Calcium is well known for its role in building strong bones and teeth, and it is also essential for healthy nerve function.

Proper amounts of blood calcium prevent nervousness, irritability, muscle spasms, muscle cramping, hyperactivity, and insomnia.

Fortunately, calcium is abundant in our diets and is found in easily digestible forms in seaweed, yogurt and other cultured milk products, and most dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, broccoli, turnip greens, kale, beet greens, and parsley.

It is also found in high amounts in almonds and sesame seeds. Though milk is touted as a good source of calcium, it is, in fact, sorely lacking in the amounts and type needed by our bodies.

Seaweeds are particularly high in calcium. A major food source in many parts of the world, seaweed is often neglected as a high-calcium food in American diets.

For comparison, 31⁄2 ounces of cow’s milk contain 118 mg of calcium. The same amount of hizike (a mild-flavored seaweed) contains 1,400 mg. Kelp contains 1,093 mg, and wakame, 1,300 mg. Along with eating foods high in calcium, you may wish to add a calcium supplement to your diet during times of high stress or anxiety, or when working on nervous system disorders.

Look for supplements that are biochelated for easier assimilation.