Magnesium Health Watch » magnesium bone health

Magnesium To Manage Bone Health, Osteoporosis

sarita — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:04:02 +0000

Managing bone health is not just about taking calcium supplements. Research at the University of Toronto has indicated that calcium, when combined with nutritional supplements of leafy greens, is more effective at treating osteoporosis. Calcium alone is not sufficient in healthy bones. Multiple nutritional components such as magnesium, vitamins D, C, and B, zinc, copper and other minerals are essential.

“Although calcium is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, there is also evidence to show that calcium alone is not sufficient,” says Rao. “Several antioxidants, a number of which are obtained primarily through foods such as fruits and vegetables and nutritional supplements, have been shown in both in vitro and clinical studies that they can counteract oxidative stress and prevent the risk of osteoporosis. In other words, it requires other nutritional components in increasing bone formation.”

Eat your greens, for your bones’ sake.

Magnesium, Calcium & More To Keep Ahead of Osteoporosis

sarita — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:47:47 +0000

Most people associate calcium, and sometimes magnesium with preventing osteoporosis. But there are many other considerations including vitamin d and maintaining a low-acid diet, that will help stave off bone deterioration.

This article outlines some of the common pitfalls or mistakes people make when evaluating their nutrition needs for bone health.

“According to the latest research, vitamin D deficiency may be much more common than we think. Vitamin D has two important functions: First, it helps the digestive system absorb calcium, and second, it supports the parathyroid, a gland that regulates the amount of calcium in the blood. When vitamin D levels are low, the parathyroid malfunctions, causing lowered calcium levels in the bloodstream, which can lead to bone loss. People with limited sun exposure or low vitamin D intake are more at risk than others.”

Stay Ahead of Osteoporosis | Common bone-health pitfalls and how to nurture naturally stronger bones.

Magnesium and Calcium for Bone Health

sarita — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:45:06 +0000

Magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K are particularly important for bone health. Eating smart can often get you the vitamins and minerals you need.

For example, enjoying some lowfat yogurt can get up to half of a day’s calcium.

Vitamin D can be a tricky one, as it’s not present in many foods, though many are vitamin d fortified.

A handful of almonds can take care of 1/4 of your daily magnesium needs.

Enhance your diet with soybeans and leafy greens, and you’ll be well on your way to the right magnesium levels.

Here Cooking light presents the foods that best supply these vitamins. On calcium and tofu:

“A great non-dairy source of calcium is tofu. Just one-half cup of firm tofu fortified with calcium has about 20 percent of the daily recommendation for calcium. (Not every tofu is made this way, so look for labels that declare it’s a good source of calcium.) Tofu is also a good source of protein and a wonderful addition to any stir-fry.”

All Photos – Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K are key nutrients for healthy bones. Our RD shows you good food sources. – Photos – CookingLight.com.

Magnesium, Vegetables and Bone Health

sarita — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:57:39 +0000

Elena Conis wrote an informative piece for the LA Times discussing the relationship between fruits and vegetables and levels of acidity in diet and bone health. If you thought that bone health was mostly determined by your intake of calcium through milk, think again! Regulating the acidity balance of blood is critical for those experiencing bone loss. Conis writes:

“…In a follow-up study of more than 3,000 of the women in the Scottish study, the same researchers found that bone mineral density was 2% higher in women who consumed the lowest-acid diets compared with those who ate the highest-acid diets. Among pre-menopausal women, hip bone mineral density was 8% higher and lumbar spine density 6% higher in those who consumed the most potassium compared with those who consumed the least…”

The article continues:

“…The primary virtue of a low-acid diet may be its emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, says Joan Salge-Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Assn. “A plant-based diet is not only good for bones, it’s good for a lot of other things too,” including lowering the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart disease, she says…”