Expert Advice: How to Up Your Calcium Intake
Why women of all ages need this vital mineral
Monday, May 9, 2016 — Did you know? Calcium is important well beyond childhood—especially for women.
Used by almost every cell in the body, the mineral is vital for healthy bones and teeth— as well as the heart and nerves—yet research shows that 90 percent of New Zealand women do not meet their recommended daily calcium intake[1].
“Without proper calcium and minerals in our diet, our body absorbs the calcium it needs from our bones,” says naturopath, nutritionist and Lifestream ambassador Janella Purcell. “This can result in low bone density and weakness, especially in later life.”
“Although we imagine our bones are permanent, they are actually being constantly renewed throughout our life and replaced with new bone tissue—in fact, our entire skeleton is renewed approximately every seven years!”
“This means sufficient calcium is required throughout our lives, but the amount we need varies considerably at different stages of our lives. Most women require around 1000mg per day, however this should increase to around 1300mg if she’s peri and post-menopausal, pregnant or breastfeeding.”
Janella suggests extra calcium is needed if you:
• Are a woman – especially over 35 years old;
• Are on a dairy-free diet or have an allergy to dairy foods;
• Consume a lot of coffee, tea or salt in your diet;
• Smoke or drink alcohol daily;
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• Are elderly;
• Are an athlete or have a small, thin frame;
• Have growing children or teens.
How to increase your calcium intake
“While dairy is one of the most accessible forms of calcium, it’s not a one-stop-calcium shop,” Purcell says. “There are plenty of other natural sources and supplements out there for anyone dairy-free.”
Janella, bestselling author of Janella’s Super Natural Foods, suggests adding the following calcium rich, organic foods to your diet:
- Lifestream Natural Calcium
- Lifestream CC Flax
- Sardines
- Prawns
- Nuts
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Bok choy
Lifestream products are available at health food stores and pharmacies nationwide. It’s nutrition to live by.
TRY:
Lifestream Natural Calcium, from $13.30RRP for 30 caps
Lifestream CC Flax, $35.90 for 200g
To find out more, visit www.lifestream.co.nz
#lifestream #nutritiontoliveby
--ENDS--
Media Contact: Shannon Dunn, [email protected] (09) 524 6034 or 022 636 2405
Media Notes:
• Please contact Communeco for product samples for review and photography purposes.
Potential Angles:
- Natural sources of calcium for the dairy-free;
- Why, and when, women need more calcium than men;
- Calcium - why we need it beyond teeth and bones;
- Non-synthetic supplements to foster health naturally;
- Naturopath and nutritionist recommendations and tips.
[1] https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/a-focus-on-nutrition-v2.pdf
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