25 Calcium Rich Foods You Should Eat For Better Health & Bones

Identifying calcium deficiency involves understanding various signs and symptoms. While dietary calcium deficiency often goes unnoticed and is typically discovered incidentally during routine blood tests, true calcium deficiency disease can manifest with mild to severe symptoms. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Numbness or tingling in fingers

2. Brittle fingernails

3. Muscle cramps

4. Fainting

5. Lethargy

6. Difficulty swallowing

7. Poor appetite

8. Growth delays in children

9. Mental confusion

10. Depression

11. Anxiety

12. Osteopenia

13. Osteoporosis

14. Problems with blood clotting

15. Heart problems

Causes of Calcium Deficiency

Several factors contribute to calcium deficiency, including:

1. Poor calcium intake, especially during childhood

2. Impaired calcium absorption

3. Hypoparathyroidism

4. Medications that hinder calcium absorption

5. Magnesium deficiency

6. Vitamin D deficiency

7. Pancreatitis

8. Renal failure

9. Certain chemotherapy drugs

Groups at Increased Risk

Certain groups are more prone to developing calcium deficiency, including:

1. Those with lactose intolerance

2. Vegans

3. Women with amenorrhea

4. Post-menopausal women

Understanding these signs, causes, and at-risk groups is crucial for early detection and effective management of calcium deficiency.

Boosting Calcium Levels with Nutrient-Rich Foods

While addressing true calcium deficiency disease may involve supplements, it’s crucial to be mindful of excessive calcium intake, which can lead to complications like constipation, cognitive impairment, kidney stones, kidney failure, and heart issues.

Only consider calcium supplements under the guidance of your doctor. If your healthcare provider suggests enhancing your calcium intake through dietary means, here’s a helpful list of calcium-rich foods to consider:

7 Dairy Calcium-Rich Foods

1. Milk
2. Cheese
3. Cottage cheese
4. Yogurt
5. Frozen yogurt
6. Ice cream
7. Whey protein

18 Non-Dairy Calcium-Rich Foods

1. Dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale, and collard greens)
2. Broccoli
3. Bok Choy
4. Oranges
5. Dried peas
6. Beans
7. Lentils
8. Almonds
9. Figs
10. Canned salmon
11. Canned shrimp
12. Sardines
13. Rhubarb
14. Edamame
15. Tofu
16. Black strap molasses
17. Vitamin C fortified foods (cereals, breads, crackers, etc.)
18. Fortified soy, almond, and rice milk

Whether you’re dealing with calcium deficiency due to medications, medical conditions, or genetic factors, or facing low calcium levels from poor intake, lactose intolerance, or hormonal changes, this compilation of calcium-rich foods aims to assist you in achieving the necessary balance for optimal health. Always consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.