~ WOMEN & CALCIUM ~

Women And Calcium

by Brigitte Synesael


Many women increase their calcium intake, unaware that the body also
requires magnesium. The body keeps the two minerals in balance,
therefore increasing one without increasing the other really does
not have any real benefit as the body simply disposes of the excess.
Optimally one should consume 1,000 milligrams of each per day.


However, your intake should increase with age. After menopause the
recommended daily allowance is 1,500 milligrams. Remembering always
to have that balancing component. McMaster University researchers
have recently reported the importance of pregnant women increasing
their calcium intake to 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day. The results of
their study indicated that this could reduce the risk of pregnancy-
induced hypertension and pre- eclampsia; two of the highest levels
of concern in pregnancies, by 70% and 60% respectively.


"60-70 percent of American women are magnesium deficient." Says
Barbara from the Cornell Medical Center. "For women who take calcium
supplements and eat a calcium-rich diet, it's probably a good idea
to take magnesium and eat magnesium-rich foods, too." Some caution
should be taken to ensure that the calcium magnesium levels don't
get too high.


Elevated levels may lead to diarrhea. Whole grain breads, fortified
cereals, leafy vegetables, kale, broccoli, tofu, soybeans, low fat
cheese, milk and yogurt are good choices when trying to achieve a
proper balance. In addition to maintaining healthy teeth and bones,
calcium has a number of other functions. Blood coagulation,
transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation,
normal heart beat, stimulation of hormone secretion,and activation
of enzyme reactions all require certain amounts of calcium.


The bones in the human body incorporate calcium into their structure
and, like all tissues in the body, are continually being re absorbed
and reformed.