Are your bones being built-up or broken-down? Actually, both should be happening all of the time... but it is the balance of these processes which is important to establish and maintain. Osteoclasts are cells that continually reabsorb bone while osteoblasts are laying down new bone. Often we don’t realize the independence that strong healthy bones afford until we damage ourselves. A broken hip is incredibly debilitating and can cut-short your golf and/or ski season... not to mention the 20% 1-year mortality rate that accompanies it. Ironically, the main density of your bones was laid down in your teenage years when good nutrition was likely the furthest thing from your mind. That said, it is not too late to care for them now. Food choices, lifestyle habits and a little education can do wonders.
◦ baseline bone density scan; by age 40yrs
◦ monitor urine pH
◦ measure hormone levels
What is pH? This is a measure of the alkalinity/acidity in your body. An acidic internal environment can lead to minerals, such as calcium, being drawn from your bones and deposited into your blood & other tissues in order to neutralize the acid. The typical North American diet, based on proteins and starchy carbohydrates, is very acid-forming.
Prevention & treatment
◦ limit intake of acid-forming animal proteins, soft drinks and refined flour products
◦ testing your hormone levels
◦ analyzing your hair mineral and heavy metal status
◦ recommending personalized diet & lifestyle modifications for optimal wellness
◦ assessing nutritional deficiencies specific to the medications you are taking