Q: Can calcium deficiency have an impact on high blood pressure?
A: Diets low in calcium increase the risk of high blood pressure. Calcium supplementation does not seem to be the answer. You need to eat foods containing the recommended amount of daily calcium. For a list of the calcium content in foods, click here.
magnesium is the key here!
I am lactose intolerant. If supplements don’t work to achieve RDA levels of calcium (1200mg/day for my age)how do I get there? It’s going to take a lot of beans or veggies or nuts to get that much calcium. My BP wants to be 140/80. I’m trying everything to avoid medication (diet, exercise, Resperate machine). Any advice? Thanks
This is another really poor response by the “good AMA doctor.” There are indeed many food-based vitamin and mineral supplements that offer substantial amounts of calcium in bioavailable form because they are “real food” supplements. This “doctor” is so opposed to supplements that it not only clouds her judgment, but finds her ignorant on subjects that could help many of the people who rely on her “expertise”.
I agree. The supplement industry, or at least the good companies, have really made strides on providing far more absorbable nutrients than a decade ago. MAny docs still think they are a complete waste of money.
I agree entirely with the comment above: there are some green foods that contain calcium but it is not bioavailable. On the other hand, there are supplements available in bioavailable form. Either the doctor needs to be better informed or not give out professional advice.
How much calcium is needed to be effective in lowereing pressure?
Too much hype with calcium lowering blood pressure, keep in mind that calcium excites the nervous system and contracts muscles and veins, why do you think one of the first lines of attack against high blood pressure are calcium channel blockers? And extra calcium is a no no while on it!
Many doctors just repeat the information as if it was gospel, it happened to me, I read so much about calcium helping to lower BP that as a result I ate lots of calcium high foods, at least 2000-2500mg per day, I started to feel too strong, my heart was beating strongly with the consequent higher blood pressure, I asked my doctor if calcium could make the BP rise because I felt it was raising mine, he scuffed at me and repeated the same old story, I dismissed him and quit taking calcium high foods and raised my magnesium which is a natural calcium channel blocker, just Google it, the Scandinavians had one of the highest rates of cardiovascular problems in the world due to their high intake of calcium via milk, finally their scientists figure it all in the 70‘s, the culprit was calcium, recommended lowering calcium and increasing magnesium which is an antagonist of calcium without side effects and the numbers much got better.
I disagree with Carissa. While I am not a big fan of the AMA, I do think that a diet consisting solely of whole foods that are high in vitamins and minerals (avoiding all processed foods)is the best route to get “all the vitamins and minerals”, that are needed or at least reduce the number of supplements on which people seem to be highly relying these days. I commend the doctor for at least pointing people in the right direction (my family doctors do not seem to care – they just prescribe pills). More doctors should look at diet before prescribing. I have studied nutrition for many years now and read all the popular books and the good ones that I have found (Dr. Weil and Dr. Swartzbein) while recommending supplements,first recommend a whole foods diet. Also, there are so many supplements out there for this and that, it is hard to know what to take. By the way, too much calcium can be very bad for you.
I started using Greek Yogurt in smoothies and in sauces and I love it. The calcium is great; my blood pressure has dropped. This might not be the only factor causing a drop, but the plain Greek Yogurt is creamy, delicious, and has lots of calcium. I know that taking the supplements always does not work because there have to be other factors in play for the calcium from pills to be absorbed properly.
I absolutely love The Greek Gods Traditional Yogurt with Honey! It reminds me of the wonderful yogurt I ate in Greece, Russia etc.
Hmm, as far as I know calcium from food is better absorbed that calcium from supplements and the body takes only as much calcium as it needs. It eliminates excess calcium.
Is calcium in the milk & milk products absorbed by the human body?
Hello.
Calicium is required for manopause stage that is after
and before, it is not only controlling BP but also
it is safegaurding bone, beacause our body absorbtion
of calicium and iron are very limit after the age of 40
for women, we can take calcium either in the form of milk, cuard or we can take tablet also, but we should
take everything in control to avoid other problem, we should go to Doctor every month check up, this way
we can improve our health.
Judie has a good point. Likely, magnesium and potassium are much more helpful to most people suffering from hypertension than calcium! All the best!!
A cautious note to women. Prior to menopause, estrogen plays a significant role in calcifying bones. Post menopausal women, who are not taking estrogen, require supplemental calcium and Vitamin D even if they are taking bone drugs (ie: Fosamax, etc.). Therefore, postmenopausal women should not go off Calcium and replace it with magnesium.
Are the bones from fish, chicken, pork, etc. good sources of Calcium?
In response to W. Lai’s question: the bones from fish are excellent sources of calcium – esp. salmon and sardines. I don’t believe chicken and pork are….but I don’t eat that food. Stick with the fish!
As far as calcium and greek yogurt (a favorite of mine); greek yogurt has less calcium than regular plain yogurt, but more protein. I would suggest sticking with regular plain yogurt to help you get your daily calcium instead. Watch for all the additives, and go for plain and organic (much less sugar).
There are better sources of Calcium than dairy products and animal protein. The benefits of the calcium are outweighed by the negatives of animal protein and dairy. You’ll get plenty of Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium in blood pressure friendly plant foods. Consider a vegan diet.