Soft Tissue Calcification
What is soft tissue calcification?
Regular calcification is a healthy process whereby calcium binds with phosphate to form hard and bony structures, called hydroxyapatite, that build bones and teeth. Soft tissue calcification, on the other hand, refers to the abnormal hardening or thickening of tissue that occurs when calcium crystals accumulate in the wrong places - in other words, anywhere other than bones and teeth. It's soft tissue calcification that we want to avoid to maintain good health.
Research shows that calcium crystals can accumulate in the soft tissues of the blood vessels, tissues, and organs - such as the heart, kidneys, brain, skin, joints, breast, eye, liver, prostate, and ovaries. Over time, these calcium crystals get bigger and form calcium deposits. Not only do these misplaced calcium crystals harden areas in our tissues, recent evidence indicates they may even trigger inflammation and other immune responses - which can negatively impact our quality of life.
While many studies have been published on the subject, most people remain unaware of the phenomenon of soft tissue calcification - even though it affects the health and quality of life of millions of people.
But I thought calcium was good for me
Calcium is an essential mineral absolutely needed for good health. However, if our internal environment is out of balance, calcium can actually be used against us!
The current media promotion of calcium-rich foods and supplements to prevent osteoporosis encourages the consumption of large amounts of calcium. This may be fine, as long as our intake of other essential minerals is adequate. The fact is, however, that due to a variety of factors, many Americans are mineral-deficient, or at least mineral-imbalanced.
Our unnaturally high intake of calcium and low intake of magnesium and other key minerals creates an imbalanced internal environment that can set the stage for soft tissue calcification.
What causes calcification?
When we enjoy an optimal diet, a stress-free life, and pollutant-free environment, our bodies naturally prevent calcium crystals from developing in our blood and soft tissues. However, most of us don't lead ideal lifestyles.
There are several factors that can lead to soft tissue calcification :
- Mineral Imbalance
Soft tissue calcification is less likely to strike people who have an ideal balance of essential minerals in the body, and more likely to affect those who don't. Unfortunately, due to modern farming methods, an over-reliance on processed foods, and high consumption of sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup, mineral deficiencies are much more common in the United States than most people realize. - Lack of calcification inhibitors.
Our bodies naturally produce substances that inhibit the formation of calcium crystals, such as matrix GLA protein. However, if we don't have adequate levels of the nutrients needed to form those substances, such as vitamin K, then our bodies can't do their job of cleansing errant calcium crystals from the body. - An overly acidic system.
Eating too many acid-forming foods, like red meat, sweets and alcohol, disturbs our bodies' natural pH, which sets the stage for soft tissue calcification. Stress and pollution also increase our systems' acidity.
It's time to cleanse, revitalize, and rebalance your system.*
The Calci-CLEAR Three Step Program has been specially formulated to:- Help bind and remove calcium crystals *
- Help inhibit formation of calcium crystals in soft tissue *
- Help maintain a healthy mineral balance *