Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones progressively become weaker causing degradation of posture an extremely high risk of bone fracture. Bone is constantly braking down and restoring itself as its minerals are needed in other parts of the body. If the bone is broken down more quickly than it is replaces than bone density is lost and weakness occurs. Bone is strongest around age thirty and begins to break down from there, thus it is important to acquire sufficient bone mass in the formative years to avoid risk of osteoporosis. This disease is not necessarily caused by a lack of dietary calcium intake and cannot always be remedied by taking calcium supplements because of the way that calcium is absorbed and used in the body. The type of calcium consumed is just as important as the amount and a balance of magnesium, boron, potassium, folic acid, vitamins C, D, E, and K is also necessary. Regular exercise and lifestyle are also important considerations in avoiding osteoporosis.

Eat plenty of foods high in calcium and vitamin D from easily assimilated sources such as broccoli, chestnuts, clams, dandelion greens, dark leafy vegetables, flounder, hazelnuts, kale, kelp, molasses, oats, oysters, salmon, sardines, sea vegetable, sesame seeds, shrimp, soybeans, tahini, tofu, turnip greens, and wheat germ. Eat whole grains, garlic, onions and eggs to improve calcium uptake and increase levels of sulfur. Avoid phophates in soft drinks and alcohol, as well as smoking, sugar, and salt. Limit citrus fruits, yeast, and tomatoes as they may inhibit calcium absorption.