Why Is Calcium So Important?

April 15, 2023

Having a varied and colorful diet is one of the cornerstones to a healthy life. Whole grains, healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables all need to be incorporated into your diet so that you can give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.

You also need to ensure you are getting the right nutrients from your food, like calcium. Calcium is crucial to your bone health, but it also plays other important roles in your body.

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team explains why calcium is so important below, so read on.

What Does Calcium Do?

Did you know that about 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones? The rest is found in your blood, muscle and other tissues. Calcium is a mineral that helps form strong bones and teeth, which is crucial throughout your entire life. As you age, your bones can become weaker and more prone to breaks. Keeping up your calcium intake can reduce your risk of this!

In addition, calcium helps with blood clotting and muscle contracting, and it can help regulate your heart rhythm. All of these functions are necessary for daily life, and we have calcium to thank for that! You obtain the calcium you need either from consuming foods rich in the mineral or by pulling it from your body. Pair your calcium with vitamin D to ensure it is absorbed properly.

Calcium-Rich Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet

Milk, cheese or dairy products
Green, leafy vegetables
Winter squash
Nuts like almonds

Why Are Strong Bones Important?

If you don’t eat enough calcium-rich foods, your body will pull calcium from your bones to use it how it needs to. If it is not replaced, it can lead to weaker bones over time. As your bones get weaker, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases. This condition can cause you to suffer broken bones or fractures just by participating in everyday activities like climbing the stairs or bending over.

Another way to support your bone health is to exercise regularly! Exercise encourages your bones to remodel and grow in density, which can increase their bone mass over time. Focus on gentle weight-bearing exercises like jogging or walking to help this process along.