Calcium is an important nutrient throughout your life. It is crucial for your body to build and maintain strong bones and is an essential component in regulating your heartbeat, contraction of your blood vessels, muscle movement, proper nerve functions, and hormonal balance that affects many activities of your body. Ironically, calcium is one of the top nutrients that Canadians have a prevalence of inadequate intake, especially in the senior population. Here are some interesting facts that may help you to acquire adequate calcium for strong bone and overall health.
Your bones act as a calcium bank for your body
About 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. Our bodies withdraw calcium from your bones when needed for metabolic functions, and deposit it back when there is enough to spare. Much more bone is deposited as the skeleton grows in both size and density during childhood and adolescence. For most people, bone mass reaches its maximum strength and density by the time they reach their late twenties and starts to decline after reaching their early thirties. Getting adequate amounts of calcium daily not only helps to build strong bones but also maintains a good reserve of calcium for your future needs.
Too much vs too less
The recommended daily calcium intake for adults between the ages of 19 and 50 is 1,000 mg, and 1,200 mg for those over 50. Poor calcium intake over a long period of time, especially during childhood, is associated with lower bone mass, higher bone fracture rates, muscles cramps and spasms, numbness and tingling in fingers, memory loss, weak nails and slow hair growth. Excess calcium in your blood stream can cause constipation, vomiting, kidney stones and interference with heart and brain functions. The upper limit for calcium is 2,500 mg a day for ages 19 to 50 and 2,000 mg for those over 50.
continued on page 4
References: Health Canada. 2012. Do Canadian Adults Meet Their Nutrient Requirements Through Food Intake Alone? https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/ food-nutrition/food-nutrition-surveillance/health-nutrition-surveys/canadiancommunity-health-survey-cchs/canadian-adultsmeet-their-nutrient-requirements-through-foodintake-alone-health-canada-2012.html#b Osteoporosis Canada. https://osteoporosis.ca/calcium Health Professional Fact Sheet Calcium. https://ods. od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional
How is CalciAIM unique?
CalciAIM provides highly absorbable calcium and supporting nutrients that include vitamin D, magnesium, and L-lysine, which are crucial to skeletal function and bone health. Each scoop contains 400 mg of elemental calcium.
It provides a unique combination of calcium lactate, gluconate and carbonate in a bioavailable powder drink mix. It helps in the maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. No added sugars, artificial colours or sweeteners.
Nutrients are substances that our bodies need to function properly in order to build and repair new tissues, and supply us with energy. An essential nutrient is one which our bodies cannot make on their own. Depending on the level of deficiency in one or more nutrients, we may experience mild to life-imperilling symptoms. Three more nutrient deficiencies that are common in the world s population are selenium, vitamins B12 and D.
Selenium is required for DNA synthesis, reproduction and thyroid hormone metabolism. This mineral helps protect our bodies from damage caused by oxidative stress. A lack of selenium may lead to fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, weakened immune system, and even infertility. Some scientists predict that loss of selenium in crop soils, caused by climate change, will cause a rise in selenium deficiency. Foods that provide selenium include brazil nuts, brown rice, lentils, bananas, sardines, wild-caught salmon, various meats, eggs, and dairy products. The AIM product containing selenium is Proancynol 2000.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
plays an essential role in cell metabolism, red blood cell formation, nerve function, and the production of DNA. While about 6% of adults under 60 have vitamin B12 deficiency, the rate increases for vegetarians and vegans of all ages, and it can reach 20% in those older than 60. A lack of vitamin B12 can result in anemia, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, mood disturbances, and nerve damage. The Mayo Clinic notes that a vitamin B12 deficiency may also be associated with low cognitive function.1 Foods providing vitamin B12 include dairy products, eggs, various meats including organ meats, nutritional yeast and seaweed. The AIM product containing vitamin B12 is Peak Endurance.
Vitamin D is needed for our bodies to build and maintain healthy bones. It also regulates many other cellular functions due to its inflammation-fighting, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. A lack of this vitamin can adversely affect your bones, causing them to become thin and brittle. Along with a diet rich in fatty fish and mushrooms, appropriate amounts of exposure to sunlight can provide this vitamin. However, older people and those with darker skin pigments may not absorb sufficient vitamin D from the sun, and the dark winter season and even the use of sunblock can exacerbate the problem.2 The AIM product containing vitamin D is CalciAIM. Prevention is, of course, better than cure. Ensuring that we and our loved ones receive adequate vital nutrients will help us enjoy all that life can offer. References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663 2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-deficiency/faq-20058397 1
These days, it is as though a strong immune system has moved to the top of the list of what you need to stay healthy. A properly functioning immune system differentiates what is supposed to be in your body and what is not, allowing the neutralization or removal of whatever should not be present. This protective reaction that helps make you resistant to potential harm is called IMMUNITY.
