Not all medical professionals or rheumatologists would agree that too much acid in the diet is one of the major causes of osteoporosis. Nor do pharmaceutical companies, whose popular asthma and cholesterol lowering medicines are highly acidifying. Yet several research studies conducted by associate professor Lynda A. Frasetto, M.D. at the University of California at San Francisco Department of Medicine, along with numerous other scientists, show conclusively that chronic metabolic acidosis contributes to bone loss and hip fractures.
What is Osteoporosis?
"Osteoporosis, which means 'porous bones,' causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. In most cases, bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your bones,” states the Mayo Clinic.org website. This prestigious institution also does not mention the alkaline diet as prevention.
One of the major causes of osteoporosis and joint pain is loss of important minerals due to over acidification, according the Christoper Vasey N.D., author of The Acid-Alklaine Diet for Optimum Health. Eating more alkaline foods than acid forming foods creates a healthier internal environment. Vasey stresses it is important to balance your alkaline/acid levels so your body does not suffer the consequences of demineralization. He stresses an alkaline diet for healthy bones is just as important as an alkaline diet for weight loss.
Loss of Alkaline Minerals Causes Porous Bones
Alkaline minerals are stored in all the body’s tissues. When the body becomes overly acidic, the kidneys cannot excrete all the acids so it robs alkaline minerals from the tissues to flush out the destructive acids. This loss of alkalinity causes demineralization necessary for a healthy skeleton. “Bones lose their calcium along with their resistance and flexibility to the point where they break, or they lose their density and become inflamed at the joints,” states Vasey.
Who wants old age to creep up and before you know it you’re in a wheelchair, can’t walk without a walker, and can’t sleep through the night because your bones hurt? Complementary medicine addresses these problems in a different approach than traditional medicine.
Alkaline Diet for Better BonesIn his clinical setting, Chiropractic Physician /Acupuncturist Robert Scarnecchia of The Chiropractic Group in Okeechobee, Florida, counsels his patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy alkaline-acid balance. "The acid/alkaline lifestyle coupled with daily exercise will help you lose weight but the the main reason for keeping your body alkaline is its overall benefit to your health," he said in an October 2009 interview. "Acidity creates inflammation, inflammation creates free radical formation, free radical formation creates disease and cancer. Inflammation cannot flourish in a basic environment. "
In the past 11 years Scarnecchia says he has seen amazing results with patients who lose weight on the alkaline diet. Not only do his patients lose pounds, but also the benefits of better bones means they need less medicines, pain killers or unnecessary surgeries. "Weight loss reduces stress and load on the joints. With abnormal heavy stresses placed on joints they deteriorate faster and thus lose function. By keeping the body alkaline the bones and joints have the quality of nutrients necessary for stability," says Scarnecchia.
Seek Advice From a RheumatologistThe treatment of osteoporosis is often perfomed by a rheumatologist thatdiagnoses and treats diseases of the joints, muscles, bones and tendons who may or may not advocate complementray medicine. It is advisable to get guidance from your physician when changing your diet to prevent osteoporosis and/ or seek the support of a licensed practitioner of alternative medicine who specializes in nutrition.
Related Articles
If you have questions about how to start the alkaline diet, read this article:The Alkaline Diet; What It Is And How To Do It.
Sources
Frassetto L, Todd K, Morris RC Jr., Sebastian A. Worldwide incidence of hip fracture in women: Relation to consumption of animal and vegetable foods.Journal of Gerontology 55A(10):M585-92, 2000.
Christopher Vasey, N.D. The Acid Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health. Healings Arts Press, Rochester,Vermont. Second Edition, 2006
Robert W. Scarnecccia, D.C.C.S.C.S. The Chiropractic Group. Okeechobee, Florida.
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