The human body is a perfect machine that always seeks balance and equilibrium. When this balance is broken due to deficiency of nutrients such as calcium, begin to manifest symptoms that we should not ignore. This article details the symptoms of calcium deficiency, its consequences on our health and how to prevent it, integrating the most current and complete information.
What is calcium and why is it so vital?
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for the proper functioning of the human body. It is mainly known for being responsible for the strength of the bones and teeth, but its role goes much further.
Its main functions include:
- Participate in the blood clotting.
- Act in the muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Facilitate the transmission of signals in the nervous system.
- regulate the heart rate.
The most common symptoms of calcium deficiency
The symptoms of calcium deficiency may vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. Below we analyze the most frequent ones.
1. Bone weakening
Bone weakening is one of the first obvious signs of calcium deficiency. Decreased bone density increases the risk of fractures and can lead to the development of diseases such as osteoporosis.
In severe phases, it can cause physical deformities, severe pain and spontaneous fractures.
2. Weak teeth and oral problems
Oral health is also affected by this deficiency. Calcium is vital for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Its deficiency can cause:
- Brittle teeth.
- Frequent tooth decay problems.
- Weakened tooth roots.
Furthermore, growing children, teeth can develop malformations.
3. Weakness of the immune system
When the body lacks calcium, the immune system It can also weaken. This results in frequent infections, recurrent colds and slower recovery from illnesses.
4. Insomnia and extreme fatigue
Hypocalcemia can affect the nervous system, leading to problems such as insomnia, feeling of extreme tiredness, dizziness and lack of concentration.
5. Muscle cramps
The Cramps in the arms, legs and general musculature are a common complaint among those with calcium deficiency. This occurs because the mineral is essential for the proper functioning of the muscles.
6. Dry skin and hair loss
Lack of calcium can also be reflected in the physical appearanceDull, dry skin and excessive hair loss are clear indicators of a problem with the levels of this mineral.
In this regard, many experts recommend reviewing the diet, incorporating foods rich in calcium such as nuts.
What diseases are related to calcium deficiency?
Prolonged calcium deficiency can lead to diseases such as:
- Hypocalcemia: low levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to serious symptoms such as muscle spasms, seizures, and arrhythmias.
- Osteoporosis: silent disease that mainly affects older people, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures.
- Rickets: especially in children, it can cause bone weakening and deformities.
How to prevent calcium deficiency
Prevention is the key to avoiding problems resulting from calcium deficiency. Some recommendations include:
Change your diet
Incorporate foods rich in calcium such as:
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt.
- Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach.
- Nuts, such as almonds and chia seeds.
- Fish such as sardines and salmon.
Support with supplements
In cases of significant deficiency, the doctor may prescribe calcium supplementsIt is important to follow professional instructions, since excess of this mineral can be harmful.
Strengthens absorption with vitamin D
La vitamin D It is essential for the body to properly absorb calcium. You can get it through the sun and foods such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified products.
To achieve a proper balance in your body and avoid future complications, prioritize a diet rich in essential nutrients and consult your doctor regularly to monitor your calcium levels.