No more "I can’t take calcium. I have kidney stones!"

Young Chiropractic shares new nutrition research that shows the opposite: calcium taken with meals may actually protect you from forming kidney stones.

Yes, you have likely heard that calcium should not be ingested if you form kidney stones. This has been shown to be false in several well-done studies. Actually, a high intake of calcium reduces the risk of kidney stones. There is no support that a low calcium diet reduces the risk of kidney stones. A study of 45,600 patients showed no relationship of calcium ingestion with kidney stone formation. (1) Now, that’s a big study!

But why? Because kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate when calcium and oxalic acid bind together in the urine. Taking calcium with meals causes the calcium to bind with oxalate in the food we eat which keeps it from getting into the urinary tract where kidney stones form. (2) Great news for Easley kidney stone sufferers!

So, when confronted with the decision of whether or not to take calcium supplements for prevention of osteopenia, osteoporosis and the fractures of the spine and extremities that are prevalent with these conditions, keep this information in mind. Read these articles. And, like any other form of care, use good judgment, and consult your chiropractic clinic, Young Chiropractic in Easley, for advice on the best form of calcium to take, its dosage, and accompanying diet factors to assist in the best and safest ingestion of calcium. We are here for your health!