HOW CALCIUM ABSORPTION IMPACTS YOUR BRAIN AND BODY
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
In this article, we are going to explore the commonly held belief that most people are deficient in calcium. Did you know that if you have weak bones or brittle teeth, it may not be from a lack of calcium, but a lack of protein? Did you know that calcium is vital to cellular communication in the brain and body? Read on to discover how important calcium utilization is to our brain and our overall health.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium levels are generally determined by measuring calcium levels in the blood. Maintaining proper calcium levels in the various parts of our bodies is critical to our health. We have all heard about deterioration of bones in conditions such as osteoporosis. But do we have an accurate understanding of calcium and its role in our brain function?
Without proper calcium utilization, we have trouble forming memories, retrieving memories, and maintaining a good mood. We may even have seizures. According to a study done at the University of Maryland in 2021, “Calcium precisely directs blood flow in the brain” (1), and it directs nutrients to neurons (brain cells) to perform the many vital functions of the brain. Wowza!
Let’s take a look at issues that are linked to high or low levels of calcium in the blood. You may be surprised by what is listed under “Elevated” blood calcium levels.
Elevated levels of calcium in the blood may be linked to the following (2):
· Gastrointestinal issues such as pain and nausea
· Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
· Constipation
· Bone issues such as bone pain, osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis
· Excessive thirst and urination
· Pancreatic issues
· Heart problems
· Kidney stones
· Calcification of organs such as the heart
· Calcification of glands such as the brain’s pineal gland
Low levels of calcium may be linked to the following (3):
· Muscle cramps, involuntary muscle contractions, or spasms
· Brain seizures
· Muscle weakness
· Emotional issues such as anxiety and depression
· Feeling lightheaded
· Hallucinations
· Issues with kidney function that may lead to kidney failure
Interestingly, people may look at the list of signs of excess calcium and low calcium, and realize that they experience some issues from both lists! How can that be?
Perhaps we need to dig deeper. Maybe it’s not all about the calcium levels, but more about calcium utilization. We need calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. We don’t want it to build up in our heart or glands. Calcification of the pineal gland, which is located in the brain, is linked to disturbed sleep and neurodegenerative issues.
What affects calcium utilization (2,4)?
· Magnesium deficiency
· Poor parathyroid function
· Low Vitamin D levels
· Low Vitamin K2
· Metabolic disturbances
· Phosphorus levels
· Exposure to toxins
· EMF exposure (Electro-magnetic Frequencies that displace calcium in our cells)
· Some medications like calcium channel blockers (4)
Before we run out and buy a calcium supplement or some other supplement, it would be wise to explore why we struggle with issues related to calcium absorption. It could be any one of the issues listed above, or a combination of them. As we can see, proper calcium utilization is extremely important to brain function and overall health.
I dove more into the issue of calcium absorption a few years ago because of a diagnosis my husband received. With his permission, I am going to tell my husband’s calcium story.
In 2018, a spinal x-ray revealed calcium deposits building up on several vertebrae in the middle section of my husband’s spine. Calcium was fusing his spinal vertebrae together and depositing outside his vertebrae. He was diagnosed with DISH (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis). He was told it was irreversible. The calcium would continue to build up along the rest of his vertebrae, leading to increased pain and loss of mobility. When it reached his neck, it could impact other bodily functions and he would likely not be able to drive. Wow! I was with him when he received the news. We looked at each other, and we set on our path to prove them wrong and keep my husband’s mobility. After all, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I believed we just needed to figure out what was messing with my husband’s ability to properly absorb calcium. I used my testing. Layer by layer, we worked on addressing the underlying reasons for his calcium absorption issue that was dubbed irreversible. Around a year later, he had another x-ray. It revealed that this issue had not progressed. In fact, there were signs it was reversing!
Today my husband enjoys being active. He still plays volleyball at a competitive level once a week. He isn’t struggling with pain or mobility issues. We are grateful to God for how fearfully and wonderfully we are made! It’s all about honoring how we are created by giving our bodies the tools they need to create balance and resolve issues on their own.
Calcium levels that are too low or too high may not be at the heart of the issue. From my experience, I have found that it is more about helping the body remove what is hindering the utilization and absorption of calcium. In other words, find and address the underlying reasons for the calcium levels being off. When the underlying reasons are addressed by comprehensive detox strategies, the body can regain balance and perform more optimally. In my husband’s case, his body could start to reverse something that is seen as irreversible.
Praise God, we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Yes, I said it again. And I look forward to saying it many more times. 😊
To learn more, set up a free Discovery Call. Get your questions answered. See if Anita’s detox support may help you.
SOURCES:
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/
3. https://www.medicinenet.com/hypocalcemia_symptoms_and_signs/symptoms.htm
4. https://www.statpearls.com/articlelibrary/viewarticle/30315/