hakanson@orstcs.UUCP (09/09/83)
#N:orstcs:23100001:000:1606
orstcs!hakanson Sep 8 19:24:00 1983
When I first read the article about the person suffering from various
problems that disappeared after cutting out caffeine consumption, I thought
that the symptoms sounded like the results of a severe calcium deficiency.
Heart palpitations, etc. are sometimes the result of erratic nervous system
activity; calcium is an essential part of the operation of the nervous
system, if I recall correctly.
Then, when I read that this person's symptoms went away with the caffeine,
I remembered a book that my spouse read recently (can't recall the name).
It seems that research shows that caffeine interferes with the absorption
of calcium from food sources, which can lead to depletion of the body's
calcium reserves. Women are especially susceptible to problems such as
this, because they already are at risk because of the relation between
estrogen, progesterone, and calcium. (Note how postmenopausal women
sometimes suffer from bone porosity due to lack of estrogen. (??))
So it seems to me that we have had some more testimony in favor of
the theory that caffeine can lead to calcium deficiency (among other
things, as we all know).
Oh yes -- I recall a mention of bone-spurs. It is a common misconception
that bone-spurs are caused by excess calcium. Excess calcium is only
one of many possible causes. If I understand correctly, it's more
likely that an injury or irritation of some kind, or even heredity
could be the cause. (Simply because calcium of slightly excessive
amounts could be excreted, while very high amounts are probably toxic.)
Marion Hakanson {hp-pcd,teklabs}!orstcs!hakanson