Health
Boost Your Health with Calcium: Doctors Share 8 Essential Benefits for Seniors
Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in maintaining various physiological functions in the body. As we age, ensuring adequate calcium intake becomes increasingly crucial, particularly for senior adults. While many people might overlook the importance of calcium beyond childhood, doctors emphasize that this mineral is vital for numerous aspects of health. Here are the top eight reasons why you should prioritize calcium in your diet.
Supports Strong Bones
Calcium is well-known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones. As Dr. Daniel Atkinson points out, “As adults, we might tend to drink milk less often or think it’s less important to keep our calcium levels topped up.” This oversight can lead to weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. Ensuring you get enough calcium helps maintain bone density and strength, especially as you age.
Enhances Muscle Function
Calcium is crucial for muscle function, enabling muscles to contract and relax smoothly. According to Lyons, “Calcium is involved every time you move a muscle—whether you are walking, stretching, or even breathing.” Without sufficient calcium, you might experience cramps, muscle spasms, or general weakness.
Promotes Dental Health in Children
For infants and children, calcium is essential for developing strong teeth. Sandip Sachar, DDS, explains that a deficiency during the development of teeth can lead to “delayed eruption of both baby and permanent teeth, weaker enamel which can lead to increased propensity for cavities, increased risk of gum disease, and a high risk for future teeth loss as adults.”
Maintains Adult Dental Health
Calcium is not only vital for children’s dental development but also for maintaining adult dental health. As Sachar notes, “Calcium promotes remineralization, and prevents jawbone deterioration from bacteria, wear and tear and the effects of aging.” This is particularly important for postmenopausal women, as calcium reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Strengthens Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel, the hardest substance in the body, relies heavily on calcium. Sachar shares, “Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, even harder than our bones, and is 96 percent made of a combination of calcium and phosphate, called hydroxyapatite.” Adequate calcium intake helps remineralize enamel, preventing sensitivity and pain from erosion.
Facilitates Nerve Function
Calcium plays a critical role in nerve function by allowing neurons to communicate effectively. Lyons explains, “It helps transmit messages between your brain and body so you can react, move, and feel appropriately.” A deficiency can disrupt these signals, leading to tingling or numbness.
Assists in Blood Clotting
Calcium is vital for the blood clotting process. This mineral helps in the formation of blood clots, which are necessary to stop bleeding when injuries occur. Without enough calcium, the body’s ability to form clots is impaired, which can lead to excessive bleeding.
Supports Heart Health
Calcium is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. It helps regulate heart rhythms and ensures proper contraction of the heart muscles. Adequate calcium levels can help prevent heart-related issues and maintain cardiovascular health.
Ensuring sufficient calcium intake is vital for overall health and well-being, particularly as we age. From strengthening bones and teeth to supporting muscle and nerve functions, calcium is integral to numerous bodily processes. For those who may struggle to get enough calcium through diet alone, supplements can be a beneficial option, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right approach for your individual needs.
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