Calcium plays a pivotal role in building a strong immune system. The body requires ionized calcium (to signal immune cells, such as white blood cells, to attack viruses and bacteria in a process called phagocytosis. Research has shown that low levels of ionized calcium can predict the severity of illnesses, including COVID-19.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, outnumbering all other minerals combined. A deficiency in calcium can lead to a cascade of deficiencies and health issues. Among its many roles, calcium is vital for a robust immune response. For optimal health, it's crucial to understand the interplay between calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin F (polyunsaturated fatty acids).
Viral infections such as HPV, herpes, and shingles often surge towards the end of summer. These viruses can cause a range of symptoms, from the common cold and hand, foot, and mouth disease to more severe conditions like aseptic meningitis and acute flaccid myelitis. As summer winds down, the risk of enteroviruses (polio, coxsackie A and B, and echovirus) increases. Calcium lactate has been a go-to remedy for years, often used to ward off cold sores and other viral outbreaks by supporting immune function and promoting healing.
As far back as the 1920s, Dr. Royal Lee, known as the research into the roles of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin F in human health began to shape our understanding of these essential nutrients. By the time Dr. Royal Lee published his influential 1959 article, “Heart Disease—America’s Leading Cause of Death,” the scientific community had accumulated significant clinical data demonstrating the importance of these nutrients in maintaining health.
Over the years, extensive clinical research has supported Dr. Lee’s findings. The wealth of data accumulated by Lee underscores the critical interplay between calcium and vitamin F which ensures calcium reaches the tissues where it's needed most, not just for cardiovascular health, but for the prevention of disorder, managing health conditions and overall health maintenance.
Dr. Royal Lee, often hailed as the "Einstein of Nutrition," was a pioneering researcher who emphasized the vital role of whole foods and natural vitamins in health. He is best known for identifying the dangers of processed foods and synthetic vitamins, asserting that malnutrition, not germs or genes, is the primary cause of disease. His work laid the foundation for holistic nutrition, focusing on the synergy of natural nutrients and the importance of unprocessed foods in preventing modern health issues that is even more relevant today.
“One of the biggest tragedies of human civilization is the precedence of chemical therapy over nutrition. It’s a substitution of artificial therapy over nature, of poisons over food, in which we are feeding people poisons trying to correct the reactions of starvation.” — Dr. Royal Lee, 1951
Assessing Calcium Levels: Simple Tests and Advanced Solutions
To ensure your calcium levels are optimal, several effective assessment methods are available. The calcium cuff test is a quick and straightforward way to determine if calcium is adequately reaching your tissues. For a more comprehensive nutritional evaluation, you can also use the Heart Sound Recorder (HSR). This advanced tool measures heart function and can help identify calcium deficiencies while peering into functional cardio-metabolic health.
Signs of Calcium Deficiency
Calcium deficiency can manifest in various ways, some of which may be surprising. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Nail- or thumb-chewing
High blood serum calcium
Muscle cramps
Receding gums
Kidney stones
Tetany (involuntary muscle contractions)
Mental symptoms (e.g., anxiety)
Cravings
Fevers
Immune Dysfunction
Support for Immune Function:
T Cell Potentiation: Calcium plays a critical role in the activation of T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. The rapid availability of calcium from calcium lactate can potentiate these immune cells more effectively in acute scenarios.
Histamine Regulation: Calcium is involved in stabilizing cell membranes, including mast cells that release histamine. By supporting calcium levels, calcium lactate may help modulate inflammatory responses.
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition that causes intense episodes of swelling, shortness of breath, hives, diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. It’s caused by mast cells (mistakenly) alerting your immune system that there’s something harmful in your body. Ionized calcium regulates the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, thereby supporting overall immune balance and reducing allergic or inflammatory reactions.
Calcium-Rich Foods
In addition to supplementation, it's important to include calcium-rich foods in your diet. Here are some excellent sources:
Raw cheese
Raw milk
Yogurt, especially homemade
Sardines (also the richest food source of RNA ribonucleic acid)
Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens
Grains
I recommend steaming or cooking spinach, kale, and collard greens prior to eating. This helps reduce the oxalates that can inhibit calcium absorption, making the calcium more bioavailable.
Strengthening Your Bones: Beyond Exercise and Supplements
Since I can't discuss calcium without mentioning bone health, let's dive right in—preventing or halting the progression of bone disorders is a topic many people are concerned with. The desire to understand how best to protect their teeth and bone health, especially if they’re not particularly fond of traditional exercises like weightlifting or yoga. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by advice that suggests you must adhere to rigorous exercise regimens or rely solely on specific calcium supplements to build strong bones. But is that truly the most effective approach?
While exercise is undeniably important for bone health, there’s a broader, more nuanced perspective worth considering. Here, I’ll share perspective and insights for nutritional restoration to bone health.
Understanding Bone Health Beyond Aging
Did you know that our bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding, just as every other tissue is our body? There is no reason bone health should decline as we age, given we have what it takes to regenerate!
