What Your Doctor Isn’t Telling You About Calcium
By
Natalie Moore
Posted October 15, 2016
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“Eat dairy and leafy greens… and always take a calcium supplement for healthy bones.”
If you’ve ever gone to a doctor’s appointment, then you’ve probably heard this advice.
But it’s not just your doctor… the big push for calcium as the ultimate bone protectant is everywhere… food labels, nutritional guidelines and lucrative supplements.
It seems all of this urging has worked — the National Institutes of Health estimates that close to half of Americans are taking calcium supplements.
Here’s the problem, though: Calcium supplements aren’t just affecting your bones. They can also have major impacts on your heart.
And thanks to some recent research — there’s proof calcium supplements could be wrecking your heart health.
Calcium Puts Your Heart in Crisis
A newly published study in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed 10 years of medical tests on 2,700 plus people who were enrolled in a federally funded heart disease research program.
The participants ages varied from 45–85 years of age and answered questions about their eating habits and supplement usage.
Next, they underwent CT scans that measured the buildup of calcium plaque in their arteries (also called arterial stiffness), a known risk factor for heart issues.
After analyzing the data, the researchers separated calcium intake by source — food or supplement.
Once all the numbers were crunched, the scientists made an astonishing discovery…
Folks who took calcium supplements were at a significantly greater risk of calcium plaque buildup in their arteries and risk for heart disease when compared to those who got calcium from foods.
This means taking a calcium supplement could wreck your heart.
Dr. Erin Michos, lead researcher of the study, explains, “When it comes to using vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly calcium supplements being taken for bone health, many Americans think that more is always better. But our study adds to the body of evidence that excess calcium in the form of supplements may harm the heart and vascular system”
On the contrary, researchers found that eating calcium-rich foods may actually help protect your heart, though the reason for this still remains unclear.
Michos goes on to say, “There doesn’t seem to be any harm in eating a heart-healthy diet that includes calcium-rich foods, and it may even be beneficial for the heart. But patients should really discuss any plan to take calcium supplements with their doctor to sort out a proper dosage or whether they even need them.”
Put another way, don’t just do what the doctor tells you. Let them know you’re informed about the dangers of excess calcium and then continue the conversation about if a calcium supplement is right for you.
And be sure to eat lots of foods rich in calcium, like dairy, leafy greens, broccoli, beans and certain fruits (like oranges).
So ditch the drugs and pick up some kale, cheese and beans while you’re out shopping this weekend — for your heart’s sake.
In addition, vitamins D3 and K2 are great ways to keep calcium out of your heart. Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium. Then vitamin K2 helps direct absorbed calcium into your bones and away from your arteries. So be sure put these two powerful vitamins on your shopping list too.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] Calcium supplements may damage the heart
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Could Common Bacteria DOUBLE Your Stroke Risk?
Here’s something to chew on… Scientists discovered a tiny troublemaker living in our mouths and guts that could set us up for a devastating stroke. And the kicker? It’s probably in your mouth RIGHT NOW. Japanese researchers have uncovered a disturbing link between the common bacteria Streptococcus anginosus and stroke risk. This microscopic menace, which...
Sweet Treat’s SINISTER Cancer Connection
I’ve sounded the alarm about the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for years. And I’ve warned Living Well Daily readers that this sweet treat could lead to liver damage, and has even been linked to anxiety and aggression. Now, new research reveals this common sweetener could be doing something even more sinister than we...
“Forever Young” Hack Promotes Healthy Aging
We all have that one friend who is aging more gracefully than the rest of us. Ever wonder why? Well, scientists say they may have uncovered the answer—or at least one of them. And it’s all about unique proteins in our cells called selenoproteins. A fascinating study from Japan reveals how these proteins are essential...
Do You NEED a Multivitamin? 7 Signs to Look For
Have you ever wondered if you really need that daily multivitamin? You’re not alone. Many people skip their vitamins, thinking a balanced diet provides everything they need. While it’s true that whole foods should be your primary source of nutrients, even the most careful eaters sometimes fall short. Think of a multivitamin as a nutritional...
“Flip the Switch” to Slash Blood Clot Risk 80%!
The statistics are grim. Up to 900,000 Americans experience a blood clot (venous thromboembolism) yearly. Tragically, 60,000 to 100,000 of those folks will die as a result. As we age, our risk rises, doubling every 10 years after age 40. But what if preventing these deadly blood clots could be as simple as flipping a...
Mailbag: Break Through a Blood Pressure Plateau
“My high blood pressure is not going down despite eating a healthy diet, not taking any drugs, and no alcohol or smoking! Also, I donate blood, and I’m retired with very little stress.” -Puzzled Hi Puzzled, I get it. It’s particularly puzzling when you’re doing “everything right” to support good heart health and you still...
Late-Night Eating WRECKING Your Health?
Think a midnight snack is harmless? Think again. A groundbreaking new study reveals that eating after 9 PM could be setting you up for serious health troubles—from expanding your waistline to sending your cholesterol soaring. And men should pay extra attention because you could be at even GREATER risk. Let me explain… We’ve known for...
The BEST Time to Drink Coffee for Your Heart [STUDY]
That first cup of coffee in the morning isn’t just about waking up anymore… New research suggests that the TIMING of your daily brew could also make a big difference in protecting your heart health. And if you’re sipping coffee throughout the day, you might want to rethink that habit. Here’s why… A groundbreaking study...
A HOT Secret to Better Health (No Gym Needed!)
Looking for a way to boost your health without hitting the gym? Well, there’s an ancient practice that might offer the perfect solution—giving you similar benefits to exercise while sitting back and relaxing. And while not everyone has access to this therapy, it can be a life changer if you do. Swedish scientists, collaborating with...
Could Your Dinner Be Harming Your Brain? (Serious Risk!)
Most of us think about food in terms of flavor, satisfaction, and, occasionally, our waistlines. But new research suggests what’s on your plate could have serious long-term consequences—especially for your brain. A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that eating processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, is linked to an...