Calcium is an essential nutrient that our body uses to strengthen bones and teeth, to regulate muscle function - including the heart - and for transmissions of the nervous system. A calcium deficiency, or hypocalcemia, occurs when one doesn’t consume or absorb enough calcium, from foods or liquids. Healthy adults should consume about 1000 mg of calcium a day (although this varies depending on your age and health).
When you don’t consume enough calcium, your body begins to borrow from your bones. This can lead to complications in the future. Although mild calcium deficiency won’t cause any immediate symptoms, it’s still important to keep up with your calcium requirements. Severe symptoms of calcium deficiency are confusion, muscle spasms, depression, and bone fractures.
While these symptoms won’t occur overnight, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned. Symptoms typically don’t appear because your body maintains calcium levels by borrowing from your bones. Reduced calcium intake puts you at risk for various bone diseases, including osteoporosis. To keep your body healthy and functioning at its best, prioritize consuming essential nutrients like calcium.
Natural Sources of Calcium:
Milk
When most people think of calcium, they think of milk, yoghurt, and other dairy products. Although this is at the top of our list, milk products cause acid in the body and therefore should be consumed in moderation. With that being said, one cup of milk can provide over 300 mg of calcium (almost half of your daily requirement!).
Leafy Greens
Calcium doesn’t only come from milk: leafy greens are an amazing (and vegan!) source of calcium. The best veggies to get your daily dose of calcium are broccoli, bok choy, spinach, and collard greens.
Water
Mineralized water offers essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns against drinking water without minerals. Not only does Santevia water reduce contaminants and raise the pH, but it also adds calcium into the water, making it an excellent option for those looking to increase their calcium intake.
If you’re looking for a way to increase your calcium intake at home, the MINA SLIM is a great solution. The pitcher is made in Canada, reduces harmful contaminants such as chlorine, and raises the pH of your water. The best part? It’s small enough to fit in your fridge.
If you want a product that you can use on-the-go, the POWER STICK is your new best friend. This portable water bottle filter can be used up to 300 times! It reduces chlorine and adds calcium to your water. This is an awesome solution for busy moms, energetic kids, or anyone who wants filtration on-the-go.
Stay on top of your calcium requirements this year with Santevia. Check out Santevia’s full line of at home and on-the-go products here.