Health Benefits of Calcium

One of the important minerals needed to sustain a strong and healthy body is calcium. A lot of patients usually think that calcium is only needed to promote strong healthy bones and teeth, but it is also good to know that calcium plays a vital role in multiple body systems.

Calcium is involved in many bodily functions like: muscle contractions, transferring signals from one neuron to another, help carry substances between the cell wall and also vital to maintain the ph balance of blood. 

Calcium levels are strictly regulated by the body, the bones are primarily used to store calcium. When needed, especially when the blood becomes acidic, calcium is slowly released from the bone and reabsorbed again if there is excess calcium.

Calcium supplements are needed to prevent and treat any calcium deficiency. A typical 20 year old adult needs about 1000mg of calcium a day and teenagers who are at a growth spurt needs about 1200 mg a day. Medical experts recommend that supplements are taken in with food and should not exceed more the 600 mg because it is found that excessive calcium intake can slow down absorption. It is recommended to take half the dose in the morning and half in the evening.

Typically, vitamin D is added  to calcium supplements. Vitamin D is important since this vitamin is converted into a hormone that synthesizes the production of intestinal proteins, these intestinal protein on the other hand, help in the absorption of calcium in the gut.

There are a lot of foods rich is calcium. Milk is rich with this mineral and is easily absorbed. The problem with milk is that a lot of individuals are lactose intolerant.

Soya Milk is a vegetable derived milk rich in protein, calcium is added to meet the required levels.

Coral calcium is another excellent source of calcium. Usually is tablet or powder form, this product really comes from fossilized corals. Coral calcium is made of calcium carbonate and trace minerals.

Coral Calcium: Excellent Calcium Source

It’s a common notion that when it comes to calcium, people always think of healthy bones and teeth. Where in fact, calcium is not only needed for bones and teeth, this mineral is also important for other bodily functions as well.

Almost all calcium is stored in bone and a little amount is circulating around our system. Calcium is found all around the tissues and is needed for various functions. Calcium is need for muscle contractions, transmit signals from one neuron to another, transfer nutrients within the cell and many more. Calcium is a vital mineral the body needs to function properly, without it the body will not be able to survive.

Though the majority of calcium is found in bone, this mineral is constantly being released to the circulatory system and reabsorbed again into the bone. A typical American diet consist more on meat instead of vegetables. Meat and bread made of refined flour are more acidic when absorbed in the body, as compared to greens which is more alkaline. When the body senses an acidic environment, calcium stores from the bone are released to maintain the body’s normal ph. 

For this reason dietary supplement of calcium is need to prevent any bone weakening or commonly called osteoporosis. 

A natural supplement that is rich in calcium comes from corals. Coral calcium is composed of calcium carbonate and is one of the easily absorbable forms of calcium. Also, coral calcium naturally contain trace amounts of magnesium, a mineral that also help in the alkalinity of the body.

Coral calcium naturally comes from fossilized corals which were once parts of the coral reef. No live corals are used since this can create a huge environmental impact to the sea's natural eco system.

Typically, coral calcium are harvested either from the bottom of the ocean, also called below sea coral calcium or from above sea. Above sea calcium corals are corals that lived for hundreds of years but have been covered up with layers of sand untilled mined. Below sea corals are already dead corals lying around at the bottom of the ocean floor that are collected by vacuuming.

Natural calcium derived from corals help increase bone density and is excellent for prevention and treating osteoporosis. Coral Calcium are typically sold in tablet from, vitamin D is added to help assist in calcium absorption.

Treat Your Heel Pain With RICE!!!

The best time to go outdoors and have a lot of fun with your family and friends is the summer time. This is the best time to go to the beach, go camping or do all sorts of outdoor stuff. But if you feel pain on your foot, like for example heel pain when you take your first step when you wake up in the morning or heel pain when you step out of the car, this may mean plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a strong fibrous tissue found underneath the foot. It attaches at the calcaneus or heel bone to the balls of the foot. This structure is very important since it maintains the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is under constant stress when walking, running, or when lifting weights. 

With every step, the first part of the foot that hits the ground is the heel bone and this area can be a source of irritation and inflammation that can affect not only the heel bone but the plantar fascia as well. Also, when the plantar fascia is over stretched, this can cause microscopic wounds which can cause pain.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly found among the elderly due to the natural wear and tear of the plantar fascia. This condition also affects athletes, more particularly runners.

If you are affected by this, don’t let your heel pain ruin your wonderful summer days. There are several ways to alleviate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. One easy way is the RICE method.

Rest. Resting the foot is one way of stopping heel pain due to plantar fasciitis. If the foot is allowed to rest for an extended period of time, this can promote wound healing and may cure plantar fasciitis.

