The calcium balancing act

Did you know that calcium is found in the bones AND in the blood?  A process called Calcium Homeostasis keeps the pH of the blood and the bones in the appropriate range.  For example, when the body is fighting a fever the bones will release calcium to the bloodstream because the pH of the bloodstream has become too acidic.  The main hormone that regulates your body’s calcium absorption is the parathyroid hormone (PTH) that is produced in the parathyroid glands.   When the PTH picks up decreased levels of calcium the PTH increases production of cyclic AMP which increases the amount of PTH in the blood stream and triggers the increased release of calcium from the bones to the bloodstream increasing the blood calcium level.  When increased PTH is flowing it also triggers the body to form calcitriol, which is a hormone that increases absorption of calcium from the GI tract.  

Just as the body obtains calcium from the bones when it is lacking in the blood stream and the pH is too acidic, once the blood stream is brought back to appropriate pH and becomes too alkaline, the bones then begin reabsorbing calcium from the blood.  This very precise balancing act helps us to maintain the most basic functions of life to include the heart pumping and allowing us to breath.  As you can see, calcium is a key mineral to maintain general health and the body has many processes to help adjust and maintain calcium levels based on the fluctuations of the body’s pH.

Curious what some of the signs are that you might need more calcium? If you are craving fatty foods, alcohol, soda or other carbonated drinks consider adding some of the following to your plate: mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese or sesame.  Simple little additions to your plate can change the vitamin and mineral content and help your body balance and absorb what it needs. It is always ideal to get the majority of your vitamins and minerals from food because that is the most natural form that your body was made to make use of.  By listening to your body and the simple signs it provides you, you can make simple adjustments to your daily fare instead of just adding another pill to your regimen!