We know that emotional and physical health are important and how the two are inextricably linked. Diet should and must play a pivotal role also, so that we stay well, not only for now, but for a future life not yet lived.
It’s a fact that as we age, we will be more prone to conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Through cerebral palsy there is a link but it doesn’t mean other people will be less affected by it, in their lives too.
Although osteoporosis tends to happen around the time of the menopause, women begin to lose bone density from around the age of 35. By the time they reach 50 they have been robbed of up to 25 percent of their skeleton.
Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women after the menopause and increases risk of bone fractures. The statistics show that one in three women and one in twelve men will have osteoporosis by the time they reach 70 years of age.
Supporting ourselves through diet and hormonal health throughout and after the menopause is the key to prevention. Animal protein foods are acid forming so rob the bones of calcium and is the key link to the condition, as is consuming insufficient amounts of plant foods, such as fruit and vegetables.
It is easily assumed that milk helps build bone density and yet today some studies suggest that the more milk we drink the more, the more prone we will be to higher bone fractures. This is because although milk contains calcium, it also contains protein, which is acid forming.
Scientists believe that consuming dairy foods and animal proteins over a long period of time, can contribute to the ‘silent disease’ known as osteoporosis.
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I know my friend Pat had this. She was very lucky it was mild but it never stopped her from giving to other people, which she was always doing. All her friends miss her greatly. She had a lot of them.
So far my bone density is good. But my grandmother had it and my mom also has it, so I am prone to it genetically.
I don't drink a lot of milk and don't eat a lot of meat, hardly any if I can get away with it. I try to get my protein from other sources like plant protein. It is better for you and animal protein can lead to other problems like heart disease and cancer.
I remember when grandma was diagnosed with Osteoporosis. They didn't have a name for it then and just said her bones where flaking away. I was very young and it sounded weird to me. Good information Ilana.
Glad to hear Lisa that you're doing well so far. I know there is a test we can have to make sure how well our bones are doing, but there are things we can do in the meantime to help ourselves.
Eat plenty of 'spring greens' and nuts and seeds and cut out as you rightly say animal protein, particularly red meat and introduce more fish instead including oily fish!
I deal with severe arthritis and it has progressed to a point where it's painful on a daily basis. Is there a change in diet that will correct the damage already done?
Brian, you cannot correct the damage already done, but you can start taking measures to make sure your arthritis doesn't get any worse.
I will e-mail you.
Randy, Osteoporosis doesn't stay mild. In time the condition gets worse.
My Great Aunt had Osteoporosis for many years. She couldn't breath because her organs were so cramped. It's not the condition you die of, it's normally something you deal with as a consequence of the condition. My Great Aunt had pneumonia and that's what took her.
I take a multivitamin with calcium as well as calcium supplements, (as those of us that have had our thyroid out know is recommended). This disease runs in my family and I am making sure it doesn't hit me.
Maria I have the same problem as you. It runs in my family too. I also take calcium supplements as well as other forms of calcium taken from the food that I eat. We just have to do what we can.