The 3 Types of Immunity Innate immunity involves barriers, such as your
mucous membranes and skin that react to harmful substances. This is the immune system s first response to any substance that is foreign to the body. Adaptive immunity is the response to infection from microorganisms or vaccinations against them. This immune response can prevent reinfection for a lifetime. Passive immunity occurs when disease antibodies are introduced to rather than produced by the immune system. The duration of this immediate protection is short, lasting for just a few weeks or months. Being protected by your immune system is a complex affair that involves a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together against infections and disease onset. That means the immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing: providing immunity. The opposite is true of autoimmunity.
Autoimmunity
When the immune system goes awry, it can attack healthy cells, tissues and organs. Why this happens remains uncertain. Both physical and psychological stress are particularly interesting as plausible triggers of autoimmunity. According
to Ana-Maria Orbai, a rheumatologist at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, it is possible that your immune system reaches a point where it is unable to cope with the amount of stress, resulting in autoimmune disease. The possibility of autoimmunity kicking in when things get too intense has also resulted in intense research. As Orbai speculates: When does the stress on your body exceed your immune system s ability to handle it? If we knew this, it could be the key to preventing autoimmune disease before it develops.
Prevention
Inflammation is a major factor in many chronic diseases, particularly those involving autoimmunity. As a result, preventing inflammation helps to avoid autoimmunity, especially in regards to diet. Replacing inflammatory foods with anti-inflammatory nourishment can make a difference. The evidence points once again to a primarily plant-based diet. Even something as simple as switching to extra virgin olive oil can have a positively preventive impact. The more you increase your plant-based food intake, the more you support an immune system that supports your health. References: Immunity versus Autoimmunity, 2021. https//thebarleylifeblog.com/2021/10/06/ immunity-versus-autoimmunity MedlinePlus 2016. Immune System and Disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ immunesystemanddisorders.html Ana-Maria Orbai, MD. John Hopkins Medicine. Autoimmune Disease: Why is My Immune System Attacking Itself? https://www.. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellnessand-prevention/autoimmune-disease-why-is-my-immune-system-attacking-itself Robert H. Shmerling, MD. Harvard Health Blog 2020. Autoimmune Disease and Stress: Is there a link? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/autoimmune-disease-and-stress-isthere-a-link-2018071114230 Casey Seidenberg. The Washington Post 2019. How an Anti-inflammatory Diet Can Help Tame an Autoimmune Condition. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ lifestyle/wellness/how-an-anti-inflammatory-diet-can-help-tame-an-autoimmunecondition/2019/02/14/21a52e24-2fcc-11e9-8ad3-9a5b113ecd3c_story.html NutritionFacts.org. Autoimmune Disease. https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/autoimmunediseases/
continued from page 1
Vitamin D complements calcium absorption
Vitamin D helps your body absorb and utilize calcium properly. Its inflammation-fighting, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties also help support your immune function and brain activity.
Dairy is not the only source of calcium The New Generations Cash Contest ended on December 31, 2021. AIM Canada extends our sincere congratulations to the top seven AIM Members who earned cash prizes in the combined contest for Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Each of you is a true testament to what can be accomplished when you set a goal and work towards that end.
1st Place - $3,150 (or $3,600.00 AUD) Rachel O Connor (Australia)
Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are rich in calcium, but if you cannot tolerate dairy, you can still get calcium from non-dairy sources. Dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. broccoli and kale), fish with soft edible bones, such as canned sardines and salmon, and calcium-fortified foods and beverages including cereal, soy products and non-dairy milk, are excellent choices that are calcium-rich and dairy-free.
Reference: Vitamin D. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-d/ art-20363792
2nd Place - $2,625.00 Pietro Michael (Canada) 3rd Place - $2,100.00 Betty B. Martin (Canada) 4th -7th Place - $1,575.00 (or $1,800.00 AUD) Heidi Denardo (Australia) Eli and Lydia Stutzman (Canada) Gord and Lora Wishart (Canada) Quantum Knowledge Pty Ltd (Australia)
The New MyAIMStore theme is in action! Everything you need is already set up for you. All you need to do is add YOU and make it YOURS! Some of the exciting new features include: A streamlined dashboard, easy access to Member resources. Full-width customizable Home page. Easier to add your personal touch and attract visitors. Content blocks can be turned on or off. Add a custom logo. For details, contact MyAIMStore Support at myaimstore@aimintl.com