We know that children and infants need large amounts of calcium to build strong bones and teeth as they grow. A woman's need for calcium is constant, but unfortunately, most women don't get enough of this element daily.
Facts about the importance of calcium for women
So, an important question arises: Why do women need calcium?
Calcium is important for women for several reasons:
Calcium is crucial for preventing osteoporosis later in life. When calcium is deficient, either due to insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption, the parathyroid gland increases its secretion to maintain the required blood calcium level. This results in calcium being drawn from the bones, which is why older adults need even more calcium.
- Calcium also reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Another benefit: If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), these symptoms can be reduced by almost half if you consume 1200 mg of calcium daily.
Also, protection against muscle cramps:
When blood calcium levels are low, it can cause irregular muscle movements, sometimes leading to cramps in pregnant women.
The second question: How can you ensure you're getting enough calcium?
The best way to ensure consistent daily calcium intake is to maintain a diet rich in calcium-rich foods. All dairy products provide calcium, including milk (nonfat, low-fat, skimmed, or fat-free), yogurt, cheese, tofu, and ice cream.
Facts about the importance of calcium for women:
Did you know that 4 or 5 cups of milk or yogurt daily provide you with enough calcium for an adult?
Other calcium-rich foods include seafood such as salmon and sardines (an excellent source with 370 mg of calcium per 3 ounces), shrimp, as well as a number of plant-based sources, such as broccoli and leafy green vegetables.
If you don't get enough calcium from your diet, taking calcium supplements is recommended to make up the difference. This is a good way to ensure you get enough. Some people also need these supplements due to certain intestinal problems or chronic steroid medications, as these can lead to calcium loss.
There are some points to consider before taking calcium supplements.
Sometimes, other health conditions can affect the use of calcium supplements because they may worsen the condition or its side effects.
These conditions include: - Diarrhea
- Heart disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) or hypercalciuria (too much calcium in the urine)
- Parathyroid gland disorders
- Kidney disease or kidney stones
In addition, calcium supplements can interact negatively with some medications.
