Thursday, April 6, 2023

Understanding the link between IBS and Calcium Deficiency as well as Calcium Carbonate and IBS-D

 ‍Figure: Natural food and vegetables high in calcium can also be supplemented further by spreading Totally Calcium on them without altering the taste or flavor.

Calcium is an essential mineral for our bodies. It plays an important role in bone health, muscle contraction, and nervous system functioning. But did you know that calcium deficiency can also lead to other health problems, such as IBS and IBD-D? In this blog, we’ll explore the link between IBS and calcium deficiency as well as calcium carbonate and IBS-D.

What is IBS and Calcium Deficiency?

Commonly occurring irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that mostly affects the large intestine. It is characterized by symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, cramping, pain, constipation and diarrhea. It can range from mild to severe and can be difficult to diagnose.

Calcium deficiency, or hypocalcemia, is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough calcium in the bloodstream. It is caused by a variety of factors, including dietary deficiencies, malabsorption, and certain medications. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, and tingling in the fingers and toes. It can also lead to more serious health problems, such as osteoporosis.

What is the link between IBS and Calcium Deficiency?

There is some evidence to suggest that calcium deficiency may be linked to IBS. One study found that IBS patients had lower levels of calcium in their blood than those without IBS. Additionally, calcium supplementation has been found to reduce symptoms of IBS. It is thought that calcium may help to reduce inflammation in the intestines, which in turn can reduce symptoms of IBS.

Calcium also plays an important role in regulating the movement of the large intestine. If calcium levels are low, the movement can be disrupted, leading to constipation and other symptoms of IBS. Additionally, calcium is needed for healthy digestion, and a deficiency can cause issues such as gas and bloating.

What is Calcium Carbonate and IBS-D?

Calcium carbonate is a form of calcium supplement that is available over the counter. It is often used to treat calcium deficiency and can help to prevent calcium deficiency related diseases. It is also sometimes used to treat IBD-D, which stands for Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Diarrhea. IBD-D is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. It is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.  Calcium carbonate often becomes the cause of gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort which adds one more dimension to discomfort related to IBD-D.  Instead, water soluble calcium supplements like Totally Calcium may eliminate the discomfort of gas and bloating as well as alleviate the symptoms of IBD-D the digestive tract.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

The most common symptom of calcium deficiency is muscle cramps. Other symptoms include fatigue, tingling in the fingers and toes, dry skin, brittle nails, and impaired nerve transmission. Calcium deficiency can also lead to more serious health problems, such as osteoporosis and heart arrhythmia.

Complications and Diseases associated with Calcium Deficiency

A calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of complications and diseases. Osteoporosis is one of the most common complications associated with calcium deficiency. It is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle. Other complications include kidney stones, hypertension, and hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, calcium deficiency can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colon cancer.In addition, those who regularly take proton pump inhibitor drugs they might have poor absorption of calcium due to low solubilities of calcium carbonate like supplements.  This solubility related poor absorption issues could be resolved if a soluble calcium supplements like Totally Calcium is chosen as a supplement.

Diagnosis of Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency is usually diagnosed with a blood test. The test measures the amount of calcium in the blood and is used to diagnose both hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia. Additionally, a urine test may be used to measure the amount of calcium in the urine. This can help to confirm a diagnosis of calcium deficiency.

Treatment and Management Options for Calcium Deficiency

The treatment and management of calcium deficiency depends on the cause. If the deficiency is caused by dietary deficiencies or malabsorption, then the first step is to adjust the diet to include more calcium-rich foods. In some cases, calcium supplements may also be prescribed.

In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle changes can also help to manage calcium deficiency. Regular exercise and weight-bearing activities can help to keep bones strong. Additionally, avoiding smoking, alcohol, and processed foods can help to reduce the risk of calcium deficiency.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Calcium Deficiency

Making dietary and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of calcium deficiency. Eating a diet that is rich in calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, dark leafy greens, and certain types of fish, can help to increase calcium intake. Additionally, getting regular exercise and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and processed foods can help to reduce the risk of calcium deficiency.

Conclusion

Calcium is an essential mineral for our bodies and a calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, such as IBS and IBS-D. The link between IBS and calcium deficiency is thought to be related to the role calcium plays in regulating the movement of the large intestine.

Making dietary and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of calcium deficiency. Eating a diet that is rich in calcium-rich foods and getting regular exercise can help to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of calcium deficiency. If you are experiencing symptoms of calcium deficiency, it is important to speak to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.If you want to learn more about calcium deficiency and how to prevent or manage it, check out our blogs for more helpful tips.

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