{"title":"The Calcium Challenge","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBY DR. JAMES BRODSKY\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI regularly get questions from patients about calcium.\u003c\/strong\u003e Do I need more? How much do I take? Can I take it just once a day? Should it have magnesium? Will it fix my osteoporosis? Lots of questions…\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Well, I start by reminding patients that calcium isn’t just for bones. It’s required for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction\/ expansion, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system. About 99% of your total body calcium is stored in bones and the remaining 1% is found throughout the body in muscle, cellular fluids, and blood. It’s about 2% of your total body weight. If you don’t have a calcium rich diet, your body will continue to extract calcium stored in your bones to meet your active daily needs.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Besides providing structure, the bones are a bank for minerals. One reason osteoporosis occurs is that minerals are being withdrawn from this bank, and paid out to fill the cellular needs of the rest of your body. When calcium (and other minerals) are removed from bones, they become more porous. If you don’t replace them, your body can’t replenish the reserves in that bank leaving tiny gaps (osteo- for bones, -porosis meaning full of holes).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Consuming insufficient calcium, poor calcium absorption, and increased calcium usage (through more physical activity, or less rest) all contribute to lower total calcium and minerals stored in your bones.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e So, what do you do? If you’re not already eating a calcium-rich diet (which includes yogurt, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, soy foods, orange juice, etc.) then that’s a place to start. Even with a calcium- rich diet, I tell patients they might not be absorbing enough Calcium. Then I recommend a calcium supplement to make up the difference. Very important point here…not all calcium supplements are created equal!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The absorption of calcium is affected by many factors. First is the form of calcium. Calcium carbonate (e.g. antacids or oyster shell) is poorly absorbed. Calcium citrate (e.g. Citracal®) is better, but Calcium Hydroxyapatite, known as MCHC (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate) is best. It contains calcium and phosphorus in the identical ratio formed in your own body (2:1 ratio) plus other trace minerals. I recommend you take this type of calcium because it saves your body the step of trying to separate and convert elemental calcium into usable calcium for your bones.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e So what other minerals get stored in your bones besides calcium? They include: magnesium, phosphorus, strontium, zinc, boron, manganese, copper, and silica. There are also some important vitamins that go into rebuilding bone which include Vitamins C, D, and K. Cartilage is also involved in bone-building, and can be supported with supplemental chondroitin.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e So, why is there no one-a-day calcium? Well the main reason is that when the bottle says 1000mg calcium, they’re not talking about the calcium weight by itself. Your body is estimated to need 1000 to 2000mg a day of elemental calcium. What the bottle is not telling you is the weight of the part of the molecule that the calcium is attached to: carbonate, malate, hydroxyapatite, or citrate. Sometimes the calcium portion of that molecule is as little as 30% of the total weight. To get 1000mg of elemental calcium, you may need 1.3 to 3.3 times the 1000mg dosage on the label. Multiply that by the low absorption rates I mentioned above and you see why it takes some effort to get enough calcium. Note that taking calcium with meals significantly improves absorption versus on an empty stomach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"75%\"\u003eSo, do I have a specific calcium brand that I recommend? Reading all those labels can be so tiresome. I recommend a good overall calcium supplement called \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/bone-guardian-caps\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBone Guardian\u003c\/a\u003e by a manufacturer named Pathway. (You can find this product online at myvillanegreen.com or locally at Village Green Apothecary in Bethesda, MD). For those people with allergies or food sensitivities, I also recommend Bone Guardian because it does not contain any wheat, rye, oats, barley, gluten, sugar, wax, soy, egg, yeast, preservatives, phosphates, casein, or any other milk derivatives. It also comes in capsules form for people with absorption problems or impaired digestion.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/bone-guardian-caps\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/files\/shop-bone-guardian_480x480.jpg?v=1701120272\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTop 11 minerals and vitamins for bone building and what they do:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/algae-based-calcium-1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCalcium\u003c\/a\u003e provides bones strength and rigidity. The MCHC form already contains the necessary ratio of calcium to phosphorus (2:1) for optimized use in bone building.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/magnesium-glycinate-400mg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMagnesium\u003c\/a\u003e contributes to the strength and firmness of bone. It will stimulate thyroid production of calcitonin, the bone preserving hormone, needed to convert vitamin D into its active form. It also supports the heart and cardiovascular system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/collections\/vitamin-d\/products\/vitamin-d3-plus-k2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVitamin D-3\u003c\/a\u003e has been shown to substantially reverse the process of bone loss in post-menopausal women, and it helps intestinal absorption of calcium as well as improving bone density.