Natural/Home remedies for calcium deficiency

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. 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.

Nutrients for bone health

There are several causes for Premenstrual syndrome, and some studies show that one of the causes is calcium deficiency. However, more research is required in this area. I believe there must be some relation between the menstrual cycle and calcium because it is observed that providing calcium to menopausal women relieves symptoms to some extent. This is an area for research.

Calcium Deficiency Symptoms:

In calcium deficiency, the following symptoms occur: Joint pain, rickets in children, muscle cramps, back pain, brittle bones; fractures may also occur due to calcium deficiency.

Remedies for Calcium Deficiency

• Restrict the intake of tea and coffee as they promote the excretion of calcium.
• Avoid the intake of chocolates as they contain oxalates.
• Nachani pith (Ragi powder) is the richest source of calcium. It is a cereal.
• Consume 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) daily with water. Avoid smoking.
• Drink orange juice.
• Increase the intake of fish (mackerels), cod liver oil.
• The pharmacopeia product "Lakshadi-Guggulu" is advisable to treat calcium deficiency.
• Drink Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice daily or take 1 teaspoon of Amla powder twice daily with water as Amla is a rich source of iron and calcium. If Amla powder is not available, take the Amla Herbal supplement. The pharmacopoeial Ayurvedic Medicine, Chyawanprash, is also advisable as Amla is the main ingredient of Chyawanprash. It is available in Indian stores.
• Protein-rich herbs like oats, red clover may provide calcium.
• Eat yogurt, milk. Include leafy vegetables in your diet, curd, paneer as they are rich in calcium.
• Include soya flour, soya milk, tofu in your food items as they all are a source of calcium.
• Sunbathe in the morning hours is advisable.
• Eat broccoli, dried figs, and almonds.
• Avoid fat-rich food as it hinders the absorption of calcium in the body. Drink barley grass juice. If you are pregnant, then don't take it. Do not take it in celiac disease also.
• Pharmacopoeial Ayurvedic Products, Shankha (Conch) Bhasma, Mukta (pearl) pishti/Muktashakti pishti, Mukta bhasma (pearl), Prawal (coral) pishti/bhasma should be taken in proper doses to treat calcium deficiency.

(These Bhasmas/pishtis should be prepared as per the method given in ancient Ayurvedic Texts and should pass all the parameters given in Ayurvedic texts). If the aforementioned is not available, then take the herbal supplement containing all these bhasmas and pishtis.

• Spirulina with black pepper and Indian gooseberry is also advisable.
• The mixture of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Amla (Indian gooseberry), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) 3, 2, 1 parts respectively is advisable. Take the herbal supplement containing all these three herbs if the herbs are not directly available.

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

FAQs on Boosting Calcium Levels and Bone Health Naturally

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.

7. How can I strengthen bones and joints naturally?
Strengthen bones and joints by consuming calcium-rich foods (dairy, greens, nuts), vitamin D, and other nutrients like vitamin K, magnesium (bananas, spinach), and phosphorus (fish, eggs). Engage in weight-bearing exercises like walking, resistance training, or yoga, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.

Author: Dr. Veena