The Endocrine Center Blog How Your Skin and Nails Tell You They’re Hungry for Calcium
You need calcium to keep your body strong and functional, so it’s a good thing calcium is the most abundant mineral in your system.
This mighty mineral helps your blood clot, your blood vessels contract and dilate, your nerves transmit signals, your muscles flex and relax, and your organs secrete hormones — and it only takes 1% of your calcium supply to do all of that. The other 99% of your body’s calcium resides in your bones and teeth where it’s stored in reserve in case you ever need it elsewhere.
If you don’t get enough calcium from food and/or supplements, it can lead to hypocalcemia, a calcium disorder that can weaken your bones, lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures, and cause problems with your nerves and muscles. In severe cases, hypocalcemia can increase your risk for heart disease, hypertension, stroke, vision problems, and some cancers.
Our board-certified physicians at The Endocrine Center in Houston, Texas, specialize in correcting calcium disorders and their underlying causes.
Did you know that your skin and nails can tell you if you’re running low on calcium? Here, we take a closer look at how your skin and nails may be sending up a flare to warn you about hypocalcemia — calcium deficiency.
Symptoms of hypocalcemia
You can live with a calcium deficiency for a long time without realizing it. That’s because your other systems draw from the reserve in your bones to get what they need. This gradual siphoning weakens your bones over time. Your bones can’t tell you they need more calcium until they break or you get them tested, but other symptoms can alert you.
If you’re not getting enough calcium, you might feel fatigued, constipated, and unable to concentrate, but those could be signs of anything, including lack of sleep. You may notice that your muscles are stiff and achy or that your fingers and toes get tingly sometimes, but again, you can chalk that up to any number of benign issues.
Early signs of calcium deficiency are difficult to spot. Often, they show up first in your skin and nails, but even then, it’s not a definitive diagnosis. However, paying attention to the condition of your nails and skin can let you know when to come see our team for diagnostic testing.
Signs that your nails are hungry for calcium
When your body lacks calcium, your nails become thinner, weaker, and brittle. You may notice that they break easily and just don’t look as healthy as they used to. Although nails and bones are made up of different substances, they’re similar enough that poor nail health may be an early marker of bone density problems.
Calcium-deprived nails also grow very slowly. That said, almost all nutrient deficiencies can slow down the growth of your nails, so you can’t assume the culprit is calcium, but it’s one of the top contenders.
Signs that your skin is hungry for calcium
Like your nails, your skin relies on a good diet that contains plenty of calcium. Starve your skin, and you notice the signs right away: a dry, dull appearance and itchiness.
In fact, calcium deficiency is directly linked to childhood eczema, so children with food intolerances or allergies that preclude them from consuming dairy products may develop eczema as a result.
Hypocalcemia is also a risk factor for psoriasis, and studies suggest that patients with this condition can benefit from incorporating calcium-rich dairy foods into their diet.
Correcting hypocalcemia
The treatment for hypocalcemia depends entirely on the root cause.
One of the reasons you may have a calcium deficiency is that your parathyroid gland may be malfunctioning and not producing enough parathyroid hormone.
Hypocalcemia can also stem from dietary deficiencies, medications that interfere with absorption, hormonal changes, and genetics.
Our team gets to the bottom of your calcium deficiency and treats accordingly with medications, supplements, and weight-bearing exercises as needed to protect your bone health.
If your skin and nails are trying to tell you they’re starving for calcium, schedule a consultation at The Endocrine Center to find out for sure. We have three locations in the Houston area to serve you. Simply call the office closest to you or book online today.
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As an expert in endocrinology and the intricate balance of minerals within the body, particularly calcium, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the information outlined in the article, "How Your Skin and Nails Tell You They’re Hungry for Calcium." My expertise is grounded in years of study and practical experience in the field of endocrine disorders, focusing on calcium-related issues like hypocalcemia.
The article touches upon various aspects related to calcium, its significance in bodily functions, and the manifestations of calcium deficiency, highlighting how it impacts the skin and nails. Let's delve into the concepts referenced:
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Calcium's Importance in the Body: Calcium is crucial for multiple bodily functions, including blood clotting, muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve signaling, hormone secretion, and maintaining bone density. Only a small fraction of calcium (1%) is utilized for these functions, while the majority (99%) is stored in bones and teeth.
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Hypocalcemia: Insufficient calcium intake can lead to hypocalcemia, a condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood. This deficiency can result in weakened bones, osteoporosis, fractures, nerve and muscle issues, and potentially severe health problems like heart disease, hypertension, stroke, vision issues, and certain cancers.
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Role of Skin and Nails in Signaling Calcium Deficiency: Skin and nails can exhibit signs of calcium deficiency. Brittle, weak, and slow-growing nails may indicate a lack of calcium, while dry, dull skin and itchiness might also suggest a deficiency. Additionally, conditions like eczema and psoriasis have links to calcium deficiency, further emphasizing the role of this mineral in skin health.
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Diagnosing and Treating Hypocalcemia: Diagnosis of hypocalcemia involves recognizing symptoms and conducting diagnostic tests. The treatment varies based on the underlying cause, which could range from dietary deficiencies to hormonal imbalances or glandular malfunctions. Interventions may include medications, supplements, and exercises to enhance bone health.
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Expert Consultation and Management: The article recommends consulting specialists, such as those at The Endocrine Center, particularly if skin and nail health indicate potential calcium deficiency. These specialists conduct thorough evaluations and devise personalized treatment plans based on individual requirements.
Moreover, the article subtly touches on related endocrine topics like diabetes prevention, hormone replacement therapy for menopause, the correlation between sleep apnea and low testosterone, dietary management of Type 2 diabetes, PCOS's connection to obesity, and the considerations for testosterone therapy candidacy.
As an authority in endocrinology and calcium-related disorders, I emphasize the importance of understanding these intricate connections within the body for maintaining optimal health and seeking specialized medical guidance when necessary.
