Osteoporosis - A Result of Malnutrition

By Karen MacKay

Osteoporosis is a disease of malnutrition. In a land of obesity and abundant food supplies it seems odd that anyone could be malnourished but that is the case. The development of osteoporosis begins at a young age when consumed calcium is too low and factors required for its absorption and bone development are not present. It is more important to develop bone strength in the growing years than to try to correct it later on after the body has matured in the mid-twenties.

To develop and keep a strong bone matrix a plethora of vitamins and minerals are required. Without them, the bone cannot adequately build. Those minerals come from fruits, vegetables and other calcium-rich sources such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. Calcium, antioxidants and vitamins D and K are the obvious nutrients needed from these foods. Getting enough is only one problem but it goes further than that.

To sustain life the blood needs to have the correct acid/alkaline balance. The overload of sugar, protein, fat, phosphorus/phosphoric acid*, and sulfate/sulfuric acid, not to mention stress, create too much acid or acidosis in the body. Mineral supplies that are needed to buffer the acid resulting from these excesses are supplied from the diet first, if they are there. If not, the bone has the calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and sodium to buffer and reduce the acidity. These invaluable-to-the-bone minerals are leached because it is more important to reduce the acidity than to maintain bone health. Again, diet and malnutrition play a part. Junk foods are not merely empty calories, fat and sugar, they are a detriment to health. They are not just contributors to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. They are a disruption to the intricate workings of the human body. They steal valuable vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that should be used for healing, maintenance, and for fueling the energy needs of the body.

And then there is exercise. Weight-lifting and resistance exercises build muscle and bone mass. Dancing, jogging, walking, sports, or just about any exercise on your feet contribute to maintaining strong bones. This needs to be done starting at a young age. Watching TV, playing computer games and sitting don’t count. Children must get up, play and move around. Healthy bones are made in childhood and continue with a physically active life. A sedentary lifestyle is harmful at every age.

To develop and maintain good bone health, dietary habits must be stressed. It always goes back to eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and minimizing the quantity of meat and junk food and soda-pop. Exercising regularly and releasing stress will also contribute to a healthy life-style. Malnutrition should be part of the past but it’s up to you to make the choice. Bone health depends on good eating.

*High Phosphorus Foods – soda-pop, potato chips, bacon, processed meats, liver, products with baking powder. ©2006

Dr. Karen MacKay is a chiropractor, acupuncturist, hypnotherapist and wholistic health practitioner. She has authored two books: Dear Sisters, Break Free From Domestic Violence, and The Wisest, Healthiest Buffalo. Her website www.HotFlashQueen.com and twice monthly Ezine, available at eZine@hotflashqueen.com , are about healing and feeling good. She also has Guided Imagery MP3 downloads to help the healing and awareness processes.

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