Getting Calcium Without Dairy

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Calcium is required for healthy teeth. It helps shore up tooth enamel, which protects the soft inner root of the tooth from decay and cavities, and helps prevent toothaches.

To get the recommended daily dose of calcium (1,000-2,000 mg per day) many people turn to dairy products like milk and cheese. But if you need to limit dairy, how can you get the recommended daily dose of calcium? Conveniently, there are many non-dairy foods with great calcium content. Let’s look at some options.

Beans: Beans are a fantastic way to add calcium to your diet. Soybeans, for example, pack 515 mg of calcium into just one cup! White beans contain 485 mg per cup, and kidney beans have 359 mg per cup. Beans are also full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are good for sustaining overall health, as well as a healthy smile.

Dark Leafy Greens: For a fabulous boost to your diet, think green! Spinach, collard greens, and kale are all good sources of calcium. And, they are delicious! With low calories, high fiber, and packed with nutrients, these greens are powerhouses of nutrition for your whole body. Try them in a green smoothie for a refreshing drink option.

Orange Juice with Calcium: Did you know that frozen orange juice concentrate fortified with calcium contains 1514 mg of calcium per cup? Be careful with orange juice, as it has a lot of natural sugars and acids. Try drinking plain water afterward to help clean your mouth.

For more ideas of how to take care of your smile, call us at Thomas G. Schleicher, DDS PLC. Dr. Tom G. Schleicher and our team look forward to helping you keep your smile bright!