Conti- from Part 1

1. Regain pH Balance - An imbalanced pH within the body can lead to calcium loss in the bones and be a major contributing factor to osteoporosis.

Stress, lack of physical activity, environmental pollutants and a diet high in acid-producing foods collectively create the problem of acidosis. The body needs to be in a slightly alkaline state in order to function optimally. With acidosis, the body seeks to correct the overly acidic state by drawing alkalizing minerals such as calcium from the bones. Over time, this severe loss of calcium can have a major impact on your bone density and osteoporosis can ensue.

The most effective way to reduce acids within the body is by enacting dietary changes. A proper diet should be comprised of 60-80% alkalizing foods and 40-20% acid-forming foods. The standard American diet is mostly made up of acid-forming foods including coffee, tea, wine and most proteins (with the exception of milk, butter, soft cheese and almonds) as well as most fats, cereals and sugars. On the other hand, almost all fruits and vegetables (except for tomatoes, cranberries and blueberries) are alkalizing.

Dietary supplements can also be very effective at restoring an alkaline state within the body. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and pH balancing supplements (such as perfectlyhealthy pH Plus™) all help to maintain a slightly alkaline state.

1. Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle - A healthy lifestyle is key to optimal bone health. Poor habits such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a lack of exercise can all reduce bone formation by interfering with the bone's ability to properly absorb calcium.

Regular exercise is necessary to building strong bones. Those with the most physically active lifestyles tend to have the greatest bone density. Exercising for 30 minutes a day, three times a week can increase bone density at any age. Weight bearing exercises, such as riding a bike or walking, combined with strength building exercises, such as weight lifting, are the most beneficial. For an added boost, take your exercise routine outside! The sun's rays are packed with vitamin D, a necessary nutrient for your body to absorb calcium.

1. Calcium, Calcium, Calcium - Bones weaken when you have low levels of vital minerals such as calcium and vitamin D. With age, dietary calcium intake and the body's ability to absorb calcium tend to fall.

It is recommended that premenopausal women and men below the age of 65 maintain a daily calcium intake of 500 mg. Many require up to 1,000 mg per day because their bodies don't properly absorb calcium and most products don't provide the right co-factors for maximum absorption. Menopausal and post menopausal women and men over the age of 65 should increase their daily intake to 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg per day. Adequate amounts of vitamin D are necessary for the body to absorb calcium; therefore I recommend taking 400 mg of vitamin D along with your daily calcium supplement. A supplement derived from organic materials will provide the best source of calcium. I recommend perfectlyhealthy Osteo Plus™ to my patients. This product is formulated with nutrient rich black pearl calcium, including co-factors Magnesium Malate, Vitamin C, Vitamin D-3, Boron and with K2 (menaquinone-7), along with over 19 amino acids to meet your daily requirements for maximum absorption.

Osteoporosis is an unfortunate side effect of aging, but with awareness, preventative measures, and effective treatment, the bone disease can be managed. The quality of your life does not have to decline as you grow older. Contact your physician today and find out your bone health status. It's never too late to take control of your health and quality of life!