How Much Calcium Does a Woman Need?

Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong bones. Particularly women need to be aware of how much calcium they are consuming. How much calcium should a woman consume and how does her need change over time?

Calcium deficiency is most common in women aged 45-50 years.

This article will discuss calcium requirements for women over the course of their life and how a deficiency can cause osteoporosis (a serious bone disease).

Calcium is vital for bone health

Calcium is an important component of bone and gives strength to our skeletons. Calcium is also important for maintaining calcium levels throughout the body. Insufficient calcium can cause bone loss and make them fragile and brittle, which is called osteoporosis.

One in three women will be affected by osteoporosis. Because of weak bones, people with osteoporosis are more likely to break bones. This can lead to serious complications such as swelling, pain and loss mobility. It is imperative that women, who are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, get enough calcium throughout their lives.

What amount of calcium does a woman need?

Depending on which scientific society you are recommending, women could need 700-1000 mg daily. Experts recommend 1,200 mg for women aged 51-70.

However, more is not always better. The scientific community is still debating the potential dangers of too much calcium. A number of epidemiological studies have raised concerns over possible cardiovascular risk, dementia, and even fracture due to excessive calcium intake. These risks are mainly for those who have taken calcium supplements for a prolonged period of time, according to researchers.

To fully understand the risks associated with high calcium intake, more research is required. To be safe, limit your intake to 2,000 mg daily and consume calcium as much as you can through food.

Calcium Needs During Pregnancy

The mother’s calcium supply is crucial for the baby’s development of a skeleton. If the mother does not consume enough calcium, her bones could become weaker.

Experts recommend that pregnant women consume between 1,000 and 1,300 mg of calcium per day. A balanced diet rich in calcium can help achieve this.

Calcium Needs During Menopause

Women’s estrogen levels drop significantly during menopause. Because estrogen is essential for bone strength, a decrease in estrogen can cause bone loss. Post-menopausal woman should consume more calcium to offset the loss of bone health.

There is still some disagreement within the scientific community about how much calcium is needed during and after menopause. While some societies recommend 700mg daily, others recommend 1,000mg per day. You should always consult your healthcare provider.

Get Enough Calcium

Supplements containing calcium salts or food can provide calcium. However, most people are able to obtain sufficient calcium from healthy eating.

Some countries have lower intakes of dairy products than others. This is worrying since the USA data showed that only one-third (or less) of all women aged nine to seventy had enough calcium. Supplements are not a long-term solution as they can be difficult to tolerate. Supplements that exceed the daily recommended intake of 2,000mg per day are also being overprescribed is a problem. A study showed that 29% of supplements had been over-prescribed.

Calcium from a Balanced diet

Our bodies can’t make minerals so we must get them from either plants that have mineral-rich soil or the organ meats of animals who eat such plants. Although there is some controversy about the mineral content of our soil, it is clear that Americans aren’t getting enough vegetables and grains to meet their basic nutritional needs.

Elizabeth Somer, nutrition expert and author of many books, including Nutrition For Women: The Complete Guide. “If we ate the 8-10 daily servings of blueberries, broccoli, and other deep-colored nutritious foods, we would be fine. But 99 percent of us don’t meet the minimum standards.

Calcium-rich foods include:

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt
Leafy greens like spinach, kale and mustard greens as well as turnips and bok choy.
Winter squash
Edamame (young soybeans)
Canned fish such as salmon and sardines
Almonds
Orange juice with calcium-fortified ingredients

You will have a better chance of success if you eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of these foods. This will also reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis and help you to maintain strong bones throughout your life.

Byline Carrie Solomon, a freelance writer and copywriter who is passionate about wellness, is a health writer. Her mission is to inspire, educate, and engage wellness-focused businesses to make the world a better, happier place. CopybyCarrie.com and LinkedIn provide more information.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5335887/#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20statistics%20from,sign%20of%20another%20impending%20one.

https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/osteoporosis/osteoporosis?query=osteoporosis

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-calcium-do-you-really-need

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316542/#:~:text=Calcium%20is%20the%20major%20component,and%20extra%2Dcellular%20calcium%20pool.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/649984#:~:text=The%20European%20Menopause%20and%20Andropause,depending%20on%20the%20endorsing%20society.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556928/#:~:text=Physical%20impact%20of%20long%20bone%20fractures,-Pain%20is%20one&text=The%20possible%20implications%20of%20not,embolism%20syndrome%20and%20prolonged%20immobility.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030811/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257663/

https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/pregnancy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143130/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5643776/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257663/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27670741/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-012-1471-5

Calcium

The post How much calcium does a woman need? Alternative Medicine Magazine published the article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative methods are used by people with cancer.

Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Some patients may feel nausea, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, or other symptoms.

In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. It is important that cancer patients look for alternative therapies, such a complementary medicine. A majority of cancer patients will use alternative medications at least once during treatment according to research.

Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.

The following are other reasons:

Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.

Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.

Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.

Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.

What is another name of alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is a term that covers any treatment approach that is not conventional. While there are many alternative medical approaches, the majority are based on a belief that health care should be rooted primarily in natural substances and practices.