Ice. Cold stimuli can control pain and swelling. 

Compression. Wrapping the foot with elastic bandages can help control swelling. Remember not to put the bandages too tight to allow proper blood circulation.

Elevate. Rising the foot above the heart is the best way to reduce swelling. Raising the foot allows venous return.

Another alternative way to treat this type of pain especially if it’s already causing chronic pain is EWST or Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy. This procedure uses shockwaves to allow the plantar fascia to heal naturally. This is a non-invasive procedure and lasts for just a few minutes per session. For most patients, pain relief is felt immediately after only one session.

Plantar Fasciitis One Of The Leading Causes Of Heel Pain

It is pretty common for adults to experience some kind of foot problem, especially on the heel area. Heel pain is one of the common foot problems of adults. This occurs because of the natural wear and tear of the foot. Sadly, daily exercise and activities that are supposed to be good for your health, can be stressful for the foot.

The calcaneus bone or commonly called the heel bone is largest the largest bone of the foot. This large bone is the first structure of the foot that hits the ground when walking or running. Under the foot, there is a very important structure called the plantar fascia. This is a very strong and tough connective tissue, it attaches to the calcaneus bone to the balls of the foot and it keeps the arch of the foot intact. Because of this the plantar fascia is under constant stress especially when carrying heavy objects. Due to the attachment of the plantar fascia below the heel bone, this area can be a source of irritation.

When these structure gets excessively stretched, this puts a lot of stress on the fascia and causes irritation making the heel area inflamed. This is called plantar fascia and this condition is probably the most common cause of heel pain. People who are into sports like runners, sprinters, football, basketball players are prone to develop plantar fasciitis. This occurs because of abrupt force delivered to the foot and irritating the plantar fascia. Certain conditions that can lead to plantar fasciitis are being overweight, having diabetes, or wearing tight or wrong footwear.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are heel pain on the first steps after getting out of bed in the morning or stepping out of a car. Pain gradually deceases after a few steps but pain could heighten up again during the day especially on long standing or climbing up the stairs.

A thorough physical exam and past medical history is expected for a podiatrist to properly diagnose foot pain due to plantar fasciitis. There are different causes of foot pain that can show similar symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A correct diagnosis is the key to proper treatment.

There are several approaches in treating heel pain and the goal is to relieve the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to be stretched excessively. At home, there are easy ways to relieve foot pain. Resting the foot is an effective way to stop the pain. If the foot is allowed to rest long enough, this can encourage healing of the plantar fascia. Ice packs or cold compress provide quick relief of pain and swelling. If pain still persists after these basic treatments, then a podiatrist is needed.

What Are Fungus Nails and How To Treat Them

Around 3 out of 1000 individuals will develop fungus nails in their lifetime. Fungus nails, also known as onychomycosis is the most common cause of nail disease. This can affect the fingernails or toe nail, but the toe nails are more commonly affected.

Toe nails get easily infected by fungus because the feet have poorer circulation compared to the fingers. Usually, blood and other bodily fluids pool to our feet and legs especially when we come of age. This is because of the valves found on our leg veins tend to fail hence the varicose veins and poor circulation. Poor foot circulation means less blood going through the feet, this makes the it difficult for the immune system to reach the tip of our toes where the fungus thrives. Also, most of the time our feet are enclosed in shoes and this makes it an ideal place for the fungus to grow since it is moist, dark and warm.

Fungus are opportunistic organisms and actually they’re always there, waiting for the time when the immune system is low and then they start to flourish. Fungus are also very contagious, common places to get fungus are in communal showers especially in locker rooms and public swimming pools. In fact, fungus are everywhere: on the floor, ground, ceiling – literally everywhere, all of which are waiting for the right conditions for them to grow.

Signs and symptoms are a discolored, thickened, and distorted nail. Usually colored yellow, the nails become rough and can be dislodged or separated from the nail bed. Fungus nails are typically painless but in some cases, the nail can chip or break and puncture the skin. This can irritate the skin and cause local inflammation which can bring about considerable pain.

Fungus nail treatment is difficult since the fungal growth is within the nails. Topical medications may take months to years to take effect since the medication cannot reach the source of the growth. 

Keryflex Nail Restoration System is the modern way to treat unsightly fungus nails. In just 15 minutes after treatment, all nails will be restored absolutely pain free. Patients can enjoy immediate relief and wear their favorite flip flops on their way out the clinic. 

For more information please visit www.familyfootandlegcenter.com or contact:  

Clinical Director: Kevin Lam DPM

Company Name: Family Foot & Leg Center, P.A.

Company Address: 661 Goodlette Road, Suite 103

12250 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 101

Naples, FL

Work Phone: 239 430 3668