About this topic
Calcium is a mineral that is in almost all parts of your body. It is one of the most important as well. It makes your teeth and bones strong and healthy. It also helps your body: ‚
- Make blood clots
- Keep your heartbeat normal
- Release hormones
- Send and get signals between your nerves and brain
- Make muscles work well
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What will the results be?
It is important to have a good amount of calcium in your food. Calcium helps your body work well. It is even more important as you get older. Calcium may also keep you from losing bone mass. This is osteopenia. It may help keep you from having weak bones. This is osteoporosis. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order calcium and vitamin D supplements. You need vitamin D to help your body take in the calcium. Your calcium supplement may have vitamin D in it. ‚
Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- If it is OK to take your calcium with food.
- If you should take your calcium throughout the day.
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you. Some drugs may cause problems with how your body takes in calcium.
Will physical activity be limited?
No, physical activities will not be limited. It is good for you to do light exercises and to stay active. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
You will need to watch how much calcium is in the foods you eat. Your doctor will talk to you about the right amount of calcium for you. ‚
When is this diet used?
This diet is used when your normal diet is low in calcium. It is needed to raise the amount of calcium in your diet. Our bodies do not take in calcium well as we get older. ‚
Who should not use this diet?
People with too much calcium in their blood should not use this diet. This is called hypercalcemia. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
- Milk, yogurt, and cheese products are the main sources of calcium in our diets.
- These foods have smaller amounts of calcium. If they are eaten often and in large amounts they can be good sources of calcium:
- Oysters; dried fruit; green leafy veggies like broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, bok choy
- Salmon and sardines. Be sure to eat the soft bones.
- Nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tahini, dried beans
- Food products with calcium added to them like orange juice, tofu, cereal, bread
What foods should be limited or avoided?
People who eat many kinds of foods do not have to be worried about limiting or avoiding certain foods. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Some people may get kidney stones. This may happen after taking high amounts of calcium over a long time. Calcium from food does not seem to cause kidney stones.
- Hard stools
When do I need to call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you have concerns about your diet. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the foods in your diet. ‚
Helpful tips
- If you have problems digesting milk, try lactose-free milk. You may also use a product to help you take in lactose.
- Talk with your doctor if you are a vegetarian and do not eat dairy products. Your doctor can help you make sure you get the amount of calcium your body needs.
Where can I learn more?
Office of Dietary Supplements ‚
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium-QuickFacts ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