Alternative medicine includes acupuncture. Homeopathy, herbalism. naturopathy. osteopathic manipul. Traditional Chinese medicine. Reflexology. Shamanic healing. Prayer. Energy healing. Aromatherapy. Meditation. Chiropractic. Massage therapy. Reiki.

Many alternative practitioners claim that their therapies result in better health outcomes, including improved quality of life, fewer side effects, reduced costs, and greater patient satisfaction. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.

What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.

Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It treats the whole person, including mind and soul. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.

It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.

There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.

Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
Naturopathic physicians must be licensed by their provinces. CAM practitioners need to be self-regulated.
Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
Naturopaths strongly emphasize lifestyle factors, which include nutrition, sleep, stress management, exercise, and mental well-being.
Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
Naturopodists are skilled in providing personalized care that meets the needs of each patient.
Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
Provincial regulatory bodies grant licenses to naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians may be registered with Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
Homeopaths are licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Holistic refers to the belief in all aspects of one’s life, including spiritual, physical, and emotional. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.

Who uses alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is available for many reasons.

They seek to avoid dangerous drugs and surgeries.
They believe natural remedies work best.
They prefer non-invasive treatment.
They want to spend less.
They feel more at ease using natural products
They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
They want to take responsibility for their health.
They desire a better environment.
They desire less stress in their life.
They want greater freedom to choose their doctors and healthcare plans.
They want their children receive a better education.
They want to eat healthy food for their family and themselves.
They want safe, effective medications.

What is the difference between alternative medicine and complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines are therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. These include supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids as well probiotics and other natural substances.

Both types of medicine are used frequently, but many conventional doctors won’t recommend them due insufficient evidence or safety concerns.

There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.

Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. These therapies have had some clinical success over the past 20-years.

As an example, several studies indicate that acupuncture may relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some CAM treatments may also have therapeutic potential for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and asthma, heart disease, heart disease, hypertension or Alzheimer’s disease.

Although we have limited information about the effectiveness CAM, most experts agree that it can be helpful in the treatment of various diseases.

People are increasingly turning to CAM practitioners to find relief from common ailments.

Despite the popularity of alternative and complementary medicine, many people are still unsure what they mean.

Statistics

category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What are the different types of alternative and complementary medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. These practices differ in how much scientific evidence they have, whether they involve drugs, surgery, or which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Others may do neither.

Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathic remedies and essential oils. Manual, movement, traction and electrotherapies are all forms of manipulative therapy. They include cupping, stretching and myofascial release. Trigger point therapy, orthotics, neurostimulation, trigger point therapy, manuals, trigger points, trigger point therapy, orthopedics. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments can be used to treat symptoms and not the cause. Some chronic diseases might be relieved by CAM. If used appropriately, CAM can complement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons that people use CAM.

To improve their overall well being.
To manage a special condition.
To decrease pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Because it gives them more control than traditional medicine, some people choose CAM. Some people believe that CAM has less side effects. Others opt for CAM to avoid prescription medication. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. Others seek out CAM after having bad experiences with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM feel that they need to be certain about their work before trying new things. Many CAM users want to know more about the safety of CAM. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM is often viewed negatively by society, most users report positive feelings toward CAM. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless if you are of any gender, race or ethnicity.

A large majority of Americans practice some form or another of complementary and alternative medicines. Nearly 95% of Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.

According to the NCCIH, 10 percent of Americans use chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists.3 This compares with only 2 percent who use medical doctors.

The American Medical Association reiterated its support for integrative medical care in 2013. It acknowledged that integrative medicine should be integrated into the clinical practice of physicians to best meet the needs and expectations of patients.

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark study in 2007 titled “Releasing Constraints – Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare” which concluded that “there is no credible evidence of any specific CAM intervention being effective in preventing, treating, and curing cancer.”

Despite this conclusion, CAM continues to grow in popularity. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent study found that almost half of the respondents reported using CAM as part of their primary healthcare regimen.

CAM therapies encompass natural products, mind-body techniques, manipulative strategies, energy healing modalities and exercise.

Many CAM therapies can be used for pain relief, but many have other benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and increased immunity.

For example, acupuncture can help relieve chronic back pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve immune function, promote weight loss and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments are based on traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and their roots go back thousands of years.

For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated 5,000 years ago and has been practiced in China since ancient times.

TCM is an important component of modern health care.

TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.

Yoga is another popular CAM treatment. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.

Yoga is gaining popularity because of its many benefits, including spiritual, mental and physical.

Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Even though there are limited scientific studies, yoga appears to have positive effects upon sleep33. This may make it useful for people suffering from insomnia.

Other CAM treatments, like meditation, homeopathy and aromatherapy are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medical practice.

One of the most common types of CAM used today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines may include herbs and spices, flowers, seeds or fruits, bark, leaves or roots, as well stems.

They are often considered safer alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and are widely used by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

However, only 8 percent of those individuals had discussed this with their doctors.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

–

——————————————————————————————————————————————

This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.

If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.