Friday Advice Column for Wacky Mothers & Others
Dear Wacky Mommy:
My nails keep breaking. They�ve been weak for months and months now! But if I wear polish, everyone will assume I don�t pray. (Long story�) Should I get a henna and deal with orange nails till well into 2006?
Love,
Weak Nails, Strong Teeth
Dear Weak/Strong:
More calcium! Calcium citrate gives you the most bang for your buck, so to speak. I try to take 1,500-2,000 mg. a day. Forget Tums — yes, they have calcium, but they eat away your stomach acid (being an antacid and all) and deplete your calcium at the same time. So forget ’em. And take a multi-vit, too.
Also, go for the “300’s.” A cup of milk, a cup of yogurt, a cup of cottage cheese, and yes, a cup of ice cream all have 300 mg. of calcium. Again, the old argument: Does so much protein defeat the absorption of calcium? Yes, says one camp; no says another. Hell if I know, says Wacky Mommy. I just like yogurt. Watch your caffeine intake, too — it supposedly depletes calcium absorption.
Love,
WM
PS — Yes, get the henna.
PSS — None of this is medical advice; I am no medical professional.
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