The other day I received an outstanding question from one of you, regarding osteopenia…
Tracey writes:
“I am 33 and I have osteopenia (severe in the lumbar spine & mild in the femur). I have tried to avoid taking the pill (for estrogen purposes) but my MD says there is no other way to maintain my bone density as I do not ovulate regularly (long history of amenorrhea from marathon training/distance running).”
Osteopenia is classified as having a bone mineral density (BMD) that is lower than a normal BMD, but not low enough to be classified as having osteoporosis.
Bone mineral density is a measurement of the level of minerals in the bones, which indicates how dense and strong they are.
As discussed in the previous entitled “Milk, pH and Osteoporosis– Who Knew?”, “When there is an overabundance of acid in the blood, the body will attempt to purge the blood by leaching alkaline minerals (like calcium) directly from the bones, tissues and teeth.” This acid blood is the same blood that visits all of the body’s vital organs. The body does not wish to have acid waste and toxins disturb these vital organs (like the heart, kidneys, liver, etc.) and since whatever diet or lifestyle we are enjoying, is creating this acid, the body creates it’s very own line of defense and pulls alkaline minerals from its own source. YIKES!
A low bone mineral density (BMD) is an indication of an imbalance or acid body.
While Tracey did not inform me of her current diet and lifestyle, she did inform me that she used to train for marathons and practiced, or practices, distance running.
While exercise and the increase of oxygen circulation in the body is wonderful… exercising to the point of exhaustion, or even prolonged exercise (i.e. distance running), places stress on the body. Stress produces acid (lactic acid in the muscle tissue) in the tissues, blood, etc. Overtime, this acid builds in the body. Ultimately it will affect other normal body functions, and can lower bone mineral density, as described in the process above.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for runners and body builders to rely on a vast amount of flesh and dairy proteins as their sole source of nutrition. Protein sources like eggs, pasteurized dairy and milk products, flesh protein (chicken, cow, turkey, etc.) and protein shakes and bars, are all highly-acid forming in the body. Unfortunately, it is also not uncommon for gym enthusiasts to avoid alkaline-forming fats, like raw sprouted sunflower seeds and nuts, coconut meat and avocado. These alkaline-forming foods are essential, as they both nourish, and cleanse the body of acid waste.
Eating an alkaline diet and avoiding acid-forming foods (like sugar, milk, eggs, flesh protein, etc)… will increase alkalinity in the body and wake up acid wastes in the tissues… Alkaline foods work to detox the body by forcing the acid wastes, OUT.
It is also important to incorporate very alkaline foods (such as, fruit) slowly, as they will quickly wake up toxins, and unless they are just as quickly eliminated, will cause temporary discomfort. An acid body requires additional cleansing methods to reduce discomfort (i.e. headaches, blemishes, etc.) and speed up the detox process. Additional methods consist of dry brushing, juicing and “Woods Gravity Method” administered: colon hydrotherapy (for more information, email me at Lauren@inpurebliss.com).
Supplementation:
As for supplementation, Burdock Root is a wonderful blood cleanser and can be found in most heath food stores. Ask the educated customer service and nutritional expert for a trusted brand. I personally like the brand Nature’s Way, and I tend to purchase many supplements from Vitacost, online.
Additionally, I like Rainbow Light, Just Once, Calcium. It is plant-based, unlike the majority of calcium and magnesium supplements, which are mined from minerals. This supplement should be taken before bed and a couple hours after eating. It also aids in achieving a peaceful sleep, as magnesium works with calcium to relax the body.
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In sum, low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is the result of the body’s imbalance. The reduction of stress on the body and increase and incorporation of cleansing techniques and alkaline-forming foods will work to correct this imbalance.
