Osteoporosis
More bone is formed in the young adult years, progressively increasing in density until about age 30 when they are at their strongest. After that, breakdown of bones slowly decrease the density. When the body is unable to maintain adequate amount of bone formation with the proper nutrition, bones continue to lose its density and become increasingly fragile, eventually resulting in osteoporosis. Bones contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that keeps them strong and hard. The ability to absorb calcium into the bones depends very much on vitamin D. Vitamin C helps make collagen, and zinc helps make new bone cells.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis Initially, there are no symptoms from osteoporosis because loss of bone density occurs very gradually. Some people never develop symptoms until a fracture or a collapse occurs causing severe sudden pains. Some people develop aching bone pain and deformities. It may also result in considerable loss of height. Fractures usually occur at the end of bones rather than in the middle; in the spinal column it would occur in the middle to lower back. Vertebral crush fractures are called osteoporotic fractures. Usually pain starts suddenly, stays in a particular area in the back and worsens when the sufferer stands or walks. Several vertebrae may break, causing muscle strain and soreness and deformity. Bones in other parts of the body may also fracture from a minor strain or fall. But the most serious fracture is a hip fracture, causing a major disability and loss of independence.
Causes of Osteoporosis Normal bone metabolism is dependent on many factors -- nutritional, lifestyle and hormonal factors. Contrary to what many people believe that osteoporosis is the result of loss of calcium, researches have shown that the answer certainly isn't just a lack of calcium intake. Like any other living tissue, bone needs a diverse amount of essential nutrients to be present to combat this debilitating disease. Other causes have been traced to dietary factors such as diets high in protein, phosphorus, refined sugar, salt and acidic-forming foods, with deficiencies of trace minerals intake. Lifestyle factors include family history of osteoporosis, alcoholism, smoking, short stature, low body mass (small bones), never having been pregnant, and a sedentary lifestyle or physical inactivity. Osteoporosis is particularly prevalent in women after menopause. Although conventional explanation is that osteoporosis is caused by the lack of estrogen, scientists now think that it is the deficiency of progesterone that is precipitating osteoporosis.
Diet/Lifestyle Suggestions In order to reduce or prevent osteoporosis, we need to heed several important factors:
Calcium is essential and helpful for the bone but it isn't the only answer. It is the optimal absorption of the nutrient that is important. Calcium needs magnesium and vitamin D to form new bone. Without vitamin D, you might as well don't bother taking any calcium! Other essential nutrients for fighting osteoporosis include folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12, vitamin C and K, manganese, boron, silicon and zinc. Avoid diets high in salt, refined sugar, protein and acid ash as they cause calcium removal from bones and increase calcium loss in the urine. Carbonated beverages have very high phosphate (phosphorus) content with low calcium, causing calcium to be extracted from the bone. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they increase your risk of osteoporosis threefold. Animal fats (lard) prevent you from absorbing calcium normally as the fats bind the calcium, preventing absorption. Avoid or consume in moderation, foods that are high in inorganic oxalic acid. Meat is not the best source of your protein. Get most of your protein requirement from eggs and dairy source such as low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, soy products or protein whey. Eat an alkaline-based diet that are abundance in vegetables, fruits, nuts and legumes. Green leafy vegetables are rich sources of a broad range of vitamins and minerals that are important for maintaining healthy bones. Milk has often been thought to provide calcium for the bones. I'm sorry to say that is grossly wrong. In a study involving over 70,000 women, no evidence was found to prove that higher intake of milk actually reduced fracture incidences. In fact, women who drank two or more glasses of milk per day actually had an increased risk of 45 percent for hip fracture compared to women consuming one glass or less per week. In other words, the more milk a woman consumed, the higher the risks of hip fracture. A trace mineral called boron has a mighty influence that boosts your bone metabolism. Without it your body cannot retain the necessary calcium. Boron is richly found in fruits, legumes and nuts. Foods high in vitamin D: fresh sardines, herring, salmon, mackerel, tuna. Finally, develop a modest exercise program. Weight-bearing exercises are a necessary component in stimulating the body to make more bone. Walking may help the lower legs but does very little for the back and hips. Lifting weights over your head are critical in preventing this crippling disease. Must read: Soft drinks: What you don't know can kill you
Almost any fruits and vegetables that you take will provide you the variety of essential nutrients and minerals necessary for preventing osteoporosis. Your absorption of calcium will be greater from vegetables than from milk. Add green leafy vegetables in your juicing where possible. If you dislike green juices, include plenty vegetables in your meals, lightly cooked to preserve their delicate nutrients.
These provide significant protection against osteoporosis. Rich in calcium, vitamin K, folic acid and manganese.
The isoflavones in alfalfa sprouts help increase bone mineral density and prevent bone breakdown. Kale contains calcium and beta-carotene and apple (or pear) has boron. With all these present at the same time, absorption of calcium is extra effective. Juice these together and drink regularly.
Juice any of these recipes and vary the combinations for maximum benefit:
Two guavas, two kiwi fruits and one big rib of celery.
A small bowl of strawberries and 1 grapefruit.
Two medium-sized carrots, two tomatoes and one medium-sized turnip.
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