Question: I have received several emails from readers in the last few months asking this question: Has the natural approach to bone health improved your bone density?
Answer: Yes, according to the bone density test I took today. Achilles Bone Ultrasonometer Results (from Rainbow Light) as of 11/3/11 are as follows: T-score: -2.6, Z-score: -1.4 (right on the border between osteopenia and osteoporosis). Compare this with the average scores from my last bone density test (Dexascan) from 11/26/08: T-score: -3.7; Z-score: -2.8 (severe osteoporosis). Bottom line: My T-score rose by an impressive 30%, and my Z-score rose by a whopping 50%. So, apparently my bones are continuing to gain density at an age when most women are losing bone density.
Am I worried about my borderline osteopenia/osteoporosis status? No. Why not?
1) I am a small-boned woman of Irish descent. Smaller bones and lighter bone density tend toward for us.
2) A few years ago, I broke my left shoulder in four places in a bike accident. The fractures healed in record time! Apparently, my bone-building mechanism works fine.
3) I recently took a hard fall while training for a 5K race, which resulted in a massage for sore muscles and a chiropractic adjustment for my spine, but no broken bones.
4) I now scan once a month on a NES ProVision body-field scanner. If I am low on particular vitamins or minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, or Vitamin D, that information shows up on the scan report. I immediately take action. Last month my calcium level was low, as were some other minerals, so I started taking Garden of Life’s “Grow Bone System” for the month. My calcium level is now back to normal. Also, there is more to bone strength than bone density; in fact, it is possible to have highly dense bones than are brittle and break easily. Research shows that other minerals, such as strontium, also promote bone density and flexibility.
So, I will continue the plan:
- Eat an 80% alkaline, 20% acid diet.
- Test the pH level of my urine and saliva at least once a week, using pH testing tape, to ensure that my body is maintaining an alkaline pH level (above 7.0).
- Enjoy 20 minutes of sunlight on my skin daily, or supplement with Vitamin D3 when unable to get sunlight.
- Drink 6-8 glasses (48-64 oz.) of pure water every day.
- Engage in weight-bearing exercise regularly, including walking/jogging, weight training, stretching, belly dancing, yoga, yard work, rebounding (2-5 minutes per day)… and holding my grandchildren!