If we say the term calcification, it probably brings to mind the build-up around your faucet or shower head. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only kind. Calcification can occur inside your body, too.
Calcium is an essential mineral that the body requires. Calcium is most commonly used in the bones as well as teeth. When there is too much calcium in the body it can result in calcification. The build up of calcium can disrupt normal bodily functions. Since calcium travels through the blood stream, this build-up can be wind up almost anywhere. But the common place for calcification to occur are in the arteries of the heart, the brain, breasts and kidneys.
4 types of calcification
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(Note: The consumption of calcium is not linked to these types.)
Breast: This is most common in women over 50. A mammogram will reveal calcification in the breasts. Calcification in the breast may be caused by injury.
Arteries of the heart: Calcification in the arteries increases a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A CT scan can measure the amount of calcium in a person’s blood and determine their risk of calcification of the arteries.
Brain: If calcification occurs in arteries that affect the brain it could potentially result in an ischemic stroke.
Kidneys: Calcification in the kidneys results in kidney stones. Previous research suggested that calcium intake led to kidney stones, but calcium actually can prevent their occurrence, according to Harvard.
Causes of calcification
As we know calcification is the accumulation of too much calcium. But how does this occur? For some, calcification is a result of normal aging and for others it is caused by injury. Other causes of calcification include:
- Infection of the breast, brain or kidneys
- Disorders of calcium metabolism (osteoporosis for example), or hypocalcaemia (too much calcium in the blood)
- Genetic or autoimmune disorders that affect the skeletal system.
Prevention and home remedies for calcification
Calcification does not produce any symptoms and so unless you get tested it is hard to tell if you have it. The best course of action is to practice preventative measures to avoid the onset of calcification.
A good place to start is to eat plenty of greens. This is especially good for avoiding the calcification of your arteries. Greens possess vitamin K, which can help remove calcium from the blood. Greens are also a natural source of calcium.
If you’ve been diagnosed with calcification, your doctor may recommend that you limit your calcium intake. This may be by cutting down on dairy, which has high amounts of calcium. Once again, leafy greens are a viable option to still obtain calcium, but regulate the amount in the body.
Related Reading:
Calcium rich foods for your daily meals
The best way to get any nutrient is from the foods we eat. Therefore calcium rich foods should be consumed – and we’re not just talking about dairy. Many alternative foods beside dairy contain calcium. So you can enjoy a calcium rich diet for strong bones with a variety of foods. Continue reading…
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Sources:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/calcium-beyond-the-bones
http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/calcium-deposits.html
http://thehealthyadvocate.com/2012/05/14/how-to-prevent-calcification-of-your-arteries/
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/calcium-deposits-and-tendinitis-calcific-tendinitis-topic-overview
http://www.healthline.com/health/calcification#Diagnosis4
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/bone-calcium-deposits-potential-causes-and-treatments.html
