Calcium supplements only work properly if they are in balance with ANOTHER mineral – magnesium.
If you want to help your body absorb calcium, then magnesium is essential. Basically, magnesium is needed for calcium absorption. Without enough magnesium, calcium can collect in the soft tissues and cause one type of arthritis. But taking more calcium is not the answer; it only amplifies the problem. In fact, excessive calcium intake and insufficient magnesium can contribute to arthritis. Magnesium taken in proper dosages can solve the problem of calcium deficiency.
The trouble is, modern food production has stripped away a lot of the magnesium from our diet. Fertilisers are the chief culprit. They are full of potassium. The companies that make fertilisers use it because it helps plants to grow. But, it stops plants from absorbing magnesium. And that means we’re eating less magnesium on a daily basis. The other problem, is that we don’t eat as many nuts, wholegrains and seeds as we used to – these are key sources of magnesium.
Not only is magnesium sorely lacking in our diet, it’s missing from many calcium supplements too, rendering them useless.
So here’s what you need to do…
- Always check if your calcium supplement has magnesium in it
- Increase your intake of nuts, wholegrain and seeds – avoid white bread, salted nuts and anything too processed.
Eat more salmon, sardines and other oily fish. - Eat well-grown vegetables from healthy soils… this means organic, or well-famed non-organic soil. I appreciate that this may be a more expensive option, but see what you can do. Your health is worth it.
- Get out of the supermarket whenever possible – shop at the farmer’s market or local markets instead. These simple strategies should get more magnesium and calcium into your body. This will help protect your bones as you get older.
Why the over 35s can’t get enough calcium
It’s estimated that you absorb 60% of your dietary calcium during your childhood and early adulthood. Think of it like a retirement savings account. Your body stores it up when you’re young to protect you in the future.
So imagine the effect of millions of youngsters NOT getting enough calcium early on in life. This is yet another ticking health time-bomb. A lack of calcium can lead to bone diseases like osteoporosis and chronic problems like muscle cramps. It also makes it harder and slower for you to recover from illness, injuries and operations.
What does this mean for you and me?
Well, it means we have an uphill struggle to get our vital calcium from food. Our ageing bodies need as much help as possible to absorb it. One obvious option is to increase your intake of calcium-rich foods. These include milk, cheese, sardines, yoghurt, spinach, salmon, broccoli.
The second option is to take a calcium supplement… perhaps you do already.
Then make sure your supplement is also balanced with magnesium.