Your Bones and Yogurt: low fat, no fat. Is it all Greek to you?
Written by
Irma Jennings, INHC
Uploaded
August 1
You might have noticed by now that I’m not a big fan of dairy as your main source of bone healthy nutrients. I like a wider variety of foods for healthy bones, including dark leafy greens, seaweeds and bone broths.
But then there’s yogurt…and here’s where I have to make an exception to my dairy prejudice.
Yogurt is fermented by adding bacterial cultures to milk, transforming the milk sugar, lactose, into lactic acid.
Here’s why yogurt is better than milk when it comes to your bones: acidity.
Vitamin K used to be a super secret agent. A few scientists were privy to its powers to protect your skeleton but they weren’t talking. Vitamin K has now been outed. It’s making headlines and has become the hot new nutrition celebrity - especially when it comes to strong bones.
One question I often hear from my clients is “How much calcium do I need to take every day for my bones?”
The hidden assumption in that question is this: “you have to take a supplement to get enough calcium for your bones.” That seems to be the philosophy of most consumers and healthcare practitioners, but is it true?
The answer is a resounding no. In fact, women who get their calcium from food have higher bone mineral density than women who just take supplements.
This is true even though women relying on supplements actually take in more milligrams of calcium than women relying on calcium-rich foods.
“Sit back and light up a cigarette – it does a body good.”
As shocking as that sounds today, there was a time when it was widely accepted.
My early memories are filled with smokers. In the 50’s my parents would light a cigarette whenever they wanted to relax: during and after family meals, cocktail hour, canasta gatherings, or in solitude as a reflective tool.
My childhood career was “find mommy’s cigarettes.”
Strong Bones need 20 vitamins and minerals in addition to calcium.
Here's a Strong Bone recipe that will feed and warm the marrow of your bones.
Dr. Veronica Anderson's topic "Keeping Bones Healthy" is on the minds of many. As one of 7 experts on her radio talk show on bone health we had a lively discussion.
Take home message: First Step starts in our kitchen!
With so many baby boomers approaching our 50's, 60's and 70's - we're 76 million strong - bone loss revealed through dexa test, being handed diagnosis of osteopenia, osteoporosis, has become part of our life's discussions. Strong bones are our life's foundation.
The question often asked: Do I take bone medications or do I take charge?
Please understand that bones weaken over time. In the same way we get wrinkles over time. Both of these situations are not a disease. It's called aging. And the aging process can be done with grace and ease. Yet when bone loss excellerates into the osteoporosis stage, then there is concern.
The following are 3-daily tips that everyone can use to improve their bone health.
Remember all leafy greens are a good source of Vitamin A (immunity), Vitamin C (wound healing, collagen production for healthy skin) Vitamin K (for blood clotting and bone health), and folate (heart health, proper DNA replication for healthy new cells). But additionally, Arugula, Mizuna (Japanese mustard), Wild Kale and Tatsoi are all members of the Brassica family, which make them relatives of cabbage and broccoli.
Let's talk seasonal veggies!
