Bone Health: Choosing a calcium supplement that’s right for you

Calcium is critical for bone and teeth health, muscle contraction, blood clotting, regulating heart rhythm, and serves as a co-factor for many enzyme processes. The body does not produce calcium, so it is important to make sure you are getting adequate intake of this nutrient, either in food or a quality supplement. But what foods are good sources and what should you look for in a calcium supplement?

Food as Medicine

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Healthy food is the best medicine. And the best approach to disease is prevention. Our bodies absorb vital nutrients and minerals from food better than they do from most supplements.

When it comes to calcium-rich foods, many people often think of milk and other dairy products. While milk does contain a hefty dose of calcium, it also comes with numerous side effects. In addition to being the most common self-reported allergen in the world, milk and other dairy products increase inflammationand other complications, even for those who are not lactose intolerant. Other valuable food sources of calcium include:

• tofu