If you feel tired or have strange symptoms, it could be because you don't get enough calcium. Calcium is a mineral that our bodies demand, and not getting enough of it can cause physical problems in the long run. Calcium deficiency is relatively common, but it can take effort to figure out where the problem is can take effort.
This article discusses nine signs of calcium deficiency and how to spot them. Calcium deficiency can cause serious health problems if you don't take care of it, so it's important to know how much calcium you're getting and how to spot the signs.
What Is Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency, also known as Hypocalcemia, occurs when there is a deficiency of calcium in the blood but not the bones. Hypocalcemia may result from a variety of medical issues.
A calcium deficit can have far-reaching implications, affecting not just the muscles, joints, teeth, nervous system, and psychological well-being.
No warning signs typically appear when a lack of food is to blame for a deficiency. Long-term effects may include reduced bone density or osteopenia. This can cause osteoporosis, or brittle bones, if not treated.
Yet, a lack of calcium is typically at blame, not poor eating habits. To get more calcium, a person can eat more foods high in calcium and, if their doctor tells them to, take calcium supplements like coral calcium.
9 Signs You're Suffering from Calcium Deficiency
There may be subtle early signs of calcium deficiency. It is typically benign, but if not treated, it can become life-threatening. So it is very important to identify the symptoms and signs of calcium fatigue.
Our pick for 9 signs you're suffering from calcium deficiency are:
1. Extreme Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom that has a word that sounds simple but is actually quite complicated. Low calcium levels can lead to extreme fatigue, which is a lack of energy and a general feeling of being slow. It can also make it hard to sleep.
You'll find that a great deal of the other things on this list, like body aches, stiffness, and a sad mood, could also be caused by fatigue. When you have hypocalcemia, your cells aren't getting enough food, which makes you tired. You can also feel lightheaded, and dizzy, and have "brain fog," which is a lack of concentration, forgetfulness, and confusion.
2. Sore Muscles
Cramps and spasms in the muscles are the classic signs of calcium insufficiency. The involvement of calcium in muscular contraction and relaxation is facilitated.
The natural tone of muscles is lost when calcium is deficient. This can cause muscle soreness, spasms, and fatigue. These signs can come and then go, but they usually don't go away when you start moving around.
3. Irregular Heartbeat
Hypocalcemia is characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which, if severe, can be fatal. Several electrocardiographic abnormalities are common results.
It's not surprising that a lack of calcium can cause heart problems because the heart is made of muscles. If the heart's cells aren't getting enough calcium, they can't function properly. All of your heart's usual rhythms can be disrupted, the heart muscle can spasm and blood flow can become constricted if this happens.
4. Dry Skin and Nails
Hypoglycemia can manifest externally as dry or scaly skin. One of calcium's lesser-known functions is to preserve skin health by lowering the skin's pH and guarding the skin's protective barrier. This helps stop the body from losing too much water through the skin. When calcium levels in the blood drop, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture and keep its pH healthy.
Dry skin, dry, cracked, or brittle nails, coarse hair, alopecia, in which hair falls out in sections, itch, or skin irritation that can result in irritable or dry areas, and alopecia are all symptoms of a chronic calcium shortage.
5. Dental Issues
Calcium is essential for healthy teeth. Minerals in teeth are vulnerable to attack from dietary acids, sugary beverages, and oral microorganisms. This mineral loss can be avoided with sufficient calcium levels. Furthermore, research suggests that a lack of calcium is a contributing factor in the development of gum disease.
When the body needs more calcium, it takes it from the teeth and other hard tissues. This can cause various dental issues, such as the decay of teeth,
cracked teeth and red, inflamed gums, and insufficiently strong tooth roots. Tooth development might be slowed if an infant lacks calcium.
6. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
Bones are excellent at storing calcium, but they need a lot of it to stay healthy and robust. When calcium stores are inadequate, the body may reroute part of it away from the bones, leaving them weak and more likely to break.
Insufficient calcium can weaken bones over time, a condition called osteopenia.
This can result in osteoporosis, which weakens the bones to the point where they break easily and causes pain and postural issues. Osteoporosis and other calcium-deficient consequences might take years to manifest.
7. Traumatic PMS
Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been associated with low calcium levels
The causes of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are complex but widespread. Inadequate calcium and vitamin D levels can either directly cause the condition or exacerbate its symptoms. Calcium and vitamin D can alleviate or even prevent PMS symptoms under certain conditions.
8. Tingling and Numbness
Tingling, particularly in the feet and hands, is a common sign of hypocalcemia. Numbness is another symptom of severe deficiencies. Your body's nerve cells can't function without calcium. Low calcium levels hinder sensory nerve cell function and signal transmission.
9. Disturbed Mental Health
Hypocalcemia can cause mental fogginess, forgetfulness, and disorientation. Calcium plays a crucial role in properly functioning nerve and brain cells. Neurotransmitters are released in response to calcium entering nerve cells. Lack of calcium can have serious consequences for mental health.
There is some evidence linking calcium insufficiency with mood disorders including depression .
If you or someone you know is depressed and thinks a lack of calcium could be to blame, get medical attention. Doctors often suggest calcium supplements after testing the patient's calcium levels.
Treatment For Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency can be treated by eating more calcium-rich foods, like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish with soft bones like salmon and sardines, tofu, and foods that have added calcium. People who have severe deficiencies may also be told to take supplements.
Also, staying active regularly can help the body absorb calcium better. Exercise also makes bones and muscles stronger, which can help lower the risk of breaking a bone.
Preventing Calcium Deficiency
Ensure you get enough calcium in your diet is the best way to avoid calcium deficiency. Eating a well-balanced diet with calcium-rich foods like dairy, green leafy vegetables, fish with soft bones, and added calcium can help ensure your body gets the necessary calcium.
In addition, frequent exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can all aid in warding against calcium deficiencies.
Conclusion
Calcium deficiency can cause serious problems, so it's important to know the signs you're suffering from it.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about your calcium intake and find out what you can do to make sure you're getting enough calcium. You can live a healthier life in the future if you take care of yourself now.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
