Deliciously Organic

Healthy recipes and information about nutrition and thyroid disease

  • Start Here
  • The Blog
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
    • The Grain-Free Family Table
    • Deliciously Organic
  • Supplements
  • The Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My Account
  • Members Only:
  • Weekly Meal Plan Subscription
  • Thyroid Support and Health Course
  • Adrenal Balance Program

January 3, 2017

How to Get Enough Calcium in Your Diet

122 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Our lives depend on calcium. Calcium is required for all nerve impulses, muscle contraction, bone and teeth support, reducing inflammation, white blood cell function and even blood coagulation.

We’re constantly bombarded with the suggestion to “get more calcium.” In truth, most of us get enough calcium – but we’re missing the cofactors that allow the body to absorb or use it.

We’re constantly bombarded with the suggestion to 'get more calcium.' So, how do you get enough calcium from your diet? I think the answer will surprise you!

For example, research has shown calcium alone cannot build strong bones. You also need other nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and K, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, amino acids, and enzymes for building bone.

Here are the 7 cofactors needed in order for the body to use calcium properly:

1. Systemic PH – If the blood is too acidic, the body will take calcium from the bones.

2. Hydration – Proper hydration ensures blood can transfer the calcium.

3. Other Minerals – We also need potassium, zinc, boron, copper, manganese for proper use of calcium.

4. Vitamins – For example, Vitamin D works with PTH (parathyroid hormone) to increase calcium in our blood stream. It increases absorption through our gastro-intestinal tract.

5. Fatty Acids – Fatty acids are necessary for transport of calcium across the cell membrane. They also help increase calcium in tissues.

6. Digestion – Calcium is only absorbed in an acidic environment and it requires the correct amount of hydrochloric acid (aka: stomach acid) for uptake. Calcium and iron need a 4-4.5 PH in the stomach for the minerals to be pulled out of the food and utilized properly by the body.

7. Hormones – different hormones are needed to regulate calcium in the body. For example, the parathyroid needs to send out the correct hormones in order to properly regulate calcium metabolism in the body.

As you can see, it’s a more complicated process than simply popping a calcium supplement!

And, if you choose to take a calcium supplement, it’s important to realize there are different kinds on the market. The three most common are calcium citrate, calcium lactate and calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is the most common, but it’s not easily digested and as a result is poorly assimilated by the body. This is why it’s important to talk to your health practitioner so they can help you find the best supplement for your body. Two of my favorite brands are Standard Process and Biotics.

I know all of this info can be a bit overwhelming, so here are 4 steps you can take to help your body utilize the calcium in your diet:

  1. Reduce your sugar, alcohol and caffeine consumption; these three foods reduce calcium in the system.
  2. Take steps to reduce your stress so your digestive system can produce the proper amount of stomach acid to utilize the calcium in your diet.
  3. Don’t exercise too much to ensure you don’t deplete your calcium stores.
  4. Make sure you’re getting the correct form of calcium your diet. Foods “enriched” with calcium are usually using a synthetic form the body can’t use. Bioavailable calcium from raw dairy, properly prepared nuts and seeds, oily fish, and greens is a great way to get calcium in the diet.

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Filed Under: Thyroid Disease, Thyroid Disease, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Did you enjoy this post?

Sign up for FREE updates!

Receive my "Top 50 Tips to Help Heal Your Thyroid" when you subscribe!

You may also enjoy these posts

8 Ways to Prevent Migraines and Headaches NaturallyHealthy Food for Camping or HikingThe Benefits of Red Light Therapy for the ThyroidEssential Oils for TravelNatural Remedies for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

2 Comments

  1. Lea

    January 4, 2017 at 11:55 am

    Awesome info. I have found taking Nettle as a supplement or tea to be especially effective also!
    to Lea" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Lea'>Reply to this comment
  2. Carol L

    June 20, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    I noted that you don't mention that your body requires magnesium in certain amounts in order to process calcium properly. Why?
    to Carol L" aria-label='Reply to this comment to Carol L'>Reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Carrie Vitt, FNTP
Welcome to Deliciously Organic

Through unprocessed, organic food and detox I’ve reversed Hashimoto’s disease, chronic migraines, IBS and eczema.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms

Subscribe Now & Receive My

Top 50 Tips and Resources to
Support Your Thyroid

Download the List

How I Reversed Hashimoto’s Disease with Diet, Detox and Lifestyle

Grain-Free Family Table Widget

Favorites

Best Diet for Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, Hyperthyroidism, or Graves (Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid)

The Perfect Fudgy Brownie (Grain-Free, Paleo, Gluten Free)

Anemia and Hypothyroidism: How Anemia Can Cause Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism: the Symptoms, Cause, and First Steps to Take

10 Holistic Tips to Cure Insomnia Naturally

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

All content copyright © 2023 Deliciously Organic  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs