Osteoporosis and nutrition are linked more closely than you realize. Poor nutrition (from nutrient deficiencies and/or a high intake of anti-nutrients) can lead to osteoporosis. Knowing the facts can help you prevent this bone disorder.

Calcium Alone Is Not the Answer
Calcium and vitamin D were traditionally considered to be the most important bone builders, but scientists have recently discovered two dozen other bone builders. For example, copper, zinc, manganese, silica, and vitamins K, C and B6 are essential for a healthy bone protein matrix. Sixty percent of the body's magnesium is found in bones; it plays a number of different roles in building bone.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are also crucial to preventing osteoporosis. Essential fatty acids are important nutrients that were recently discovered to play a role in bone health. A diet high in vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and beans (along with supplementation of all the bone-building nutrients) is your best defense against this inflammatory disorder. Another commonly known but often ignored fact is that excess acid-producing protein, in the face of inadequate alkaline-producing fruits and vegetables, damages bone. Too much protein from flesh foods or grains can create an acid load that jeopardizes bone. This is likely especially if intake of acid-neutralizing fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is low. Fortunately, this is easily remedied with dietary changes and selected nutrient supplementation.

Finally, anti-nutrients should be minimized. Anti-nutrients reduce our nutritional fitness. Reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol, sugar, tobacco, salt, high phosphate processed foods, transfats, hydrogenated oils, soda, and coffee for maximum bone health. For more information on the role of good nutrition in preventing and reversing osteoporosis, please continue to browse our website or contact Dr. Brown for a consultation.