Got Cramps? Calcium for Menstrual and Muscle Cramps
Calcium
Most of us have plenty of calcium the problem is it's free flowing calcium and it's not being absorbed and sent to the places it needs to be like our bones. Instead it hangs around in our tissues causing calcification, or hardening of our tissues.
Hard tissues don't contract and expand very well leading to you got it, cramps. The focus should not only be on getting adequate amounts of calcium but making sure that that calcium is getting where it needs to be.
Calcium needs 1. fat to be absorbed and 2. vitamin K2-7 to get it moving.
If fat and calcium are not being absorbed and utilized properly, we will see:
1. over secretion of gastrin (acid secreting chronic diseases)
2. calcium being pulled from the bones instead
3. calcification of our tissues from unused calcium lingering around and building up over time
In order for our small intestine to digest and absorb fat and calcium from the food that we eat, it must first be combined with bile. So the first thing we need to do is build a strong digestive system and a strong liver for the calcium and fat to be absorbed.
I discussed this in my previous 2 blog posts - Got Cramps? Part 1 and 2
My main source of calcium is whole/raw milk and cheeses.
Let's talk MK2-7
Vitamin MK2-7 is right there next to glucose with the best thing we can do to support our liver and system as a whole. Of the vitamin Ks found in nature, the most bioavailable form for our bodies seems to be the menaquinone (vitamin K2-7 or MK-7) form.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, so your body stores it in fat tissue and the liver. It is best known for its role in helping blood clot, or coagulate, properly.
Vitamin K helps our electrons move through the energy production line quicker, boosting the rate and amount of energy that our brain cells are able to produce the same way CoQ10 does!
More importantly Vitamin MK2-7 helps move extra free flowing calcium out of blood vessels
to prevent calcium plaque buildup and put it in places where it belongs, like bones.
Most suffering from bone diseases are dealing with a calcium absorption issue and would benefit from K2-7 supplements to support bone and joint health.
Concentrated Sources of MK2-7
1. Natto
2. Eel
3. Raw Cheese
4. Beef Liver
5. Butter
6. Sauerkraut
7. Egg Yolk
I personally don't take a MK2-7 supplement anymore but the one I used to take is linked here!
In Part 4 of this series I'm going to address Magnesium and Vitamin D and how how they both play a role in our bodies regulation of calcium and of course cramps!
Sending all my love,
Sierra Divinely.