Calcium supplements have been linked to heart problems such as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and a higher death rate.
The higher the calcium intake, the greater the risks.
It is interesting to note that the fact that they can cause heart attacks was discovered by accident.
The researchers were trying to find how effective calcium supplements were in protecting the bones, and as a result, they discovered that the supplements can increase the risk of a heart attack by about 30%.
Calcium supplements are often prescribed to women after they hit menopause to help them ward off osteoporosis.
According to the research, however, the supplements seemed to have no positive and worthwhile effects on bone health.
As a result, some experts now suggest to throw the calcium supplements away altogether.
They recommend to obtain calcium naturally from food sources, as they do not have a negative effect on the heart.
One of the main reasons why calcium supplements are bad for the heart is because very little of the calcium actually gets absorbed into the body.
Most of the calcium from the supplements ends in the bloodstream, where it leads to calcification along the arterial walls.
As a result, the arteries become hardened, and lose their functional abilities.
Taking the supplements in smaller amounts throughout the day can help with better absorption; however, any form of calcium supplement will boost the calcium levels within the blood, as the supplement gets absorbed in one shot.
Hence the reason why it is recommended to only take calcium from foods, as they absorb into the bloodstream much slower, which provides ongoing absorption into the body.
Another thing that is interesting, is that the studies were done on patients who did not receive a vitamin D supplement.
According to statistics, most Americans and Canadians are deficient in this vitamin, as it is not readily obtained from the diet, but rather, through exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D essentially helps the body to absorb calcium.
Without it, the calcium lingers around in the bloodstream until it can be eliminated from the body.
As a result, it is not clear whether or not taking calcium with vitamin D would have the same effect on the heart.
Calcium in moderation is good for the heart, as it can potentially lower the blood pressure and keep a steady rhythm of the heart.
The best sources of calcium are dark green leafy vegetables.
Unlike dairy, which contains high amounts of calcium that the body cannot absorb, leafy greens contain just enough for the body to be able to absorb the calcium.
As a result, very little calcium remains in the blood where it can cause harm.
The higher the calcium intake, the greater the risks.
It is interesting to note that the fact that they can cause heart attacks was discovered by accident.
The researchers were trying to find how effective calcium supplements were in protecting the bones, and as a result, they discovered that the supplements can increase the risk of a heart attack by about 30%.
Calcium supplements are often prescribed to women after they hit menopause to help them ward off osteoporosis.
According to the research, however, the supplements seemed to have no positive and worthwhile effects on bone health.
As a result, some experts now suggest to throw the calcium supplements away altogether.
They recommend to obtain calcium naturally from food sources, as they do not have a negative effect on the heart.
One of the main reasons why calcium supplements are bad for the heart is because very little of the calcium actually gets absorbed into the body.
Most of the calcium from the supplements ends in the bloodstream, where it leads to calcification along the arterial walls.
As a result, the arteries become hardened, and lose their functional abilities.
Taking the supplements in smaller amounts throughout the day can help with better absorption; however, any form of calcium supplement will boost the calcium levels within the blood, as the supplement gets absorbed in one shot.
Hence the reason why it is recommended to only take calcium from foods, as they absorb into the bloodstream much slower, which provides ongoing absorption into the body.
Another thing that is interesting, is that the studies were done on patients who did not receive a vitamin D supplement.
According to statistics, most Americans and Canadians are deficient in this vitamin, as it is not readily obtained from the diet, but rather, through exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D essentially helps the body to absorb calcium.
Without it, the calcium lingers around in the bloodstream until it can be eliminated from the body.
As a result, it is not clear whether or not taking calcium with vitamin D would have the same effect on the heart.
Calcium in moderation is good for the heart, as it can potentially lower the blood pressure and keep a steady rhythm of the heart.
The best sources of calcium are dark green leafy vegetables.
Unlike dairy, which contains high amounts of calcium that the body cannot absorb, leafy greens contain just enough for the body to be able to absorb the calcium.
As a result, very little calcium remains in the blood where it can cause harm.
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