3 Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for building strong, healthy teeth, but not everyone can tolerate the lactose found in dairy. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. About 65% of people have reduced ability to process lactose past infancy. If you have difficulty with lactose but want to ensure you are getting the calcium you need, consider one of these dairy-free sources of calcium.
- Canned seafood, such as sardines and salmon, can be a good source of calcium. These inexpensive options actually contain more calcium than their fresh counterparts. Canned seafood contains small, soft, edible bones that are generally unnoticeable but can be a great way to add calcium to a salad or other dish.
- Calcium-fortified juices are available in both orange and cranberry varieties. These juices taste the same as non-fortified options, but contain a substantial amount of calcium. Check the label to ensure it is a calcium-fortified juice.
- Soy, rice, and almond milks offer added calcium and can be used as a milk substitute for many dishes. Experiment with different varieties to determine which flavor you like the most for each use. Try one of these milk alternatives on cereal or use in a cooked dish in place of regular milk. Soy, rice, and almond milks are available in a variety of flavors, including plain, sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and other options.
4 More Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium
- Beans are a calcium-rich food. Black-eyed peas and baked beans are particularly high in calcium.
- Green vegetables are a good source of natural calcium. Collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage, spinach, kale, okra, and broccoli are all great choices for adding calcium to your diet.
- Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts are strong sources of calcium. Flaxseeds and sunflower seeds are a great snack or salad additive with calcium. Almond butter, cashew butter, and pumpkin seed butter are a fun and calcium-rich alternative to peanut butter.
- Breakfast cereals are highly fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Old-fashioned rolled oatmeal adds calcium to your breakfast as well.
General Dentistry at Greenwood Dental
Dairy-free sources of calcium are great, but sometimes you need general dentistry. General dentistry provides professional protection for your oral health. You only have one set of teeth and only one mouth, so oral self-care is of paramount importance. Greenwood Dental also offers a number of general dentistry services to keep your mouth clean and healthy. From restorative dental work to topical fluoride, Greenwood Dental can help you maintain oral health. General dentistry services include but aren’t limited to:
- Dental Cleanings: Have you neglected taking care of your teeth? If so, come get a professional dental cleaning from Greenwood Dental. We’ll leave your mouth feeling like its brand new!
- Fluoride Treatment: Repair your teeth and make your mouth clean with our fluoride treatment. If it’s good enough for the water supply, it’s good for your teeth!
- Oral Cancer Screenings: Be prepared for the possibility of oral cancer and get yourself screened immediately.
- Gingivitis Treatment: Gingivitis, like all oral maladies, is a pain to deal with and a threat to your health. Stop infection in its tracks with our gingivitis treatment.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Prevent gum disease with our gum disease treatment. If you see blood on your toothbrush, you need gum disease treatment pronto. Don’t delay your preventative dental work; stop gum disease before it gets out of control.
Calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. If you have trouble with dairy, don’t let that stop you from consuming your recommended amount of daily calcium. For more information that can improve your oral health, contact our office. You can also call us at 855.528.3961 to set up an appointment, today!
