Bone Up Osteoporosis

Did you know that osteoporosis is a disease that can begin at childhood, but its problems only surface in later years? Did you know that animal studies demonstrate that phosphoric acid, a common ingredient in soda, can deplete bones of calcium? Did you know that a diet with high protein and or high salt intake are risk factors, as is inadequate calcium intake?

Our bones are not a hard and lifeless structure. In fact, they are complex living tissues comprised of protein, vitamins and minerals. Our bones protect vital organs, enable mobility and movement, produce platelets and white blood cells and store minerals essential for bone density and strength. Bones are constantly remodeling, with the breakdown of old ones and the formation of new ones. All these are affected by diet and exercise. At about the age of 30. the process of building turns to degenerating as part of the natural aging process. Our bones begin to break down faster than new bones can be formed. In women, bone loss accelerates after menopause, when they stop producing estrogen, the hormone that protects against bone loss.

Today, far too many people suffer from bone disease and fractures, much, of which, could be prevented. In America, an estimated 10 million suffer from bone disease while another 34 million are at risk. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million people suffer an osteoporotic-related fracture, an event that often leads to a downward spiral in physical and mental health. In fact. 20 percent of senior citizens who suffer a hip fracture die within 1 year. One out of every two women over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, with the risk of fracture increasing with age. Due primarily to the aging of the population and the previous lack of focus on bone health, the number of hip fractures in the United States could double or even triple by the year 2020.

Most of us probably know that calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. But many of us may not know that calcium is required for every cell of the body to function in a healthy manner. Yes. calcium not only acts as “cellular cement” for teeth and bones, calcium is also used by nerves and muscles, as well as aids in proper blood clotting and nerve functions. It also maintains normal levels of blood pressure and stomach acid.

Parathyroid is a hormone that oversees all these calcium activities like a vigilant bank manager, keeping the calcium concentration in the body just right for its usage. Your body maintains its blood calcium level at any expense. So if you’re not absorbing enough calcium from what you eat to satisfy your body’s requirement, you’ll steal it from your bones!

In a typical modern-day diet where 9 out of 10 people do not get sufficient calcium intake, just where do you think your body borrows its calcium from? It constantly takes calcium from the bone and supplies it to the blood to make sure that alt of these essential functions can continue.” explains Bernard P. Halloran, Ph.D., professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco. Continued withdrawal of calcium from your bone bank is dangerous and accelerates towards osteoporosis!

HOW MUCH CALCIUM DO YOU NEED?

Our body at any age needs calcium. Note the daily requirements at various stages in your life:

• Infants (birth to 1 year): 400 to 600 mg.
• Children (1 to 10): 800 mg.
• Preteens and teens: 1,200-1.500 mg.
• Adults: 1,200 mg. jji Seniors: 1,500 mg.
• Pregnancy: 1.500-2,000 mg.
• Lactation: 1,200-1.500 mg.

Ways to Boost Your Calcium Intake, because 85% of us don’t get enough

Consume a calcium-rich diet

You are careful about calories and cautious about fat. But how conscious are you regarding your calcium needs? Do you know any fruits or vegetables that are high in calcium? Green leafy vegetables like bok choy, beans, spinach, broccoli, kale, okra and papaya are all high in calcium.

A serving (1 cup) of any of these contains approximately 70-90 mgs of calcium.

It is convenient to juice them. Juices provide readily available minerals and nutrients to the body in the most digestible form. Highly efficient single-gear juicers like NewLife Alpha Juicer give you more than just quality juices. They give you live enzymes in your juices as well! So choose wisely how to take your next meal.