How to Cure Calcium Deficiency Naturally with Best Home Remedies?

Natural remedies for calcium deficiency mainly focus on improving dietary habits to boost calcium levels. This involves regularly consuming calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and certain types of fish like sardines or salmon with bones.

Calcium-fortified foods, such as plant-based milks and cereals, can also help increase intake. Equally important is ensuring sufficient vitamin D, either through sunlight exposure or vitamin D-rich foods, as it plays a key role in calcium absorption.

Vitamin D deficiency, which affects calcium absorption, impacts nearly 1 billion people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. A balanced diet combined with a healthy lifestyle can effectively address and prevent calcium deficiency naturally. 

What is Calcium?

A silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals. 

Calcium in the body strengthens the bones and teeth, and it is also useful for the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles. It also helps to lower cholesterol and prevent Osteoporosis. Calcium deficiency contributes to approximately 1 million deaths annually from bone fractures and osteoporosis complications.

Nutrients for bone health

Calcium Deficiency Symptoms:

In calcium deficiency, the following symptoms occur: 

• Muscle cramps and spasms

• Joint and back pain

• Brittle bones are prone to fractures

• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

• Fatigue and weakness

• Dry skin and brittle nails

If you notice these symptoms, increasing calcium intake through diet or calcium supplements could help.

Causes of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency arises due to several factors, including:

• Low dietary calcium intake, especially in vegans or those with lactose intolerance.

• Vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium absorption.

• Medical conditions like kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, or gastrointestinal disorders.

• Use of certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids).

• Lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and lack of exercise.

• Age-related decline, especially in postmenopausal women.

Understanding these causes is essential to effectively prevent and manage calcium deficiency through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Remedies for Calcium Deficiency

To naturally address calcium deficiency, consider the following dietary and lifestyle recommendations:

Limit Calcium-Depleting Substances

• Restrict intake of tea and coffee as they promote calcium excretion from the body.

• Avoid chocolates due to oxalate content, which hinders calcium absorption.

Calcium-Rich Foods to Include

• Incorporate Nachani pith (Ragi powder), a calcium-rich cereal.

• Consume 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) daily with water.

• Eat yogurt, milk, curd, and paneer as good dairy sources of calcium. Milk contains approximately 300 mg of calcium per 1 cup (240-250 ml) serving, providing about 25-30% of the recommended daily intake for adults.

• Include leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale, and other calcium-rich greens.

• Add soya products such as soya flour, soya milk, and tofu to your diet.

• Eat calcium-rich nuts and dried fruits like almonds and figs.

• Increase fish intake, particularly mackerel, and consider cod liver oil.

Herbal and Ayurvedic Remedies

• Drink Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice daily or take 1 teaspoon of Amla powder twice daily; Amla is a rich source of calcium and iron. The pharmacopoeial Ayurvedic Medicine, Chyawanprash, is also advisable as Amla is the main ingredient of Chyawanprash. It is available in Indian stores.

• Use Ayurvedic tonics like Chyawanprash, which contains Amla as a main ingredient.

• Protein-rich herbs like oats and red clover can also help boost calcium.

• Consider herbal supplements combining Shatavari, Amla, and Guduchi in ratio 3:2:1.

• Use traditional Ayurvedic mineral formulations like Shankha Bhasma, Mukta Pishti, Muktashakti Pishti, and Prawal Pishti under medical guidance.

• Spirulina combined with black pepper and Indian gooseberry is advised for calcium support.

• A blend of Shatavari, Amla, and Guduchi in a 3:2:1 ratio supports bone health. Herbal supplements with these ingredients offer an effective natural remedy.

If the aforementioned is not available, then take the herbal supplement containing all these bhasmas and pishtis.

Lifestyle Tips for Calcium Absorption

• Sunbathe in the morning to boost vitamin D production, essential for calcium absorption.

• Avoid smoking.

• Reduce intake of fatty foods, which hinder calcium absorption.

• Barley grass juice can be helpful, but avoid it during pregnancy or if you have celiac disease.

Important Precautions

• Ayurvedic Bhasmas and Pishtis should be prepared as per classical methods and used after consultation.

• Consult a healthcare professional before beginning herbal supplements or remedies.

Take all the aforementioned food sources/remedies with the consultation of a Doctor.

Conclusion

Calcium deficiency significantly affects bone strength and muscle function, leading to issues like osteoporosis, fractures, and muscle cramps. Preventing and treating this condition requires a balanced intake of calcium-rich foods, sufficient vitamin D, and lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine and smoking.

Ayurvedic remedies and supplements can also aid calcium absorption and bone health. Early intervention and holistic management ensure improved calcium levels, reducing risks of bone-related complications and enhancing overall wellness.

FAQs 

1. How can I cure calcium deficiency naturally?
To address calcium deficiency naturally, incorporate calcium-rich foods like dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), leafy greens (kale, spinach), almonds, and fortified foods (orange juice, plant-based milk). Pair these with vitamin D sources like sunlight exposure or foods such as eggs and fatty fish to enhance absorption. Regular exercise, like walking or yoga, also supports bone health.

2. How can I raise my calcium levels quickly?
For a quick boost, consume calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, or fortified milk multiple times daily. A glass of fortified orange juice or a handful of almonds can help. Consider a doctor-approved calcium supplement for faster results, but avoid overconsumption to prevent side effects.

3. What drink is full of calcium?
Fortified plant-based milks (soy, almond, oat) and cow’s milk are excellent calcium-rich drinks. Fortified orange juice is another great option, providing both calcium and vitamin D to support absorption.

4. Which fruit is full of calcium?
Oranges, figs, and dried apricots are among the fruits highest in calcium. Figs, in particular, offer a significant amount, with about 120 mg of calcium per 100 grams of dried figs.

5. How can I increase calcium in my body fast?
To rapidly increase calcium, focus on high-calcium foods like dairy, fortified cereals, or sardines. Pair with vitamin D-rich foods or supplements to maximize absorption. Consult a doctor for short-term calcium supplements if needed.

6. How to increase calcium in the body naturally?
Incorporate foods like broccoli, kale, tofu, and sesame seeds into your diet. Ensure adequate vitamin D through sunlight or foods like salmon. Avoid excessive caffeine or sodium, which can deplete calcium. Regular weight-bearing exercises like jogging also help.