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Acidity Vs. Alkalinity & Osteoporosis

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), osteoporosis (which means "porous bone") is a disease caused by decreased bone mass which leads to fragility and an increased risk of bone injury.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Factors that increase risk of development of osteoporosis include gender, age, ethnicity, medication use and lifestyle, according to the NIH. The National Library of Medicine states that loss of calcium and vitamin D due to body acidity is also a risk factor.

    Diet

    • According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a diet rich in animal proteins can cause an increase in body acidity which upsets the natural pH. In order to buffer against the increase in acidity in the bloodstream, the body will borrow calcium from the bones. The USDA states that loss of calcium from the bones due to diet is a cause of osteoporosis. An alkaline diet based on plant proteins such as fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes can prevent calcium loss due to body acidity.

    Symptoms

    • Osteoporosis is considered a "silent disease" because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Most people do not know they have the disease until a fracture occurs.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of osteoporosis includes medications to prevent the leeching of calcium from the bones, exercise and an alkaline diet.

    Prevention

    • According to the NIH, calcium intake along with vitamin D can maintain body alkalinity and prevent osteoporosis. The recommended intake for most adults is 1000mg/day. Additionally, a diet rich in plant foods can reduce acidity and prevent calcium loss.

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