Our bones are a living tissue that is continually being renewed. Bone building consists of a complex process of biochemical reactions that maintain a balance between breaking down old and injured bone and building new strong, but flexible bone. Old bone is constantly being dissolved and reabsorbed and new bone is constantly being laid down in its place. For this reason, our bones need a constant supply of nutrients to keep them healthy.
Very often we are told that calcium builds strong bones. This is because calcium is both the most abundant mineral in the body and the most abundant mineral in bones. But bones are made of much more than calcium. Bones contain other macro minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulfur. They also need trace minerals such as silica, iron, molybdenum, cooper, zinc, fluoride, selenium, chromium, manganese, iodine, and cobalt. In addition, vitamins like C and D, protein and other nutrients are also required for bone health. As we can see, we are deficient in other trace nutrients that are needed to make proper use of calcium already in our diets.
Steve Horne indicates that the biggest problem contributing to several bone ailments, including osteoporosis is a lack of nutritional density in our diets. A lack of trace minerals and nutritional density is the primary reason our bones are weaker, but there is another contributing factor: our pH. An overly acidic diet causes the bone to break down more quickly because alkalizing minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium are “borrowed” from bones and other tissues to help counteract the excess acid.
This general over acid condition is caused by a diet high in soda, pop, coffee, alcohol, grains, meat and interestingly enough, dairy. Alkalizing foods tend to be fresh fruits and vegetables, in which most diets are low. Shallow breathing, high levels of stress and air pollution also make the pH of the body become more acidic.
Your bones support you, but as you can see, you also need to support your bones with good nutrition. There are numerous herbs and nutritional supplements that can help support the health of bones and joints.
Calcium is an essential element for the health of bones. It also requires vitamin D for proper absorption and utilization. In harmony with the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium in the small intestines and for maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentration that enable normal mineralization of bones. The best form of vitamin D is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This fat-soluble vitamin is produced in the skin when is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B radiation. Many studies have shown that vitamin D3 supports bone and other organ health.
Magnesium is another mineral that works in concert with calcium and is involved in the structure of bones, cell membranes and chromosomes. 60% of magnesium is found in the skeleton and 27% is found in muscle. It has been established that more people are more deficient in magnesium than calcium. Magnesium Complex or Chlorophyll capsules are good supplements to increase magnesium levels in the body.
The third most abundant mineral in the body is potassium. Potassium also plays a role in bone density. It helps prevent osteoporosis by counteracting increased urinary calcium loss due to high dietary salt intake. Potassium is abundant in green leafy vegetables and can be supplemented with Potassium Combination.
Trace minerals are another highly nourishing option. I like Ionic Minerals and Mineral Chi Tonic.
According to Herb Allure Inc., The Hart says that Ionic Minerals play a specific role in antioxidant activity, cellular function, enzyme activation, hormonal regulation, metabolism, healthy pregnancy and lactation, normal hearth rhythm, oxygen transport, pH balance of the blood, and the renewal of body tissues and wounding healing. Trace minerals are also involved in normal skeletal metabolism and the nutritional prevention of osteoporosis and degenerative joint diseases.
Ionic Minerals provides 70 trace minerals readily-absorbed. It also has fulvic acid to increase absorption and fight free radicals. The flavor is enhanced with Acai berry and Red grape skin extract. An excellent mineral supply.
Mineral Chi Tonic may help to reduce the excessive desire for sweet foods as mineral deficiencies may contribute to sugar cravings. It is a liquid blend that contains colloidal minerals, which enhance the body’s enzyme system and help the body with energy production, structural repair and general health. It includes adaptogens and energy balancers including eleuthero, licorice root, reishi mushroom and ginkgo. Mineral Chi Tonic enhances tissue healing, improves mood, reduces fatigue and enhances athletic performance.
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