A Comprehensive Guide to Calcium
Calcium is an essential macromineral that helps other minerals and bodily processes work properly. Most people know it’s great for keeping our bones strong and solid. But there’s so much more to it. Calcium also helps our muscles move, sends messages along our nerves, and even helps our blood clot.
An imbalance in the body’s calcium levels can lead to a variety of health complications, and fatigue is commonly experienced when calcium levels are not optimal. Calcium plays a key role in energy production. It facilitates the release of insulin which helps regulate the body’s energy by managing its blood sugar levels. An imbalance in calcium can disrupt this process, leading to irregular blood sugar levels, energy crashes, and consequently, a feeling of fatigue.
Additionally, calcium is critical for the conversion of an amino acid called tryptophan into melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Disruptions in this conversion due to low calcium can impact sleep patterns, leading to fatigue. Maintaining the right balance of calcium in the body is critical to keep fatigue at bay and ensure overall vitality.
In this article, discover the negative symptoms linked to a calcium imbalance, as well as an eggshell powder recipe that can help you naturally boost your calcium intake. Read more about additional whole food sources of calcium HERE.
Imbalances in Calcium
It’s not advisable to consume excess calcium if there is a high amount of free-roaming calcium within the body, particularly without addressing other mineral imbalances that you might have.
If you experience any of the below symptoms then you may want to consider a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) test to actually see what the chronic calcium levels and other mineral ratios are within your body. This is a very affordable and important test for anyone who has chronic health conditions. Read more about HTMA here.
What negative health symptoms manifest from an imbalance in calcium? Well, there are a number of negative symptoms associated with a calcium imbalance.
Calcium Imbalance Symptoms
- Joint and muscle pain from calcium buildup
- Overall weakness
- Restless leg syndrome
- Fatigue
- Histamine allergies
- Type I Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal hyperactivity
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Hearing difficulties
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
As you can see, a calcium imbalance can cause a wide variety of negative health symptoms. Below is a graphic that lists additional symptoms associated with high levels of free-flowing calcium within the body.
Calcium is one of the macrominerals that the majority of people need each day in healthy amounts. Eggshell powder is an excellent way to get enough bioavailable calcium. Test your calcium levels first with a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) if you have any of the above health issues. By doing so, you can assess your current calcium needs.
Why Should You Make Eggshell Powder?
Cheap Source of Calcium
If you already eat eggs then it’s really easy to save the eggshells to make eggshell powder.
Non-Dairy Option of Calcium
If you or your children are allergic to or have sensitivities to dairy, eggshell powder could serve as a suitable and natural alternative to fulfill your calcium needs.
Absorbable Form of Calcium
Eggshell powder is LOADED with calcium, as well as a trace source of other minerals. The form of calcium in eggshell powder is calcium carbonate which is a highly absorbable form. Since this is a food-based source of calcium, the body processes it at a slower rate than store-bought calcium supplementation. It’s easy to overdo calcium supplementation when it’s taken in a store-bought supplement form.
May Help Treat Osteoporosis
Research shows that the calcium, fluorine, and strontium in eggshells may stimulate cartilage growth, as well as affect bone metabolism in a positive way. Studies show that it may help improve the mobility of osteoporosis patients.
Lowers Inflammation
Studies have investigated the advantages of eggshell membranes (found in eggshell powder) for joint and connective tissue ailments such as lupus, arthritis, gout, and back pain. The eggshell membrane exhibited pain-relieving properties for these conditions.
Protect Tooth Enamel
Eggshell powder may aid in teeth remineralization. The research showed that new tooth enamel was regenerated when an eggshell powder solution was utilized. Additionally, this study acknowledged that eggshell powder contained lower levels of mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium compared to calcium supplements.
Should You Consume Eggshell Powder?
The answer to that question really depends. Eggshell powder might be an excellent addition to your whole-food eating plan. Consuming whole-food options of nutrients over lab-created supplementation is always preferred when possible since the body can better process nutrients in its whole-food form.
If you do have any sort of health condition, then you may want to check your calcium levels with a hair tissue mineral analysis.
As already discussed, the majority of calcium belongs within the bones, but there are many people who have free-flowing calcium that has been pulled from their bones OR that is coming from excess calcium intake that their bodies are not able to properly absorb.
Eggshell Powder Recipe
How Much Calcium Is In Eggshell Powder?
On average, there is 500 mg of calcium in 1/2 tsp of chicken eggshell powder. That’s a lot, especially considering that it’s recommended that the average healthy adult consume around 1000 mg of calcium each day.
It’s not recommended to consume more than 500 mg of calcium at one time. The human body typically isn’t able to absorb more than that at one time.
How To Consume Eggshell Powder?
Eggshell powder is very gritty. There are a ways to “get it down” though:
- Place 1/2 tsp on your tongue. Immediately drink a sip of water and swallow.
- Place 1/2 tsp of eggshell powder in some thick yogurt. Stir well. This will help to disguise the grittiness.
- Encapsulate the eggshell powder. Simply buy some empty 00-sized capsules. Place 1/2 tsp of eggshell powder in a bowl. Scoop up the eggshell powder into the empty capsules. Swallow the eggshell powder-filled capsules.
Always consider other calcium sources that you are getting throughout the day. It’s not a good idea to over-consume calcium.
It’s beneficial to consume eggshell powder around the same time as other food. More stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) needs to be present in the stomach in order for calcium to be better absorbed.
Be sure to read my other article on the importance of also focusing on the calcium cofactors so that calcium can efficiently be absorbed and used by the body.
The Benefits of Adding Eggshell Powder to Your Whole Food Diet
Consuming eggshell powder can be a highly effective and natural way to boost calcium intake. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is readily absorbed by the human body, aiding in the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. This cost-effective and eco-friendly whole food option also provides trace amounts of other essential minerals like magnesium, strontium, and fluorine, which contribute to overall bone health. Additionally, eggshell powder may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone density, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet for individuals seeking to enhance their calcium intake and promote long-term skeletal well-being.
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- Go at your own pace. Slower is actually better.
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Please note that A Hair Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, reverse, or prevent any disease. It is not intended to replace any other medical test(s) that may be prescribed by your medical doctor.
