Question

What types of diatary foods should a nurse teach a patient suffering from hypocalcemia to avoid?

Answer 1

ANSWER:

Hypocalcemia is a condition in which there are lower-than-average levels of calcium in the liquid part of the blood, or the plasma. Calcium has many important roles in your body:

• Calcium is key to the conduction of electricity in your body.
• Your nervous system needs calcium to function properly. Your nerves need calcium to relay messages between your brain and the rest of your body.
• Your muscles need calcium to move.
• Your bones need calcium to stay strong, grow, and heal.

Hypocalcemia may be the result of low calcium production or insufficient calcium circulation in your body. A deficiency of magnesium or vitamin D is linked to most cases of hypocalcemia.

Hypocalcemia, is low calcium levels in the blood serum. The normal range is 2.1–2.6 mmol/L(8.8–10.7 mg/dl, 4.3–5.2 mEq/L) with levels less than 2.1 mmol/l defined as hypocalcemia. Mildly low levels that develop slowly often have no symptoms. Otherwise symptoms may include numbness, muscle spasms, seizures, confusion, or cardiac arrest.

Foods to avoid in hypoclcemia are:

1) Acidic Foods

Foods high in acid can deplete levels of alkaline minerals, such as calcium, in the body. When the body loses calcium, it may use calcium stored in the bones, leading to risk of other conditions including osteoporosis. Foods that are highly acidic should be avoided or eaten in moderation. These foods include meat processed foods as found in packaged items. Consumption of dairy, such as cheese and milk, should also be monitored due to their high acidic content.

2) Caffeine

According to the American Heart Association, food and drinks high in caffeine may lead to dehydration due to increased urination. Dehydration may lower levels of calcium in the body and can lead to hypocalcemia. Sources of caffeine include coffee, soft drinks, teas and chocolate. If caffeine is consumed in the diet, then it should be accompanied by sufficient water intake to avoid dehydration in the body.

3) Foods High In Sodium

According to the National Institutes of Health, excess sodium in the diet can lead to low levels of aldosterone in the body. Aldosterone is a hormone important in the regulation of sodium in the body. If aldosterone levels are low, sodium may be taken from the blood and stored in muscles and cells. This may lead to dehydration and an eventual imbalance in electrolytes, the main cause of hypocalcemia. Sodium-rich sources include table salt, and processed and packaged foods, such as frozen dinners and canned soups.

4) Increased use of refined sugars

5) Foods High in phosphorous like sea food

6)Restricting use of tobacco and alcohol.

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