As the saying goes, we are what we eat! Especially when you are living with HypoPara. What you consume can affect your calcium levels, either by raising calcium or lowering it. This includes certain medications, such as antacids.
Here are some recommendations for a HypoPara-friendly diet:
What to choose
- Calcium-rich foods and beverages that can help you reach your daily calcium goals
Examples: kale, broccoli, bok choy, dairy products
- Protein-rich foods that can help increase calcium absorption
Examples: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts
What to limit or avoid
- Reduce dietary sodium intake to lower risk of hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in urine)
Examples: prepackaged meals; cured, smoked, or processed meats
- Reduce dietary phosphate intake to lower risk of hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels)
Examples: soft drinks, processed meats and cheeses
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Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol, as alcohol can disrupt mineral absorption
If you have HypoPara, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional before changing your diet and physical activity.
HypoPara=hypoparathyroidism; PTH=parathyroid hormone.