Vitamin D from sunshine helps metabolize calcium.
Calcium occurs in the body more than any other element. It is present in bones, nails, hair, teeth and nerves as well as being a muscle relaxant and a vital mineral for detoxifying the blood. Calcium increases the secretion of insulin and inhibits thyroid-releasing hormones, but when the body has too much or too little calcium or it is not properly metabolized, problems occur.
Significance
Calcium deposits are the result of poor metabolism of calcium rather than too much calcium in the body. Calcium absorption is regulated by magnesium and phosphorus levels, vitamins A and D, and the thyroid, which depends on iodine to function. Too little iodine can lead to low thyroid activity, resulting in calcium becoming bio-unavailable. This in turn may lead to calcium deposits in the soft tissues. Too much sugar and fluoride can upset the calcium/phosphorus balance and inhibit the absorption of calcium in the intestines, again leading to deposits.
Types
When there is too much unmetabolized calcium in the body, it migrates in lumps to the soft connective tissues between joints. This condition is called calcinosis and comes in two main forms: metastatic and dystophic.
Metastatic calcinosis is either hypercalcemia, which occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood, or hyperphosphatemia, which occurs when the calcium is not metabolized because of too much phosphorus in the blood.
Tumoral calcinosis is classified as metastatic. Research suggests that this condition is hereditary and results from elevated phosphorus levels. Metatstatic calcinosis is a long-standing complaint and often related to thyroid activity or renal disease.
Dystrophic calcinosis is when calcium deposits occur in the soft tissues but there is no sign of abnormal phosphorus levels.
Effects
Mestastatic calcinosis affects lungs, eyes, brain, kidneys, stomach and the soft tissues between and around joints. Tumoral calcinosis causes huge calcified masses to form in the tissue and muscles around hips, shoulders, elbows, hands and chest walls. Dystrophic calcinosis is less obvious. Calcium deposits form in the soft tissues but not as a result of abnormal phosphorus or calcium metabolism. This condition is often detected at the site of scarring or previous injury.
Treatment
There is little effective treatment for calcinosis. Large calcium deposits are generally removed by surgery; however, the trauma induced by surgery may cause more calcium deposits to form.
Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed, but they offer pain relief rather than cure. Various antacids may be given to control the amount of phosphorus and allow calcium to be properly metabolized. Warfarin has been known to have some benefit.
A dietary substance called myo-inositol has been used on animals and shown to inhibit the formation of calcium deposits, but as of June 2010, this treatment is still experimental.
Considerations
To facilitate the metabolism of calcium it is important to eat a balanced diet that is calcium-rich and low in sugar and saturated fat. Most soft drinks and sodas contain excessive amounts of sugar and fluoride, which can upset the body's calcium/phosphorus balance. The body's ability to metabolize calcium diminishes with age and might lead to osteoporosis as well as calcinosis. Regular weight-bearing exercise is also recommended, and if you exercise outdoors, you will also benefit from a dose of vitamin D.
Tags: soft tissues, calcium deposits, phosphorus levels, abnormal phosphorus, calcium body, calcium phosphorus, calcium phosphorus balance
