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Nutrition
Question #26810
20 days ago
73

Me-Cal Tablets - #26810

Lily

I am dealing with some pretty weird issues lately and I really need some advice. A few months ago, I started feeling super tired all the time, like I just couldn't keep my eyes open no matter how much sleep I got. My doctor ran some tests and said maybe I needed more vitamins, especially calcium and magnesium. Then I found these Me-Cal Tablets at the local health store. At first, I thought they might help but honestly, I’m not sure they actually did anything for me. Like, I started taking them regularly, but my tiredness didn’t go away. Now, I am worried I might be overdoing it cause I've read that taking too many supplements can cause side effects? I do feel some strange stomach cramps sometimes too, which freaks me out. Am I just imagining things or could the Me-Cal Tablets be causing this? Should I be mixing them with other vitamins or foods? I also read somewhere about how calcium affects absorption of other nutrients, which makes me even more confused. Is anyone here having similar experiences with Me-Cal Tablets or do you think there's something else going on with me? Any advice would really help!

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Doctors’ responses

hello lily ,’

I completely understand your concern feeling tired all the time despite taking supplements can be really frustrating. From what you describe, it seems your body is still signaling that something deeper than just calcium or magnesium deficiency might be at play.

Sometimes, just taking over-the-counter calcium or multivitamins may not be enough if your digestive system isn’t absorbing nutrients well, or if other imbalances exist in your body.

It’s also true that taking too much calcium or other minerals can sometimes cause mild stomach cramps, constipation, or even interfere with absorption of other nutrients, so your caution is valid.

The key is balance not just taking supplements, but also supporting digestion, absorption, and overall metabolism.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, this often points to weak digestive fire (mandagni) and subtle imbalance in the body’s tissues, which can affect energy, muscle strength, and mineral absorption. Strengthening digestion first can actually make supplements work much better.

Start with Ama Pachana (digestive support): Take Vishnukritha Churna or Chitrakadi Vati before meals for 5–7 days to improve digestive fire.

Then support the body internally with calcium-rich and nourishing herbs like Guduchi (Giloy), Shatavari, and Yashtimadhu (Licorice) powders in warm milk or water.

External support: Daily gentle oil massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil can help improve circulation and muscle strength.

Dietary adjustments: Include easily digestible, warm meals, cooked vegetables, and moderate protein; avoid excessive cold, heavy, or processed foods.

Investigations to check underlying causes if needed: Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid profile, and basic metabolic panel.

With this approach, most people notice improved energy levels, reduced fatigue, and better absorption of nutrients within a few weeks.

Warm regards, Dr. Karthika

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It’s possible that your fatigue, along with the stomach cramps you’re experiencing, might be linked to an imbalance that goes beyond what the Me-Cal Tablets address. While these tablets are intended to help with calcium and magnesium supplementation, they might not addressing the root cause of your tiredness, and potential side effects shouldn’t be ignored.

In Ayurveda, fatigue can be due to an imbalance in your doshas, especially vata or kapha dosha imbalance or a weak agni (digestive fire). These imbalances can affect the way your body absorbs nutrients. If you’re experiencing stomach cramps, it might indicate that your digestive system is not processing the supplements efficiently. It’s worth considering reducing the dosage or temporarily pausing to see if symptoms improve.

When it comes to food, calcium can indeed interfere with the absorption of other minerals, like iron and zinc, so the timing of consumption is important. Taking calcium at a different time of day from iron-rich foods or supplements can prevent such interference. Focus on a balanced diet that include foods naturally rich in calcium, like leafy greens or sesame seeds. Magnesiunh can be found in almonds, pumpkin seeds and whole grains.

Ayurveda also emphasizes practices to strengthen your agni, such as drinking warm water with a bit of ginger throughout the day to aid in digestion. Ensure your meals are well-cooked and include warming spices like cumin and coriander. Also consider your lifestyle; yoga, meditation or pranayama can be profound in restoring energy levels.

If you’re worried about over-supplementation or potential interactions, consulting with a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic practitioner may help decipher the issue more clearly, ensuring that you have a personalized recommendations that suit your unique constitution and current health status.

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The symtpoms you describe suggest that maybe there’s more going on than just a vitamin deficiency. While Me-Cal Tablets or similar supplements might seem like a straightforward fix, they don’t always address the root problem. Often, fatigue could be connected to imbalanced doshas, particularly if vata or kapha are disturbed. In your case, we’d want to look further into how these elements are behaving in your system.

Regarding the stomach cramps, it’s quite possible that the supplements themselves might be affecting your digestion. Calcium supplements can sometimes lead to gastric issues, especially if your agni (digestive fire) is already weak. If there are other hints of digestive imbalance – bloating, irregular hunger – that’s a sign to tread carefully with supplements. Combining them with foods that boost digestion, like ginger or cumin, might ease things but if discomfort is significant, a break from the tablets might help pinpoint their effects.

On balancing with diet: integrating leafy greens, nuts, and seeds naturally boosts magnesium and calcium without overwhelming your system. Since calcium can impede absorption of other nutrients, it’s key to space it a few hours apart from consuming high iron foods or supplements.

If your fatigue persists, consider a holistic assessment with a practitioner. They can delve into the interplay between your lifestyle, diet, and constitution, offering a plan that’s more precise. Be mindful of both how you feel and your body’s signals. If symptoms escalate, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

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