Remember those days when your mother would insist on you having milk daily? She would say that calcium is important for overall health and well-being. Back then, you may not have taken calcium deficiency seriously. But it’s high time you did.
If you do not, we’d like to convince you. Keep reading the blog to know and understand the problems you can have if you are calcium deficient.
When it comes to human health, calcium plays a pivotal role, but its importance often gets overshadowed by more high-profile nutrients. While it is commonly associated with bone health, the implications of a deficiency extend far beyond brittle bones. Calcium is an indispensable mineral that contributes to various physiological functions, influencing not only our skeletal system but also our cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems.
Unfortunately, a significant number of individuals neglect their calcium intake, unaware of the potential cascade of health issues that can arise from a lack of this essential nutrient. Calcium is not merely a building block for bones but a linchpin holding together the overall health of the human body. From neurological signals to muscle contractions and blood clotting, calcium plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the delicate balance required for optimal functioning.
Let’s delve deeper.
Osteoporosis and bone health:
The most widely known consequence of calcium deficiency is the increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened bones prone to fractures. As calcium is a primary component of bone tissue, its scarcity compromises bone density and strength, making individuals more susceptible to fractures, particularly in weight-bearing bones such as the spine, hips, and wrists.
Muscle weakness and cramps:
Beyond the skeletal framework, calcium is instrumental in muscle function. Inadequate calcium levels can lead to muscle weakness and persistent cramping. This is due to the vital role calcium plays in the process of muscle contraction. Insufficient calcium disrupts the delicate interplay between muscle fibres and their ability to contract and relax efficiently, resulting in discomfort and compromised physical performance.
Cardiovascular complications:
Cardiovascular health and calcium? Are they even related? Yes, they are. The cardiovascular system is not immune to the repercussions of a calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels and regulating the contraction of the heart muscles. Insufficient calcium levels can contribute to high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and even irregular heartbeats. The consequences extend to arterial stiffness and compromised blood flow, setting the stage for potentially severe cardiac issues.
Neurological impairments:
Calcium is a key player in neurotransmitter release and the transmission of signals between nerve cells. A deficiency in this mineral can lead to disruptions in these intricate processes, potentially manifesting as neurological symptoms. These may include cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and even an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Dental problems:
Calcium deficiency also affects oral health, with repercussions extending to teeth and gums. Inadequate calcium can contribute to tooth decay, brittle teeth, and an increased susceptibility to gum diseases. This underscores the importance of calcium not only in the structural integrity of bones but also in maintaining the health of the entire skeletal system, including teeth.
Closing thoughts
So, after reading this blog, we hope you’ll take calcium deficiency seriously. Its deficiency can cast a wide net of health issues, from the well-known bone-related conditions to the subtler, yet equally significant, implications on muscle function, cardiovascular health, and neurological well-being.
Aim to include calcium-rich food in your diet. These include dairy products such as paneer (cottage cheese), yoghurt, and milk. Additionally, leafy greens such as spinach, fenugreek, and kale are prominent in Indian dishes, providing a plant-based calcium boost. Also, incorporating sesame seeds and chia seeds into meals or snacks can also add a nutritional punch, as these tiny seeds are rich reservoirs of calcium.
So, take charge of your health by upping your calcium intake. It’s never too late to start today.
