Eggshell: The Forgotten Health Food

Tooth regeneration seems to be a big topic in the holistic dental community. As the work of Dr. Weston Price gets more popular, people are looking outside conventional dentistry for natural ways to restore their teeth.
Eggshell supplementation may very well be part of the solution. 

Eggshells and Eggshell Powder

Eggshell powder is a natural source of calcium and 27 other minerals.
Experimental and clinical studies have shown eggshells to have a positive effect on tooth and bone metabolism.

One positive study was observed on bone density in postmenopausal osteoporosis female rats. Clinical studies with postmenopausal women and women with senile osteoporosis showed that eggshell powder reduced pain, increased bone density, and also stopped bone loss.

In vitro, eggshell powder stimulates cartilage growth through chondrocyte differentiation. The bioavailability of calcium from this source, as tested in piglets, was similar or better than that of food grade purified calcium carbonate. Theses clinical and experimental studies show that eggshell powder has positive effects on bone and cartilage and that it is suitable in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

So what about regenerating teeth?

The composition of eggshells resembles our teeth. And it can provide the necessary amount of minerals to do the job. But is it enough to reverse decay? Probably not as there are other variables that come into play here: diet, pH, genetics and many co-factors not yet explored.

But if you want to try and remineralize chipped teeth or rebuild bone supporting your teeth (or reverse osteoporosis), this might be worth a try. I would strongly advise taking a Vitamin K2 and Vitamin C supplement with this, as both nutrients are needed to bring the calcium into the bone and away from the blood vessels. Also check that your Vitamin D levels are adequate. If not, supplementation of D3 would be advisable.

Eggshell Powder
1 -2 cartons of organic pastured chicken eggs
1 stock pot
1 coffee grinder
1 small Mason/glass jar with secure and clean lid

1. Start collecting eggshells and store in the refrigerator.  When you have enough shells, rinse them well in water, removing any liquidy whites that might be remaining. You should keep the membrane intact with the shell as these have extra nutrients. (Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in the membrane will improve joint health)
2. Boil the eggshells for about 10 minutes to kill all pathogens.
3. Drain shells.
4. Spread the shells on a pyrex or stainless steel baking sheet and let dry overnight.
5. After air drying, place in a low temperature oven (200 degree F) for about 10 to 15 minutes to dry out completely. Let cool to room temperature.
6. Put a few shells at a time into a coffee grinder and pulverize until they are powder form.
7. Store the powder in a tightly sealed glass jar (I use old vitamin bottles) in the refrigerator or in the cupboard away from heat.

One eggshell is equal to about 1 teaspoon of powder, which contains 800 – 1000 mg of calcium. Daily dose is ½ to 1 teaspoon a day.

Eggshell powder will not dissolve in liquids, so you might mix it into a smoothie or even oatmeal. It really doesn’t have a taste but it can feel sandy in the mouth. I tend to have it with water. As a side note, consider sprinkling a bit on your pet’s food. It will be beneficial for them as well. It is even helpful to plant health.

The calcium from eggshells is extremely bioabsorbable. Milk and dairy have long been promoted as high calcium foods, but the calcium in them isn't bioavailable. This means that our bodies can't utilize it easily. Also, pasteurized milk products are acidic. They contribute to the overall acidic condition of the body, which causes the blood to rob more calcium from the bones.

Eggshell powder may be the best calcium-mineral choice for improving our health.
 
If you like this post, you may also like:  Zeolite -A Daily Detox
                                                                Seaweed Salad Anyone?