We all eat to support our bodies and feel satisfied throughout our days. Whether or not you think about it, the foods you choose to eat have a direct impact on your health and overall well-being.

A varied diet of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains often takes the spotlight when it comes to talking about a healthy diet, but don’t forget about minerals!

Minerals like calcium play a vital role in the health of our bones and our entire body. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care NC team explains all about calcium below.

What Does Calcium Do For Me?

You probably think of your bones when you think about calcium! You would be right that the majority of your calcium stores are in your bones, and the rest (about 1%) is found in your blood, muscles and other tissues.

Calcium helps support stronger bones that will literally carry you through life. That’s not all it does, though! This mineral also helps your blood clot better, it helps regulate your heart rhythm and it supports your muscle contractions. While your body does have calcium stored, you need to be supporting that storage by consuming foods that are rich in this important mineral.

Tasty Foods That Contain Calcium

• Milk, cheese or dairy products
• Green, leafy vegetables
  
• Winter squash
• Nuts like almonds

What Happens if I Don’t Have Enough Calcium in My Body?

When your body needs to use calcium, it will either be able to pull it from the foods you eat or it will have to pull it from your bones. If you don’t support your diet with calcium (and vitamin D to help the body absorb that calcium), your bones will eventually become weaker as the calcium deposits get used up. Over time, this can lead to a diagnosis like osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones become so weak that even simple everyday tasks like bending over to pick something off the ground can result in a broken bone. Supporting your body through the foods you eat is one of the best ways to take care of yourself throughout your life.

Signs of a Potential Osteoporosis Diagnosis

• Back pain
• Loss of height over time
• Frequent fractures
• Stooped posture
  

We can diagnose and treat broken bones! Stop by one of our AFC Urgent Care NC locations today.