Healing with Food Article
Osteoporosis
Accompanying recipe: Sardine Cilantro Spread
Why do American women suffer from osteoporosis? Obviously, a diet high in calcium-rich dairy foods is NOT a solution.
Osteoporosis, a thinning or weakening of the bones, is especially common among postmenopausal women in the United States and other high dairy consuming countries like Sweden. This calcium deficiency disease, which can lead to changes in posture and bone fractures, is both preventable and treatable.
Contrary to dairy industry advertisements and conventional nutritional advice, cow's milk does not build strong human bones. Clearly, milk cows—and, for that matter, eagles or elephants—don't get their calcium from drinking milk. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and a sedentary life style are the biggest calcium robbers. Additionally, a high intake of phosphorous, which is contained in most sodas, can interfere with calcium absorption.
A useful model for enhancing bone health comes from traditional Chinese medicine. According to this system, the kidneys rule the bones and so caring for our kidneys is the best preventative measure against osteoporosis. No matter how many calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods we consume, stressed kidneys result in compromised bones.
Diet-wise we care for our kidneys and bones with a mineral rich, whole foods diet. Minimize all refined foods, including salt, sugar and soft drinks, which deplete minerals from our system and thus challenge the kidneys. Also avoid coffee, alcohol and chemicals or drugs from food or the environment. It's important to consume moderate amounts of both salt and fluids and to favor room temperature or warm foods and beverages.
Kidney-strengthening foods include all beans, sardines, seaweed, root vegetables, melons, soup stock made from bones and meat, especially kidneys. Dark-colored foods energetically support the kidneys and so, for example, when you choose wild rice, black beans or black currants over white rice, lima beans or red currents you energetically support your kidneys.
In addition to diet, regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, strengthens the kidneys. Standing for long periods of time weakens the kidneys, as does too much sitting or lying down. Lastly, it's important to keep the lower back area, over the kidneys, warm and protected from the cold.
Understanding how to conserve and strengthen our kidney energy with diet and lifestyle is a practical way of strengthening our bones. I hope this information enables you to minimize bone reabsorption and support the healthy growth of new bone tissue.
The accompanying recipe is a calcium-packed and bone-strengthening, Sardine Cilantro Spread.
May you be well nourished,
Rebecca Wood