For Strong Bones, Start Young
Brittle bones and stooped posture may seem like an inevitable part of aging, but they are not. In fact, what you do now can protect your bones and influence your risk of osteoporosis later. Most people don’t realize they have osteoporosis — which means “porous bone” — until they have a bone fracture. But increased […]
A new take on yogurt
Yogurt has gone from a natural foods niche to a staple in the refrigerators of most Americans. A few years ago we were introduced to Greek yogurt, in which the watery whey is removed by straining, leaving a creamier, thicker yogurt with higher protein and lower sugar content. After that, Icelandic and Australian yogurts became […]
10 Tips to Fight Osteoporosis
Environmental Nutrition Because 70 percent of our bone destiny is due to heredity, you’re at greater risk for osteoporosis if you have a family history of the disease — but that doesn’t mean you can’t help shape the health of your bones. We actively build bone until our mid-20s, then we start to slowly lose […]
Calcium is crucial for long-term bone health
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Should all postmenopausal women take calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis, or are there other things I can do to prevent it? Also, I know caffeine is bad for bone health, but can eating a high-protein diet also hurt my bones? ANSWER: Calcium is crucial for long-term bone health. A […]
How much calcium do women really need?
Like many women, you may have memorized the minimum daily calcium requirement — 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day for women ages 50 and younger and 1,200 mg for women over 50 — and followed it faithfully in an effort to preserve your bones. You’ll probably be surprised to learn that many health authorities don’t agree […]
Environmental Nutrition: Calcium controversy
Americans are encouraged to get more calcium to build and maintain strong healthy bones. But recent headlines suggest that too much calcium could actually be bad for your health and may not, after all, do much to protect your bones. So, what should you do? Until new research provides clear answers, ditch those supplements in […]
Thumbs up for vitamin D supplements, but dietary calcium is best
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I consider myself a healthy 70-year-old man. I eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables. But I am not sure if I need to take a vitamin D and calcium supplement. What’s your opinion? A: Vitamin D is essential to maintain bone […]
Carbonated beverages not a health hazard, but don’t overdo caffeine
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: Do all carbonated beverages rob the bones of calcium? How about club soda or sparkling mineral water? A: Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. The theory is that the phosphoric acid (phosphate) used to enhance flavor in some carbonated beverages can […]