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/collections\/vitamin-d\/products\/vitamin-d3-plus-k2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVitamin K\u003c\/a\u003e adds chemicals called carboxyl groups to osteocalcin and other proteins that maintain, remodel, and rebuild bone tissue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/collections\/vitamin-c\/products\/vitamin-c-1000-mg-with-rose-hips\"\u003eVitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e is essential for the formation of bone, collagen, and connective tissue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/boron-caps-3mg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBoron\u003c\/a\u003e has been found to greatly reduce loss of calcium \u0026amp; magnesium in urine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrontium aids the cells that rebuild bone to create a stronger “architecture” of calcium and mineral crystals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/zinc-lozenges\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZinc\u003c\/a\u003e is useful in tissue repair and enhances vitamin D activity. Low zinc means lower osteoblast (bone forming cells) activity and less collagen formation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/manganese-2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eManganese\u003c\/a\u003e is used in the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides used for bone matrix formation, and has an important role in cartilage and bone collagen creation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/copper-glycinate\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCopper\u003c\/a\u003e aids in the strength and formation of collagen and connective tissue important to bones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/products\/imd-intestinal-cleanse-powder-50041\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSilica\u003c\/a\u003e concentration is high in strong tissues like tendons, collagen, and bone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhat else can you do about low calcium? The high amount of phosphoric acid from drinking too much soda and other carbonated beverages has been linked to bone loss. High sodium consumption from processed foods can increase the amount of calcium excretion in the urine by 20%, and too much sugar contributes to calcium, magnesium, chromium, copper, and zinc loss the same way. Smoking depletes the body of vitamin C. Alcohol decreases mineral absorption and contributes to the overall loss of calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, and copper. If people aren’t going to stop the bad habits, it is critical to replace the lost minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExercise is one of the keys to maintaining good bone density! It doesn’t have to be a hard workout, but when your body has to do work, lift weight, and resist gravity, it sends the signals that your body needs a stronger support structure, and the process of building bones begins. If you’re a couch potato, sit in a chair all day at work, or lift nothing heavier than a cocktail glass, you’re sending the signals to your body that you don’t need strong bones to hold you up. Take some evening walks with a pet or a friend. Climb the stairs a few extra times for no reason, or instead of a short elevator trip. Use some leg or wrist weights when you do some low-impact aerobics. As they say, if you don’t use it, you will lose it.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vitamin-c-1000-mg-with-rose-hips","title":"Vitamin C 1000 Mg With Rose Hips","description":"\u003cp class=\"bodycopy1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWith Rose Hips\/Sustained Release\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  This formula combines the antioxidant power of Vitamin C with natural bioflavonoids using sustained release technology so that your body can maximize its absorption. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e1 tablet 1-3 times daily with meals\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PATHWAY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32343519625347,"sku":"19311","price":33.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/vitamin-c-1000-rose-hips-sr.jpg?v=1582792109"},{"product_id":"zinc-lozenges","title":"Zinc Lozenges","description":"\u003cp class=\"bodycopy1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSoothes Your Sore Throat\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eSoothe your sore throat and support your immune system with Pathway Zinc Lozenges. Each lozenge contains zinc, vitamin C, slippery elm and bee propolis. Convenient to use and great tasting too!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSuggested Use: 1 lozenge in mouth 2-4 times daily\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PATHWAY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32343529357443,"sku":"19326","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/zinc-lozenges_2.jpg?v=1582792139"},{"product_id":"magnesium-glycinate-400mg","title":"Magnesium Glycinate 400Mg","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly Absorbable Magnesium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMagnesium plays an essential role in hundreds of cellular reactions in they body, and is considered one of the most important minerals. In the U.S., magnesium deficiency is common, and can result from depleted soil, digestive issues, chronic diseases, and medication use. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include leg cramps, insomnia, muscle pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances, fatigue, migraines, and osteoporosis. Pathway Magnesium Glycinate is a chelated form of magnesium which provides high levels of absorption and bioavailability and is an ideal recommendation for individuals wanting to correct a magnesium deficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested Use: \u003c\/strong\u003e3 capsules daily\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PATHWAY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32346661650563,"sku":"44582","price":18.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/magnesium-glycinate_3.jpg?v=1582802845"},{"product_id":"vitamin-d3-plus-k2","title":"Vitamin D3 Plus K2","description":"\u003cp class=\"bodycopy1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePromotes Bone and Cardiovascular Health\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOptimal amounts of vitamins D and K are essential for bone, cardiovascular, and immune health. These two vitamins work synergistically by helping to properly utilize calcium within the body. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, and vitamin K is important for directing calcium to the bones and away from the soft tissues, such as blood vessels. Taking Vitamin D and K in combination can provide greater support for the body than taking them separately. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested Use: \u003c\/strong\u003e1 capsule daily\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PATHWAY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32347118010499,"sku":"47521","price":22.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/d3k2.jpg?v=1582804775"},{"product_id":"algae-based-calcium-1","title":"Algae Based Calcium","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupports Bone Density and Strength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePathway Algae Based Calcium features Aquamin, a unique marine multi-mineral complex sourced from red seaweed found in the pristine waters off the coast of Iceland. This comprehensive formula contains a highly bioavailable form of calcium, magnesium, plus many other additional important trace minerals. