Do You Consume Enough Calcium?

NEW EnergyFirst Coral Calcium

Studies show that two-thirds of Americans are not consuming enough calcium, which is essential in maintaining bone strength. The problem is not just restricted to women either, as the number of older men getting osteoporosis is steadily increasing. But there are a variety of ways you can protect yourself against osteoporosis and improve your calcium intake, including:

• Exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, done at least three to four times a week, are best for preventing osteoporosis. Walking, jogging, playing tennis, and dancing are all good weight-bearing exercises.
• Eat foods high in calcium, including milk and dairy products (low-fat versions are recommended), canned fish with bones like salmon and sardines, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collards, and broccoli, calcium-fortified orange juice, and breads made with calcium-fortified flour.
• Supplements. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good forms of calcium supplements. The RDA for Calcium is 1000 mgs per day.
• Vitamin D. Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium. Being out in the sun for 20 minutes every day helps most people's bodies make enough vitamin D. You can also get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D, as well as from supplements. People aged 51 to 70 should get 400 IU each day, and those over age 70 should get 600 IU.
• You can also take preventive steps such as limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking. Smoking causes your body to make less estrogen, which protects the bones. Too much alcohol can damage your bones and increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone.

While it's a good idea to add a variety of foods to your diet, according to Robert Lindsay of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, most people in the U.S. do not get enough calcium from their diets. "That is why physicians advise them to take calcium supplements," he says.

Coral Calcium has gained a strong following as a supplement in recent years. It's made from the coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan and consists primarily of naturally occurring calcium carbonate, magnesium, and a variety of trace minerals. There has been a study showing that Coral Calcium may have a better absorption rate than other synthetic forms of calcium. In addition to the trace minerals found in Coral Calcium, EnergyFirst has also added several other vital vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in the diet, including Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Folic Acid, Zinc and Chromium. People who do not take a multi-vitamin or those lacking the proper intake of essential vitamins and minerals due to improper diet, smoking, taking oral contraceptives or other medications may benefit from taking Coral Calcium more than other calcium supplements.

Research indicates that Coral Calcium has the following benefits:
• Promotes strong bones and teeth
• Important nutrient for lowering blood pressure
• Helps maintain normal PH levels
• Required nutrient for muscle contraction
• Necessary nutrient for healthy blood clotting
• Assists in transmission of nerve impulses
• Helps move nutrients across cell membranes
• May support healthy cholesterol levels
• Helps prevent and minimize progressive bone loss
• Regulates the transmission of nerve impulses
• May help reduce heartburn by normalizing stomach acid
• Plays an important role in producing hormones and enzymes that regulate digestion and metabolism

When considering your options, remember that you can also obtain calcium from nutritious food sources such as shrimp, blackstrap molasses, calcium-fortified tofu, and almonds. But, while it's good to get as much calcium as possible in your diet, a quality supplement is also a great way to get the calcium your body requires. When you're in need, reach for EnergyFirst's Coral Calcium Plus to get your daily dose!