What Are The Best Ayurvedic Supplements For Calcium Deficiency?

ABSTRACT

Calcium is one of the most important minerals present in the body. It is found all over the body like bones, teeth, blood, muscle cells etc. Calcium is essential for blood clotting, the normal functioning of enzymes, muscle contraction and many others. The level of calcium in the body is maintained in a well manner so that if the level of calcium in the blood is decreased, calcium from the bones moves to the blood to maintain a steady level. Calcium deficiency is defined as a low level of calcium in the blood. It is also known as Hypocalcemia. A low level of calcium in the blood can lead to many symptoms like fatigue and muscle pain. Calcium is an important element in the body that has many functions, so its deficiency can lead to many changes in the body and its parts. Here we are going to study calcium deficiency, the difference between elemental calcium and herbo-mineral calcium and diet for hypocalcemia. Also, we take a look at detailed study of products Coral cal flow and Coral calcium complex by Planet Ayurveda. Let’s start! 

INTRODUCTION

For the normal function of the body, all the elements should be in their natural state. A proper amount of all elements is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Any changes in the normal amount of elements lead to its deficiency or excess. Hypocalcemia is the same state in which the calcium level of the blood is below the normal level. Parathyroid glands present in the throat are responsible for making Parathyroid hormone. This hormone regulates the amount of calcium in the bones and blood. It also helps in the regulation of magnesium and phosphorus in the bones and blood. A low level of Parathyroid hormone can also be a reason for calcium deficiency. There are many factors which affect calcium levels in the blood. So, for the proper functioning of the body system, we need to consider all the factors responsible for this. A low level of dietary intake can also lead to its deficiency. So it is necessary to take a proper amount of calcium to maintain normal body functions. Hypocalcemia is a disease that affects people of all age groups as well as infants. The causes of hypocalcemia depends on the age at which it develops. For example, infants having hypocalcemia may be due to genetic problems.

CAUSES OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

Hypocalcemia is a result of loss of too much calcium from the urine or less amount of calcium moved from bones to the blood. Common causes responsible for Hypocalcemia are as follows

• Low dietary intake of calcium
• People with lactose intolerance, not consuming dairy products
• Vitamin D deficiency as vitamin D helps in absorbing calcium
• Parathyroid gland-related problems when the parathyroid gland does not produce enough parathyroid hormone which regulates calcium levels in the blood
• Kidney disorders which result in excess calcium excretion through urine.
• Kidney disease also makes the kidneys less activate vitamin D.  
• Certain medications like anti-seizure medication and some antibiotics
• Hypomagnesemia reduces the activity of the Parathyroid hormone
• Being born without parathyroid glands
• Pancreatitis

SYMPTOMS OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

Usually, patients with mild calcium deficiency often do not show any symptoms. If the calcium levels are low for a long time period, the patient may develop symptoms of

• Muscle cramps as calcium play an important role in muscle contractions.
• It mainly involves the legs and back region
• Brittle nails
• Dry and scaly skin
• Coarse hair
• If calcium deficiency is left untreated it can cause neurological and psychological symptoms which include memory problems, depression, hallucinations and restlessness
• Severe Hypocalcemia can lead to muscle aches, tingling of fingers, lips and nails, seizures, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), tetany and congestive heart failure

DIAGNOSIS FOR CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

Diagnosis of Hypocalcemia is done majorly by blood test in which levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Parathyroid hormones and vitamin D are observed. Following other, diagnostic tests performed to detect Hypocalcemia are

• Routine blood tests
• EKG (electrocardiogram) to check abnormal heart rhythm
• Bone imaging tests for rickets

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELEMENTAL AND HERBO-MINERAL CALCIUM

ELEMENTAL CALCIUM

Elemental calcium is used to treat low levels of calcium in the blood. It helps in increasing calcium levels to the patients who are unable to get enough calcium from the diet. As in Osteoporosis in which bones are weak and brittle and in Hypoparathyroidism in which parathyroid hormone level is very low and in Tetany in which low calcium level in muscles, Elemental calcium is very effective. It provides essential nutrients which helps in bone formation and maintenance. It is given to patients like pregnant women, nursing women and post menopausal women to make sure their calcium levels are enough. It is also necessary for proper function of bones , muscle and nerves. Elemental calcium can be taken with food for better absorption. It may cause side effects in some patients like constipation and upset stomach. In case of overdose of Elemental calcium, patients may have symptoms of trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, headache and weakness.

HERBO-MINERAL CALCIUM

Herbo-minerals are the formulations that contain specific metals or minerals in their composition. Due to minerals and metals it is very beneficial to the body system. Herbo-mineral calcium capsules are the Ayurvedic formulations that contain calcium which helps to prevent Calcium deficiency. These supplements helps in bone health and other calcium related issues. There are many types of herbo-mineral calcium supplements that help in calcium deficiency and also maintain bone health.      

DIET FOR IMPROVING CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

The easy and the safe way to get calcium to treat calcium deficiency is to increase diet intake that is rich in calcium. There are many foods that are rich in calcium which are useful to prevent calcium deficiency. These may be

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, Yogurt. Milk and cheese are good source of calcium as they are rich in calcium and proteins
• Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can be eaten raw and also in cooked form. These are rich in magnesium, calcium and vitamin K which helps in bone integrity and bone metabolism
• Seeds that are rich in calcium like chia seeds. Chia seeds helps the body to metabolise calcium, magnesium and phosphorous
• Beans and lentils like green beans, soybeans, peas and red millets are rich source of calcium that helps in fulfilling the calcium deficiency
• Fruits like fig, dried apricots, oranges, dates and papaya also rich in calcium and helps in preventing calcium deficiency

BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR CALCIUM DEFICIENCY BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbal products that are very helpful in maintaining overall health. As Herbal supplements by Planet Ayurveda are made up from natural herbs, its efficiency of action is very high. Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of herbal products like herbal teas, capsules, tablets and cosmetic products. Each of these products are made up of purest herbal extract and tested for purity and consistency. Coral cal flow and Coral calcium complex are the herbal capsules that play a major role in the treatment of calcium deficiency. These herbal capsules are made up of all the neutral herbs that are free from chemicals, any impurities or any additives. These herbal capsules are made up of highly efficient herbs that contain pure extract.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. CORAL CAL FLOW

Coral Cal Flow is a polyherbal formulation offered by Planet Ayurveda which is used for calcium deficiency. It contains Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)  satva (extract of giloy plant), Mukta shukti Bhasma, Kapardika bhasma, Praval pishti, Godanti bhasma and many more Ayurvedic compounds. This polyherbal capsule is well known for its function to improve bone pain and calcium deficiency. It also helps in improving joint function in Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These capsules contain high quality extract that is rich in calcium and other micronutrients. It helps in supporting bone and joint health. It contains following ingredients

Ingredients Description

• Mukta Shukti – Mukta shukti is formulated from a pearl oyster shell which is rich in minerals like calcium carbonate, aluminium oxide and magnesium oxide. It is helpful in treatment of many diseases like calcium deficiency. It can also be given in rickets, arthritis, chronic fever, hyperacidity, constipation, leucorrhea, cold, cough and in peptic ulcers.
• Kapardak Bhasma – Kaparda is mainly a calcium carbonate compound. It  has katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) rasa (taste), Laghu (light), Rooksha (dry) and Teekshana (sharp) Guna (nature), Ushna veerya ( hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (result after digestion) properties that helps in balancing Vata and Kapha dosha. As it is a compound of calcium carbonate it is useful in calcium deficiency.
• Praval Pishti – Praval Pishti (coral calcium) is used for various diseases treatment in Ayurveda. It is very useful in a number of diseases like calcium deficiency, low bone mineral density, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention, headache, bleeding disorder, fever and many more.
• Godanti Bhasma – Godanti bhasma is a Dihydrate of calcium sulphate which is one of the important ingredients of Coral Cal Flow capsule. It is used in treatment of many diseases like chronic fever, typhoid, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, gastric problems and burning sensation. As it is a dihydrate of calcium, it is used as a supplement of calcium which helps in treatment of calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, back pain and rickets.
• Giloy Satva – In Ayurveda, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Satva is considered for its highest medicinal values. It is an immune-modulator herb. Giloy Satva is the extract obtained from Giloy stems. It has properties like antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating and anti-cancer herb. It also reduces toxins from the body. It helps in pacifying all the three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is also used in various diseases like hyperacidity, indigestion,interstitial cystitis, gout, reduces excess uric acid, skin disorders like leprosy, swelling and itching of skin. This herb helps to prevent the body from diseases and maintain overall health.
• Dugdh Pashan – Dugdh Pashan is an ingredient used in the formation of Coral Cal Flow. It helps in balancing Pitta dosha, improves taste perception, cure fever and skin disorders.

Dosage:  1-2 capsules twice daily with water, after meals.

2. CORAL CALCIUM COMPLEX

Coral Calcium Complex is a formulation used in the treatment of calcium deficiency; it contains a number of different compounds like Praval Pishti (Coral), Akik Pishti (Agate), Jahar Mohra pishti, Guduchi and many more. It helps in maintaining healthy calcium levels in the body, maintaining the health of bones, and maintaining healthy muscles and nerves. It also maintains good heart and immune system health. Herbs that are used in making this compound are rich sources of calcium thus helpful in various bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis etc. This formulation contains a number of ingredients that are described as follows

Ingredients Description

• Kamdudha Ras – It is a herbo-mineral classical formulation and commonly indicated in management of Pitta disorders. It has soothing and calming effects on the gut. It consists of Sheeta Veerya (cold potency), thus helps in balancing digestive fire. It reduces inflammation of gastric and esophageal mucosa. This herb has many health benefits like bleeding disorders, weakness, fever, hyperacidity, headache, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disorder.
• Jahar Mohra Pishti – Jahar Mohra (also called Serpentine) pishti is an Ayurvedic mineral based formulation prepared from Jahar Mohra stone. It is beneficial in diseases like menorrhagia, high blood pressure, digestive problems like antidiarrheal, antacid and digestive stimulant, Pitta related diseases and consist of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Jahar Mohra pishti is also a rich source of calcium, so it is useful in treatment of calcium deficiency. It is also useful for teeth, bones and muscles.
• Akik Pishti – Akik Pishti is an Ayurvedic formulation that is known to consist of a mixture of many herbs and minerals. Akik (Agate) pishti is well known to treat problems of heart, mental health and eyes. It is indicated in heartburn, heart weakness, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, uterine bleeding in females and conjunctivitis. This pishti helps to promote bone formation.

Dosage:  1 capsule twice daily after meals with water.

CONCLUSION

Calcium is one of the most important mineral present in the body. Mostly , the calcium is stored in the bones. Hypocalcemia is a condition that is produced when there is a low level of calcium in the blood (not in the bone). When blood calcium levels drops, our bones release calcium in the blood to componsate it. A long term hypocalcemia leads to use more calcium from the bones, thus causing weakening and degeneration of the bones and causes condition of osteoporosis. Thus it is mandatory to balance the level of calcium in the blood. As there are no early symptoms of calcium deficiency in the body so one should take a diet which is rich in calcium to avoid such condition of hypocalcemia. Apart from this, deficiency of vitamin D is also responsible so it should also be maintained. To prevent the chances of hypocalcemia, a strict control on diet should mandatory. Treating the cause of hypocalcemia is same important as treating hypocalcemia.