Four critical aspects of bone health:
Understanding the raw materials necessary for supporting bone integrity.
Identifying the best food sources for a crucial enzyme involved in bone health.
Recognizing the ideal supportive foods for maintaining strong bones.
Assess proper digestion and Stomach acid as the first step in nutrient utilization.
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know
Osteopenia is characterized by bone density lower than normal peak levels but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It signifies an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, where bones become porous, brittle, and prone to fractures due to loss of calcium and other essential minerals. This condition, prevalent in older adults and particularly postmenopausal women, can also result from long-term steroid use and certain endocrine disorders.
A Fascinating Fact
Osteoporosis was virtually unknown before the advent of milk pasteurization. Prior to this, Americans consumed raw milk and cheese, which were rich in essential nutrients for bone health. The misconception that dairy alone is sufficient for bone health persists, but the truth is more complex.
The Critical Role of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme vital for bone formation. It helps calcium bond with bone tissue. Unfortunately, pasteurization destroys ALP, making raw milk and cultured dairy products, like kefir and raw milk cheese, superior sources of this enzyme and calcium. Although these products are hard to find in stores, they can be made at home, as demonstrated in Cook Your Way to Wellness DVD.
Essential Components for Bone Health:
Spring Water (Fluoride-Free): Spring water is a key source of calcium bicarbonate, which is highly absorbable. This mineral form is crucial for bone health and is why I recommend Standard Process Calcium Lactate, which readily converts to calcium bicarbonate in the body.
Protein, Collagen, and Amino Acids: Protein is crucial for bone health as it supports calcium attachment to the collagen matrix. Including protein-rich foods and collagen supplements in your diet is essential. Amino acids, which are critical for protein synthesis, should be consumed in their complete form to ensure proper bone support. See recommended sources below.
Estrogen Receptor Sites (ERS): These sites play a role in stimulating bone growth. Keeping the endocrine system healthy supports ERS function. Supplementing with the right nutrients and maintaining a balanced diet are key to supporting your endocrine health.
What We’ve Learned
While exercise and calcium supplements are important, they are not the sole solutions for preventing bone disorders. A holistic approach, incorporating a balanced diet and understanding the role of various nutrients, can significantly contribute to bone health.
Consider incorporating whole food supplements and making small dietary changes to support your bone health. Remember, even modest improvements can yield beneficial results.
Ideal Support Foods
I advocate for the Wise Traditions diet philosophy that you'll find in my book, and the following supplements to support bone and immune health:
Ostrophin PMG: Supports bone regeneration and repair.
Calcifood Powder: Provides calcium and phosphorous from raw bone meal.
Calcium Lactate: An easily absorbable form of calcium and magnesium.
Symplex M/F: Supports endocrine health with protomorphogen extracts.
Protefood: Supplies essential amino acids and RNA.
Chlorophyll Complex: Contains vitamins A, E, K, and F.
Organically Bound Minerals: A source of alkaline ash minerals.
Zypan: provides the acidity and digestive enzymes necessary for complete assimilation of food to nutrients.
SP Complete is an excellent choice for providing a rich source of amino acids, essential for protein synthesis, muscle repair, and overall cellular function. It supports the body's nutritional needs with a blend of whole food ingredients, ensuring balanced nourishment. It comes unflavored or in tasty vanilla or chocolate for un-beatable prices.
Head on over to my totally free resource Welcome to Wellness for your complete nutrition guide, Digestion Promoting Tips and ways to assess stomach acid levels.
If you are ready to dive into getting your hands on whole-food, quality, without compromise supplementation, head on over to my Standard Process authentic site: Heather Holistics Standard Process Online Store
Another great quality source: https://shopneolife.com/RestorativeNaturopathy
Calcium Lactate vs. Calcium Glycinate
Calcium Lactate and Calcium Glycinate are both popular calcium supplements, but they have different characteristics that influence their perceived benefits. Here’s a breakdown of why some may believe Calcium Glycinate is better and whether marketing hype might be a factor:
Bioavailability:
Calcium Lactate is highly absorbable and easily ionized, which means it efficiently converts into a form that the body can readily use. This one-step ionization process allows it to deliver calcium effectively to the tissues where it's needed, supporting various bodily functions, including bone health and muscle function.
Compared to Calcium Lactate, which ionizes in just one step, other forms of calcium require multiple steps for the body to break them down and absorb the calcium. Calcium Lactate is formed by combining lactic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, making it relatively simple and effective. Usage includes quick biochemical balancing due to its easy absorption and lower gastrointestinal irritation compared to some other forms.
Calcium Glycinate is a chelated form of calcium, where calcium is bound to the amino acid glycine. Chelated minerals are generally thought to be better absorbed and less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues.
Marketing Hype:
Claims: Calcium Glycinate is marketed as having superior absorption and reduced gastrointestinal issues, which can make it appear more attractive.
Scientific Evidence:
While chelation might improve absorption, the differences between calcium lactate and glycinate in practical terms may not be as significant as marketing suggests. Both forms are effective, but the choice might depend on individual tolerance and specific health needs.
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