Calcium deposits, a condition known as calcification, happen when calcium builds up in areas where it shouldn't be, such as your joints, arteries, or soft tissues. This accumulation can lead to stiffness, pain, and impaired function. While medical treatments are available, a range of natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments can help manage, dissolve, and prevent these deposits.
This guide explores the best evidence-based natural approaches to address calcium deposits, from essential vitamins and minerals to powerful herbal remedies.
What Are Calcium Deposits and What Causes Them?
Calcification is your body's response to injury, inflammation, or certain metabolic issues. Instead of keeping calcium in your bones and teeth, your body mistakenly deposits it in other tissues. The primary causes include:
Metabolic Imbalances: Conditions like kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland), and imbalances in minerals like magnesium and phosphate can disrupt calcium regulation.
Chronic Inflammation: Long-term inflammation from autoimmune diseases, infections, or injuries can trigger the body to deposit calcium as part of a misguided healing process.
Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of key vitamins, especially Vitamin K2, prevents calcium from being properly directed to the bones, allowing it to accumulate in soft tissues.
Aging: Natural wear and tear on joints and tissues over time can lead to a gradual buildup of calcium.
High Calcium & Vitamin D Intake: While essential, taking excessive amounts of calcium and Vitamin D supplements without balancing other nutrients can sometimes contribute to unwanted calcification.
Key Vitamins and Minerals to Dissolve Calcium Deposits
Proper nutrient balance is the foundation for preventing and dissolving calcium deposits. These vitamins and minerals work together to ensure calcium goes where it's needed—and stays out of where it isn't.
1. Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)
Often called the most important nutrient for calcification, Vitamin K2 activates proteins that help bind calcium to bones. It essentially tells calcium where to go. Without enough K2, calcium is free to accumulate in arteries and soft tissues.
Sources: Natto (fermented soybeans), goose liver, certain cheeses (gouda, brie), egg yolks, and grass-fed butter.
Supplement Dose: 100-200 mcg daily of the MK-7 form is commonly recommended.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is crucial for calcium metabolism. It helps your body absorb and use calcium correctly and prevents it from forming hard deposits. Many people are deficient in this vital mineral.
Sources: Leafy green vegetables (spinach, Swiss chard), nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (pumpkin, sesame), and avocados.
Supplement Dose: 400-600 mg daily. Look for highly absorbable forms like magnesium glycinate or citrate.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium from your diet. However, it must be balanced with Vitamin K2. Vitamin D brings calcium into the body, and Vitamin K2 directs it to the bones.
Sources: Safe sun exposure (about 20 minutes daily), fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), and fortified foods.
Supplement Dose: 1,000-2,000 IU daily, but it's best to get your blood levels tested to determine the right dose for you.
4. Boron
This trace mineral supports bone health and plays a role in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D.
Sources: Raisins, almonds, hazelnuts, and avocados.
Supplement Dose: 3-6 mg daily.
5. Zinc
Zinc is involved in bone formation and helps inhibit the calcification of arteries.
Sources: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, and shellfish.
Supplement Dose: 15-30 mg daily.
Herbal and Food-Based Remedies
These natural remedies have traditionally been used to support the body in breaking down unwanted accumulations and reducing inflammation.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV contains acetic acid and malic acid, which are believed to help chelate (bind to) excess minerals and gently dissolve calcium deposits over time. It also supports overall pH balance in the body.
Key compounds in Apple Cider Vinegar
How to Use: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a large glass of water. Drink once daily. Adding a touch of raw honey can improve the taste.
2. Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)
Known as the "stone breaker," this Amazonian herb has a long history of use for dissolving kidney stones and gallstones, which are primarily made of calcium. It is thought to interfere with the crystal formation of calcium oxalate.
How to Use: Can be taken as a tea (1-2 cups daily) or in capsule/tincture form as directed on the product.
3. Turmeric (Curcumin)
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. By reducing the chronic inflammation that often triggers calcification, it helps prevent the formation of new deposits.
How to Use: Take 500 mg of a high-absorption curcumin supplement daily. Always take it with black pepper (piperine) to enhance absorption.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Found in fish oil, these healthy fats are excellent for reducing inflammation, particularly in the cardiovascular system. They have been shown to help prevent and slow the progression of arterial calcification.
Sources: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Algae oil is a great vegan alternative.
Supplement Dose: 1,000-2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily.
Lifestyle Strategies to Prevent Calcium Deposits
Complementing these remedies with healthy habits is the most effective long-term strategy.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess calcium and other waste products before they can form deposits. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods rich in the nutrients mentioned above. Reduce your intake of processed foods, which can be high in phosphates that disrupt calcium balance.
Limit Excess Calcium: Be cautious with high-dose calcium supplements. Most people get enough calcium from their diet. If you need a supplement, ensure it's balanced with magnesium and vitamins D3 & K2.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves circulation and metabolic health, which helps your body regulate minerals more effectively. Weight-bearing exercises are particularly good for bone health.
When to See a Doctor
While natural remedies can be very effective, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Seek medical advice if you experience:
Severe or persistent pain in joints or muscles.
Limited range of motion or significant stiffness.
Symptoms suggesting arterial calcification, such as chest pain or high blood pressure.
Signs of kidney stones, such as sharp back pain and changes in urination.
Share Your Story!
Have you found success using natural remedies for calcium deposits? Share your experience and tips in the comments below to help others in the community!
