>- saying then that it's alright to ingest calcium hydroxide (pickling lime) to get ones supply of calcium?
In it's properly diluted form, it is only mildly alkaline and can supply additional calcium. I would not use it as my main source of calcium or other minerals.
However, I do not use just straight lime. I balance my solution with magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
It should be noted that the worlds lowest rates of cancer occurence are in areas where the water has higher calcium and magnesium content.