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of these marine minerals for supporting bone health, joint health, and digestive health. In just three tablets daily, Pathway Algae Based Calcium provides 1,000 mg of calcium in addition to vitamins K2 and D3, marine minerals, as well as an organic fruit and vegetable blend, and citrus bioflavonoids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested Use: \u003c\/strong\u003e3 tablets daily with meals\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PATHWAY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33629240098947,"sku":"43183","price":58.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/algae-based-calcium-180.jpg?v=1595905695"},{"product_id":"copper-glycinate","title":"Copper Glycinate","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEssential trace mineral supplement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps promote energy metabolism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports numerous physiological processes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopper (citrate) is a dietary supplement that helps activate enzymes that are important to energy metabolism. Copper may also facilitate iron absorption to help formulate hemoglobin and red blood cells.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCopper activates a number of enzymes important to energy metabolism. It is the key mineral in lysyl oxidase, an enzyme which weaves together collagen and elastin. Copper assists in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells by facilitating iron absorption. It is involved in protein metabolism, the production of RNA, and the synthesis of phospholipids used in the formation of myelin sheaths.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PURE ENCAPSULATIONS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36962984755349,"sku":"4630","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/COPPERGLYCINATE-4630.jpg?v=1604414545"},{"product_id":"boron-caps-3mg","title":"Boron","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSupports healthy bones, immune function \u0026amp; more\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoron is an essential nutrient that is necessary for optimal health. It helps maintain optimal bone metabolism, as well as promotes immune and nervous system health.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGluten free | Non-GMO | Vegetarian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoron, a trace mineral, doesn't get the attention that other more recognized nutrients receive. But it plays an important role in supporting healthy aging. For instance, as we get older, supporting bone health needs to become a higher priority in order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Boron helps encourage healthy bone growth and mineralization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe mineral boron has the potential for wide-ranging health benefits, from immune system to bone health support.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoron Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports healthy bone growth \u0026amp; mineralization\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps maintain healthy hormone activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports optimal immune function\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"LIFE EXTENSION","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37349349064853,"sku":"21252","price":5.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/BORONCAPS3MG-21252.jpg?v=1606312612"},{"product_id":"manganese-2","title":"Manganese (Aspartate\/Citrate)","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eManganese activates numerous enzymes necessary for the utilization of biotin, thiamine, and ascorbic acid. It is a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, and it plays a part in protein, carbohydrate, and fat production. Manganese is necessary for normal skeletal development and maintenance of connective structural tissue and cellular integrity. In addition, it influences the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides, and is a necessary cofactor in the detoxification of ammonia to urea.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"PURE ENCAPSULATIONS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42088324333806,"sku":"51209","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/products\/Untitled_3_091b8a4c-6241-4caf-bdf5-886abb315138.jpg?v=1646830300"},{"product_id":"imd-intestinal-cleanse-powder-50041","title":"IMD Intestinal Cleanse Supplement","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe product that launched \u003cstrong\u003eQuicksilver Scientific, IMD\u003c\/strong\u003e is our proprietary GI metals binder. This naturally-driven binder is optimized to escort heavy metals safely out of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHealth Benefits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntestinal Metals Binder \u003c\/strong\u003e- Due to the strength of this product, please consult with your healthcare practitioner to purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-Metal Binder\u003c\/strong\u003e – IMD is a proprietary, highly purified silica with sulfur metal-binding groups. It is intended to pull methylmercury and other heavy metals away from the intestinal lining and help escort them safely out of the body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDetox + GI Support\u003c\/strong\u003e- This product is designed to support the restoration of blocked detoxification pathways and a proper intestinal inflammatory response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eToxin Removal without Chelation\u003c\/strong\u003e – IMD acts primarily in the intestines and does not enter the bloodstream, and thus should not cause surges in mobilized metals that can burden the kidneys and liver.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd 1-2 scoops IMD to a soluble Vitamin C solution or Phospholipid suspension or add to food 2-3 times per day as directed by a healthcare practitioner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor liquids, stir to create a suspension and drink quickly before IMD settles, preferably on an empty stomach; take with small amount of food if stomach upset occurs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"QUICKSILVER PRO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42641305108718,"sku":"50041","price":184.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0319\/0960\/9603\/files\/Sandra_Badges_c686e258-67ca-4188-b2b2-23cd88e8f15a.png?v=1757004717"}],"url":"https:\/\/myvillanegreen.com\/collections\/the-calcium-challenge.oembed","provider":"Village Green Apothecary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}