There is much interest today in the acid-alkaline balance within the human body and its effects on bone health. At the Osteoporosis Education Project, we consider chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis to be a major contributor to developing weak, thin bones. Dr. Susan Brown, who heads the project, calls the antidote to this problem the "Alkaline Diet."

Most of us in industrialized societies live with a chronic acidosis that dissolves our bones unknowingly. It is largely caused by a high intake of meat and other animal foods, refined foods, junk food, coffee, and alcohol. Even a very small disruption of the acid-alkaline balance or a change in your blood and cellular pH has a dramatic effect on bone. A slightly acidic shift causes a dramatic increase in bone breakdown, while a slightly alkaline shift will produce the opposite effect.

The Alkaline Diet®
Dr. Brown's Alkaline Diet® is a diet high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, pulses, and mineral water, which builds alkaline reserves that can buffer metabolic acids. Dr. Brown offers a pH Test Kit so you can estimate how adequate your diet is right now and make changes accordingly. You can also make an appointment to consult with her for a personalized diet recommendation to maximize bone health.

At every stage of life, there are ways to build strong bones to prevent osteoporosis or reduce its damaging effects. From infancy to adolescence, adulthood to elderly adulthood, you can take charge of your bone health and prevent osteoporotic fractures.