Although calcium plays a role in everyone's bone health, if you're a woman of childbearing age, getting this mineral may be especially important. Studies suggest that calcium may play a role in not only keeping your bones strong, but also relieving stress and anxiety that rise before your period. Calcium is not a standard treatment for generalized anxiety, and research does not support using this mineral to treat stress related to causes other than premenstrual syndrome.
Calcium
Your body contains more calcium than any other mineral. In addition to creating a strong skeletal system, calcium is important in the proper functioning of your heart, muscles and nerves. In order for your body to absorb calcium properly, you need adequate amounts of phosphorus, magnesium and vitamins D and K. A balanced diet supplies adequate amounts of calcium for most people, although some people benefit from supplements.
PMS Moodiness
In addition to breast tenderness, weight gain and fatigue, common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome often include irritability, depression and mood swings. In one large study, symptoms of PMS decreased by 50 percent in women who took 1,200 mg of calcium daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dosage
Certain foods and beverages are rich sources of calcium. These sources include dairy products, dark leafy greens, oysters, broccoli, almonds and canned salmon. Your daily calcium intake from food and supplements combined should not exceed 2,500 mg. Adults ages 19 to 50 can take about 1,000 mg of calcium per day in supplemental form. Your body can only absorb about 500 mg of calcium at a time, making it important to divide the daily dose. The two most popular forms of calcium supplements are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate is easy to absorb, although it is more expensive and delivers less elemental calcium than calcium carbonate, the kind of calcium in many antacids.
Precautions
Taking calcium supplements may cause constipation and nausea. There is no evidence that calcium supplements can help calm feelings of general anxiety or stress. Talk to your doctor if you experience emotional stress that disrupts your normal routine or affects your eating and sleeping habits.
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