Learning about bones

This book has become my new Bible, as I attempt to reclaim bone loss naturally. I’ve also switched to a new supplement that promotes calcium absorption.

I had a consultation this week with one of the few physicians in this country who is not on the bandwagon of the prescription medications for aging bones -- principally alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel). Instead she recommended that I read this book, modify my daily supplements, and do weight-bearing exercise on a regular basis.

The book by Annemarie Colbin, Ph.D., is fascinating. As with most health things, there is not a one-size-fits-all diet that addresses this issue. But rather it’s a balancing act of acid-forming foods, alkalizing foods, and the buffers (mostly dairy) in between.

On the cover it says “A pioneering nutritionist show you:
-- How to strengthen your bones with the food you eat
-- How to rebuild bone mass naturally
-- Why estrogen therapy, calcium supplements, and prescription medications are not the answer
-- Which foods weaken the bones and diminish bone mass

At this point, I don’t know enough to even begin to modify my diet, which I thought was already pretty good. I know I’m on the right track with green leafy vegetables like collards and kale and even parsley, which I have come to love over the past year. But it will take some more study, perhaps some lab work to establish baselines, and probably a consultation or two with someone who really understands the chemistry of the big picture.

I’m also learning how important it is to take calcium supplements which are accompanied by other minerals such as magnesium to maximize their absorption. In addition, there are certain things known to rob the body of calcium, caffeine (in all its forms) being one of them. I may need to address the caffeine I consume through tea and even (oh no!) dark chocolate.

My wonderful PT person who helped me recover from my recent surgery is coming over on Friday afternoon to reconvert our home gym from a convenient place to pile things to the exercise machine it was intended to be. I’m going to be pumping weight once again (or more like it, seriously for the first time).

There are no guarantees that anything will work better than anything else. But for now, I’m betting on a natural approach to dealing with this problem most of us face at one point or another. I can always resort to the drugs if all else fails.