Overdoing calcium? 5 calcium-rich foods you should eat in moderation
We all are well aware of the fact that consuming anything in excess can be harmful to our health.
Calcium is an important nutrient required for the healthy functioning of the
body. It is important to maintain bone, heart and teeth health and also
promotes the functioning of the nerves and muscles.
Calcium deficiency can lead to diseases like osteoporosis, hypocalcemia and osteopenia. But on the other hand, an excessive amount of calcium in the body can backfire. Here is what you need to know about excessive consumption of calcium.
How high levels of calcium can be harmful?
High levels of calcium in the body is known as hypercalcaemia. There
are many factors that can contribute to this condition. Some of the
reasons include not having enough water, excessive consumption of
calcium-rich foods, hyperparathyroidism and granulomatous diseases.
Symptoms of hypercalcaemia
Some common symptoms of excessive calcium in the body include
fatigue, muscle cramps, bone pain, nausea, constipation, excessive
thirst and urination and irritability.
Problems caused by high calcium levels
Hypercalcaemia can be harmful as it can lead to kidney stones,
kidney failure, dementia, confusion, osteoporosis and heart problems.
Severe hypercalcaemia can also result in the patient slipping into a
coma.
To avoid any such complications, one must eat calcium-rich foods in
moderation. Here is a list of 5 calcium-rich foods you must not overeat.
Cheese
Apart from being extremely delicious, cheese is an excellent source
of calcium. But consuming too much cheese can lead to weight gain and
other problems.
Spinach
No doubt, leafy greens are an important part of our daily diet. As
per experts, one must consume at least 2.5 cups of leafy green
vegetables each day.
But the presence of compounds like oxalate in spinach can lead to kidney stones when consumed in excess.
Nuts
Nuts are a good source of calcium and
healthy fats. But excessive consumption can add extra calories to your
diet, thereby promoting weight gain and leading to other problems
related to hypercalcaemia.
Beans
Beans - the healthy green vegetable is
a good source of calcium, fibre and protein. As per doctors, one must
consume around 2.5 cups of green vegetables every day. But again,
excessive consumption can lead to unhealthy belly fat and weight gain.
Soy milk
Soy milk is extremely popular among
vegans. It is a rich source of calcium. But the isoflavones in soy milk
can lead to fertility issues and other long term health problems.