Is a Calcium Deficiency Causing Your
High Blood Pressure?

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I grew up associating calcium deficiency with tooth cavities, brittle bones, and not drinking enough milk, but did not really appreciate that the lack of calcium actually disrupts many systems in the body.

Pregnant women are often warned to be sure to have dental check-ups throughout their pregnancy as it is a known fact that cavities can develop when the growing foetus draws on the mothers calcium reserves. This phenomena adds weight to the argument that calcium deficiency and hypertension are linked as you are about to learn.

Parents should educate their children at an early age and in a simplified way, not only about the importance of nutrition, but how the pairing of nutrients play a vital role in regulating systems around the body.

Did you know the most bountiful of minerals in your body is calcium? About 99% of it is contained in the bones and teeth. The other 1% is used in combination with other minerals and vitamins to regulate blood pressure, heart beat, blood clotting, to name a few.

But calcium has also other important uses throughout the organs especially the systems for regulating blood pressure.

It is needed to help muscles contract, including those of our artery walls. It is required for the production of enzymes and hormones that have a part to play in fat metabolism. Can these systems perform normally if a calcium deficiency exists?

Some mineral combinations that help keep blood pressure levels in check are -

  • Calcium and Magnesium – for heartbeat and blood vessel dilation
  • Sodium and Potassium
  • Potassium and Calcium with sodium reduction. (figs are recommended by nutritionists as they are high in potassium and calcium)
    • Does the following example prove that high blood pressure is one of the symptoms of calcium deficiency?

    The American Heart Association wrote an article discussing the Puerto Rico Heart Health Program of 1965 – 68 in which they made some interesting observations that we can take careful note of.

    A data base test was carried out to determine blood pressure, other measures and a 24-hour dietary recall. This test would also ascertain if there is any support to the hypothesis that low calcium intake is related to high blood pressure.

    What was discovered? Did the data reveal a link with hypertension and a calcium deficiency?

    By testing 7932 men between the ages of 45 – 64, it was revealed among urban Puerto Rican men and older rural men without baseline coronary heart disease who were not prescribed any anti-hypertensive drugs that a relationship existed between their consumption of milk and “definite” hypertension. (I added the dittos) Gathering data from all the groups of these 7932 men, it was further revealed that those who did not drink milk had double the increase of hypertension compared to those who drank 1 quart of milk a day. More information came to light through this test when the same persistent effect was seen in the total calcium intake from other sources of food but mainly from milk even when other factors were taken into consideration. Yet it still concluded as an unsubstantiated result due to the “intricate network of co-varying food intakes, the factors related to absorption or lack of absorption of calcium, and the possible role that unmeasured social and cultural factors may play in the observed relations” As the article described it.


    Testing the “Salt Sensitive” diagnosis

    Has your doctor diagnosed you as “salt sensitive”? Did he refer you for tests? If yes then take his recommendation to cut down on salt, to heart. Albeit, so many are diagnosed as such without tests.

    Something else to ponder over is that only 10% of the population suffer from salt sensitivity. A much larger percentage still suffer from hypertension, bringing us to conclude that not everyone must be salt sensitive and really should make sure they are getting enough sodium in their diet. Low sodium can cause an imbalance too that can affect blood pressure.

    If your doctor has not tested you for salt sensitivity, why not give yourself a preliminary test? Measure your blood pressure first and then cut out salt completely for 2 weeks if you can stand it. At the end of that period take your blood pressure again. If it has not changed then you are not salt sensitive and something else, such as a calcium deficiency, is causing your blood pressure. Then go talk constructively with your GP.

    Supplementing to Offset a Calcium Deficiency

    What is the recommended RDA for calcium and how can you make sure you are absorbing enough calcium? The Food and Nutrition Board have set the RDA of calcium to

  • 1300mg per day for 14 – 18 years
  • 1000mg per day for 19 – 50 years
  • 1200mg per day for 50+

    • Notice how the calcium RDA increases after 50? This is due to the lessened ability of older persons to absorb minerals.

    Be aware too, that acidosis can cause serious health problems. Susan Insole discusses how maintaining your body`s pH balance can stave off a safety mechanism, leading to a calcium deficiency.

    Here are some ways to help your body absorb more adequately.

  • Have a balanced magnesium intake, as well as zinc.
  • Beware of oxalates, alcohol, caffeine, antacids, sodium, phosphates, and fibre that can interfere directly or indirectly with the absorption of calcium.
  • Cleanse your colon from years of plaque which only hampers the colon`s ability to absorb minerals.
  • Take a highly, bio available supplement that will greatly enhance the absorption.

    • If you would like to view some brochures on calcium supplements I personally recommend, please request them using the form below.

    Gem.

    Caution!

    Talk to your doctor first before taking any steps to self-diagnose. Acting on a wrong diagnosis, could cause you harm. See the disclaimer at the foot of this page.

    Our bodies need minerals and trace mineral, Calcium being only one of them. Unfortunately, the farming methods have long depleted the soils, so our foods do not contain the nutrients they used to in order to maintain optimum health. By supplementing your diet you give your body a fighting chance against disease. For more information, or if you have a personal question, fill in the help box below.
    See my page on Minerals if you have a Calcium Deficiency

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