Calcium Deficiency
...igh levels of one can produce low levels of the other like excessive potassium can lower calcium levels. The mineral component of the bone matrix is instantly related to the levels of the minerals in the bloodstream. One might ask how you replace the loss of calcium. The primary way is through dietary intake. An elderly person may have a decreased appetite which may hinder their bodies from receiving adequate calcium. Inadequate calcium in your diet can lead to degenerative diseases and medical conditions such as osteoporosis. Substances in certain foods that one consumes can inhibit the absorption of calcium. Large quantities of saturated fat, oxalic acid which is found in chocolate and many dark green leafy vegetables, and phytic acid found in grains prevent calcium absorption. The reason for that is these foods contain calcium-binding substances. Even though these aspects hinder absorption, large quantities of sucrose in a diet can enhance calcium excretion. The daily allowance for calcium for the healthy older adult over 65 rises to 1,200 to 1,500 mg per day. This could be a stressful task for an elderly client who may be on medications and are not focused on consuming an average dietary consumption of calcium. A typical American diet consists of high fat, high protein, high phosphate, high sodium foods and beverages. This overly acidic diet upsets the body’s acid-alkaline balance by draining our body of alkaline minerals, like calcium. 98% of these minerals are in bones, 1% in teeth, and 1% in cells and bodily fluids. Insufficient calcium leads to the breakdown and thinning of bones. Bones become weak and fragile which can easily fracture. The elderly tend to have a lower production of digestive acids in their stomach. Digestion of calcium must be made soluble in the stomach and th...