Overview
Osteoporosis -- or thinning of the bones -- is a serious health condition that contributes to millions of bone fractures per year, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. While most people are familiar with the advice to eat more calcium-containing foods and participate in regular weight-bearing exercise to keep bones strong, another theory of bone health and osteoporosis prevention maintains that an alkaline diet is the key to strong bones.
Background
An alkaline diet is one that maintains your body's naturally alkaline pH balance. As explained by Dr. Alejandro Junger in "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself," the foods you eat introduce alkaline or acidic states into your body after digestion. Since your body's normal, healthy state is slightly alkaline, an acidic state can wreak havoc with your health, states Junger.
Acidity and Osteoporosis
When your body's pH balance swings from alkaline to acidic, your bones suffer, according to an article at Natural News. In reaction to acidic blood, bones release calcium into the bloodstream, attempting to rectify the acid-alkaline imbalance. This leaves the bones in a vulnerable situation, giving up their calcium stores to promote a more alkaline body state. As Jane Brody states in "The New York Times," this theory of bone health may help explain why fracture rates can still be high, even in countries with high rates of calcium-food consumption.
Alkalizing vs. Acid-Promoting Foods
Some of the most widely consumed foods in the typical American diet are highly acid-promoting, says Junger. These include meat, dairy products, sugar, refined grains, coffee, alcohol and processed foods. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are highly alkalizing, especially dark green vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens. An alkaline diet includes plenty of these healthy, nutrient-rich plant foods and minimizes consumption of protein foods, dairy, white flour and sugar. Alkaline-diet proponents believe this way of eating is an effective strategy for preventing calcium loss and osteoporosis.
Caveats
Even though a diet high in fruits and vegetables seems healthy and uncontroversial, the theory of alkaline eating for osteoporosis prevention is not universally accepted among health professionals. As with any health condition, consult your physician if you are concerned about osteoporosis. Your physician can help determine if your diet may play a role in your bone health and provide recommendations for steps to take to preserve the strength of your bones.
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