Exercise, in today’s world is an activity that exists outside of our everyday activities. Sure, you may pencil in, and even actually go to gym three times a week, but we never think of exercise as integrated into our lives. Some people don’t even ‘exercise’, in the sense that they don’t stop other daily activities to go to the gym. As modern humans, we’re not used to walking miles and miles for food, water, shelter etcetera. We have everything around us, and we can order it in if we don’t. Yet, there is an underlying need (for some of us) to be active in some way. Whether it be yoga or running a half marathon, most people, like to use their body in some way. It turns out though, we’re actually wired to be ‘lazy’. Our cave dwelling ancestors had to move around to get what they needed to survive; however, when they could, they relaxed in front of the fire!
The thing is, if we don’t exercise at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, we could end up with a number of serious health concerns, such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. Considering the ramification, doing a brisk walk on a daily basis is definitely worth it, especially if it means you won’t get a lifestyle disease that could result in you being on chronic medication for the rest of your life! Who knows, once you’re walking briskly, you may even decide to run a few steps too. If you do find yourself picking up the proverbial pace, then you may want to ensure you’re looking after your new self. Studies have found that calcium can be lost through sweating – which is a normal healthy process. The thing to remember is that you should be supplementing this loss, especially in order to protect your bones. Research has found that even though you lose calcium after you exercise, you lose less if you ingest a supplement containing calcium and vitamin D. MenaCal.7™ is a calcium supplement with bone-fortifying nutrients vitamin K2 and vitamin D3. This formulation works synergistically to ensure an optimal intake of the 3 key ingredients for the development and maintenance of strong healthy bones and teeth.
Calcium is also important for stabilizing blood pressure, promoting blood clotting, maintaining brain function, promoting insulin sensitivity, and even helping your muscles contract. In fact, you should probably be taking a calcium supplement if you don’t eat calcium containing foods, to ensure you get your recommended daily allowance of approx. 1000mg-1200mg/day. We have a few easy recipes and foodie ideas for you if you want to increase your calcium intake – check them out here. If you are an athlete, and female, it’s important to know if any of the ‘female athlete triad’ affect you. The female athlete triad sounds quite scary, and it is; it consists of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Active women may restrict their dietary intake or purge, which can result in bone loss and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Amenorrhea (menstrual disturbances), causes hypoestrogenism, which is linked with osteoporosis (weak bones). If you fall into either of these conditions, consider discussing this with a healthcare professional and upping your calcium intake slightly to accommodate the decreased intake of calcium and other minerals.
At the end of the day, whatever group you find yourself in (exercise or not), you probably need to take a look at your diet and your activity to assess if you’re getting enough calcium to maintain healthy body functioning – it’s definitely worth it!
References:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/09/15/this-harvard-professor-knows-why-you-skipped-the-gym-this-morning-it-is-natural-and-normal-to-be-physically-lazy/
- https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity#:~:text=Adults%20aged%2018%E2%80%9364%20years,%2D%20and%20vigorous%2Dintensity%20activity.
- https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/physical-activity.htm
- https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/06/25/Calcium-and-vitamin-D-supplements-may-aid-bone-responses-to-exercise
- 7 K2 Vital. Patient Information leaflet and Package Insert
- https://www.hss.edu/playbook/why-calcium-matters-for-sports-and-where-to-get-it/
- https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2005/08000/calcium_requirements_for_the_athlete.5.aspx
