New Dietary Information for Bone Health

West Village Acupuncture
4 Milligan Place
Suite 1F
New York, N.Y. 10011
6th Ave btwn 10th & 11th
917.968.2854

For the last few decades we have been advised that the way to prevent Osteoporosis and thus reduce the risk of bone fracture, is to increase our absorbable calcium dietary intake. Recent studies have called these recommendations into question. A 2007 Harvard University analysis of seven studies involving 170,991 participants, found that calcium intake does not reduce the risk of bone fractures. Women’s Bodies, Woman’s Wisdom, Dr. Christiane Northrup.

Rather then focusing on calcium intake, of much greater significance to bone health is the acid-alkaline balance in our blood systems. When our blood is acidic, our systems respond by removing calcium (an alkaline) from our bones, to help neutralize the acid levels. The result is diminished bone calcium levels which increases the likelihood of fracture. To avoid this and foster bone health it is necessary to modify our diets to reduce the intake of foods that will cause our blood to become more acidic.

Reduce the intake of meats, dairy, carbohydrates, alcohol and caffeine-- all of which contribute to increasing blood acid levels. Increase the consumption of foods that will increase blood alkaline levels -- such as fruits and vegetables. A ratio of 5:1 alkaline to acid food intake is the recommended dietary balance for maintaining healthy bones. This will reduce the acidic levels in blood and reduce the amount of calcium removed from our bones.

Of course, it is always advisable to speak with your health care provider about your specific circumstances.

For information about acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine, feel free to call me at 917.968.2854.

Elizabeth B. Healy, L.Ac.

West Village Acupuncture
4 Milligan Place
Suite 1F
New York, N.Y. 10011
6th Ave btwn 10th & 11th
917.968.2854

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