Calcium and Belly Fat -
Calcium Deficiency?

Something to consider when planning your diet and exercise program to get rid of your belly fat.  Calcium as we all know is necessary to protect and maintain your bones. According to a study from Rutgers University, women who exercised and reduced calorie intake absorbed less calcium than women who didn't exercise or diet.

There are numerous studies out there showing that calcium can contribute to successful weight loss.  It would appear that post-menopausal women need more calcium than their younger sisters.  This Rutgers study indicated that 2,000 mg of calcium a day is needed for a postmenopausal woman who is on a reduced calorie diet and exercising.  However, if you try to take a supplement for that much calcium, you are probably going to experience digestive upset.

I find it interesting that it is the combination of exercise and reduced calorie diet that appears to cause this group of women to actually absorb less calcium.

Could a simpler answer be the type of diet?  If you center your diet on fresh vegetables then you are going to consume a natural source of calcium.  No milk is not the be all end all of calcium supply.  If the daily calories are reduced by eliminating sugar, white flour products, and fried foods that leaves plenty of room for healthy food.

Would walking be the best exercise? You build muscles in your legs which in turn causes the bones to absorb more calcium.  Small hand weights used for arm exercises do the same thing for your arms.  That leaves the core muscles which you need to hold in your stomach. Moderate exercise increases calcium absorption but heavy exercise hinders calcium absorption.

Start today to increase your calcium intake from low-calorie low-fat sources.  If you want a specific supplement in this area then make it Lysine.  Lysine is needed for calcium absorption.  Too much magnesium compared to the calcium can retard calcium absorption.  Zinc and calcium also work well together in proper proportion but interfere if one or the other is excessive.

You might want to consider getting a hair analysis to determine what your current levels are.

Sources of Calcium

Salmon with bones, sardines, seafood and green leafy vegetables. Asparagus, brewer's yeast, broccoli, collards, dandelion greens, kale, kelp, mustard greens, turnip greens, watercress.

Some herbs that have calcium include alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, flaxseed, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, nettle, and red clover. (this is not a complete list)

Some indications of calcium deficiency include:

brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression and cognitive impairment.