Calcium is an essential mineral required by the body for building strong bones and teeth. Almost 99 percent of bones and teeth consist of calcium. Very few people are aware that calcium is also essential for various other organs and activities in the body.
Besides its important role in development of healthy bones and teeth, the role of calcium has been found beneficial in treating conditions such as insomnia, muscle cramps, arthritis and so on. Let us know how calcium aids in such conditions.
How Does Calcium Help In Insomnia?
Insomnia or sleeplessness is a common ailment after common cold, headache, and stomach disorders.
Several research studies have shown certain minerals help to induce sleep. Calcium is one such mineral that is found beneficial for patients suffering from insomnia. We all know that tryptophan is a protein which helps to manufacture melatonin.
For this reason, drinking milk is useful for people suffering from insomnia. Milk is a rich source of calcium and tryptophan. Regular intake of a glass of warm milk at night before retiring to bed is beneficial for insomniacs. Patient can also take calcium supplements when recommended by his physician.
Benefits Of Calcium In Menopause
During peri menopause and menopause phase the two female hormones namely estrogen and progesterone decline. Estrogen helps to maintain bone density in a woman. However, after menopause the ovaries reduce production of estrogen and thus there is loss of bone density. As a result the bones become weak and porous; there is loss of calcium from the bones. Therefore maintaining adequate level of calcium in the body prevents excess loss of bone mass after menopause.
Calcium along with other mineral magnesium is sometimes recommended to relieve both menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndromes such as irritability, nervousness, mental depression etc. Normally daily requirement of calcium is met in people who eat dairy products and food containing calcium. However, sometimes in menopause physicians recommend supplemental calcium to replace the loss.
Coral Calcium Benefits For Arthritis
Studies have shown there is substantial relief of pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is age related joint disorder which occurs due to continuous wear and tear. It is characterized by pain in joints and restricted joint mobility. Both the symptoms may affect regular lifestyle. Intake of coral calcium is known to reduce the agony of osteoarthritic joint pain.
Coral calcium contains calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate has the ability to change acidic pH to alkaline. Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis thrive in acidic pH. Alkaline pH restricts progression of this disease. Though the exact cause is not known how coral calcium acts, it has been assumed to be due its alkaline pH ability that helps to reduce joint pain.