Natural Factors Calcium & Magnesium Citrate + Potassium & Zinc
Calcium is
required for strong bones, teeth and cardiac function. Calcium citrate may
be the preferred form of calcium for those with low stomach acid. Magnesium
is equally important and supports muscle and bone health as well as many
other functions.
Studies show that mineral citrates and malates have superior absorption,
even when taken on an empty stomach. Each capsule has calcium and magnesium
in a one-to-one ratio that many health professionals recommend. As well as
protecting the body from stress, magnesium works with calcium to provide
help to these same body systems and participates in more than 50 different
biochemical reactions.
Natural Factors adds other minerals, including manganese, potassium and
zinc, that are also in citrate form for better absorption and utilization by
cells in the body. These contribute to bone strength. Vitamin D is included
because it acts as a hormone that allows the body to absorb and properly use
calcium.
Bone Health
An adult human has 206
bones, which are constantly being renewed and remodelled. Bones perform
several important roles in the body. Bones form a framework that supports
the body and protects soft organs. They are an essential part of movement
because muscles attach here and the arrangement of bones determines the type
of movement that can be done. Bones
are important storehouses of minerals, including the major buffer, calcium.
They also contain an inner core of marrow that produces blood and immune
cells.
Most people do not think about bone health until they are in their later
years. This is a mistake because significant increases in bone density can
only be made in childhood or early adulthood (up to age 30). For the
remainder of our lives the goal is to maintain our bones.
Help Maintain Healthy Bones by:
- Taking a high quality Calcium Supplement.
- Eating plenty of vegetables (for their high
mineral content).
- Avoiding coffee and other caffeinated beverages
(they leach calcium from the bones).
- Exercising regularly to maintain bone mass.
- Tracking your pH and maintaining an alkaline
state.
- Balance hormones with essential fatty acids and
herbs.
Osteoporosis
Bone loss is a
major concern for both women and men, but more so for women (due to
hormonal factors) who generally lose more bone mass than men. Your
bones need to be given adequate levels of the nutrients that they need
to repair themselves. When you are deficient (or due to other
aggravating factors) loss of bone mass results.
Clinically, osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that surpasses the
amount that normally occurs due to aging. The spine and hips are the
most vulnerable areas. Women are most commonly affected especially
after menopause when they lose the protective effect of estrogen. As
the bones become brittle they fracture and collapse more easily. The
degeneration results in pain and decreased mobility.
Osteoporosis is caused by a number of factors including a sedentary
lifestyle, lack of minerals, hormonal changes, hypothyroidism, smoking,
a high protein diet, alcohol intake, caffeine intake and stress. Long
term use of the following medications decreases bone density - antacids,
blood thinners, diuretics, anti-seizure medication, ulcer medication and
all corticosteroids. |