Good levels of calcium minimise gastric cancer risk

Dr Joseph Kamugisha Calcium is one of the essential mineral components in the body found mainly in bony tissues. It plays an important role in the development and strengthening of skeletal tissues. It also helps in proper nerve and muscular function. Its regulation is metabolically and hormonally controlled. The parathyroid hormone is one of the key regulators of calcium levels in the body and this is why it is usually checked once there is an alarm for diminishing serum calcium levels in the body. Genetic predisposition is the most precipitating risk factor for most cancer diseases but other causative agents do exist. For example, recurrent helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) have been widely studied and proved to cause some types of gastric cancer. The Epstein-Barr virus (EPV) and recurrent helicobacter pylori have been linked to the gastric lymphoma a type of stomach cancer. The EPV is responsible for many other viral infections in the body and for that matter should always be checked routinely due to its influence in various chronic health conditions. Now it’s well known that gastro-intestinal damage can result from infections as mentioned above. Other agents that can inflict injury to the gastro-intestinal system are chemical agents such as alcohol and drugs as well as mechanical forces. But in all circumstances, the gastro-intestinal epithelium requires prompt repair to preserve the epithelium barrier. The calcium deposits in the gastric mucosa as well as other parts of gastro-intestinal lining have been widely studied to offer protection and resistance for any possible damage. Any factor that decreases the chance of gastric mucosa penetration or damage also decreases the rate of gastric cancer occurrence. This also means that the health of other parts of the gastro-intestinal tract should always be under control. The colon is a habitat to the body micro-organism. Over-growth of the body microbes is always dangerous not only to the colon but also other parts of the body. Based on our discussion, we need to have broad based information about the role of calcium in our body as many tend to focus only in its skeleton role. This also means people with low calcium levels should also visit various physicians for health support because many factors can lead to low calcium levels. People with chronic renal failure tend to suffer from calcium deficiency because kidneys are key regulators of calcium levels in blood. Low levels of magnesium can lead to calcium deficiency. This is because adequate calcium cannot be absorbed when the levels of magnesium in the body are very low. Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease seen in some post-menopause women. This is associated with calcium deficiency. Some medications such as aspirin, cancer drugs among many others have been found to suppress calcium levels in the body. Common symptom associated with hypocalcaemia usually present with severe generalized body weakness especially due to diminished nerve and muscular power. It is well known that nerves and muscles are largely affected in conditions of hypocalcaemia. Headaches, loss of appetite among others are some of the accompanied problems. If calcium deficiency is not corrected early enough could lead to chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, attention deficit disorders, bone and joint deformities especially in young people, marked slow growth during childhood, problems during pregnancy to women, nose bleeding of unknown cause and seen with poor tooth development in children. Watch out for calcium levels Serum calcium levels should constitute routine check-up. Avoid substances that reduce the calcium levels in the body. People should avoid calcium-depleting substances like cigarette smoke and other carbonated soft drinks. Engage in regular body exercise to improve calcium absorption in the body. Light exercises are very good depending on the body requirements but increased exercises helps to strengthen bones. Your bones will get more benefit from calcium if you exercise regularly. Begin your exercise program cautiously, especially if you have not exercised for some time. Any exercise is good, but weight-bearing exercise is best for strengthening bones. Feed on fruits like lemons, grapefruit, apples, nuts, and legumes. These fruits are rich in calcium but are good sources of magnesium as well, which maintains balance.

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Good levels of calcium minimise gastric cancer risk