So what about calcium?

Many people making the switch to Paleo eating ask a very important question: “If I’m not eating dairy anymore, where am I getting my calcium?”

First let's start with a little bit of science.
Our bodies have an acid/base balance.  (Think the pH scale from high school.  The range is 0 to 14 with the lower the number being more acidic and the higher more basic.)  When our bodies are too acidic we do not retain our calcium (too many salty foods).  Instead of being used to strengthen bones, it is used to buffer the acidity in our body.  So even if we are taking in large amounts of calcium through diet or supplementation, we may not be hanging on to it.

So how do I know if my body is too acidic?  Are you eating lots of grains, cheeses, salty and processed foods?  Then most likely your body is too acidic.  One of the keys to the Paleo diet is to eat foods low in sodium and high in potassium – AKA, fruits and vegetables.  These foods are very basic and help balance out the acidity in our body.  By making this change, you are allowing your body to hang onto the calcium that you are taking in.

Ok, so now we just need to know where to get calcium.  Here is a list of a few non-dairy and fully Paleo sources of calcium:
Kale
Collards
Shallots
Broccoli
Garlic
Spinach
Sesame Seeds and Sesame Butter (high in calcium)
Almonds and Almond Butter (high in calcium)
Brazil nuts
Orange Peel
Eggs (eggs are not dairy – they are poultry)

Even these spices and herbs are a way to take in a little more:
Basil
Thyme
Dill Weed
Sage
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Tarragon
Cinnamon
Cumin
Curry

More sources:
Want to look up what the nutrition facts are for a certain food?  Go here:  http://www.nutritiondata.com/
More on calcium and bones:  http://www.thepaleodiet.com/faqs/#Calcium