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Doctor Discusses Osteoporosis Prevention with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink comments on osteoporosis prevention with simple changes to health, diet, and lifestyle choices.
Vancouver, BC - Osteoporosis, defined as a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue affects 10 million Americans (source: National Osteoporosis Foundation).
According to Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink, a naturopathic doctor and midwife based in Vancouver, BC there are a number of risk factors that may influence the possibility of developing this disease. These factors include:
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet
• Low calcium intake, Vitamin D deficiency
• Excessive alcohol and/or caffeine consumption, smoking
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Women over 50 and post menopausal women
• People with low estrogen levels
Osteoporosis is a multi-factorial disease involving hormonal, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental factors. All of these areas need to be addressed in the long-term prevention of the disease" says Dr. Carlson-Rink. Americans may be unaware of the steps needed in order to prevent the possibility of developing osteoporosis.
Dr. Carlson-Rink suggests a number of steps to help prevent the onset of osteoporosis:
• Maintain a healthy and consistent weight
• Eat whole foods" that have been processed or refined to a minimum
• Eat calcium rich foods such as dark leafy green vegetables, sesame seeds, chick peas, broccoli, and yogurt
• Keep alcohol, coffee, and chocolate consumption to a minimum
• Supplementation with calcium and Vitamin D
• Stop smoking
• Engage in regular exercise three to five times a week
It is important that Americans understand that the risk of osteoporosis increases with age" says Dr. Carlson-Rink. In the course of normal aging, exercise is reduced, calcium absorption declines therefore bone health is in jeopardy. According to Dr. Carlson-Rink, it is important for all health-concerned individuals to be aware of their daily calcium intake, especially senior populations. For individuals who need to supplement their diets, Dr. Carlson-Rink recommends looking for the following properties when making a purchase:
• Liquid Calcium
Liquid calcium supplements provide enhanced availability for absorption as they do not need to be broken down in the digestive tract before the active ingredients can be released and absorbed.
• Form of Calcium (Gluconate and Lactate)
Gluconate and lactate are the most soluble in solution, therefore making them the best choice for consumption in a liquid form.
• Lead Free Source
Calcium from bone meal or oyster shells can be contaminated with lead. Ensure that heavy metal testing has been completed on your calcium product to make certain it is lead free.
• Acidic Environment
Calcium absorption is enhanced in an acidic environment and research has shown that the absorption and retention of calcium is increased when combined with fruit juice based acids.
The prevention of osteoporosis throughout the life cycle is essential and can be incorporated at any age. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making the necessary adjustments to ensure the maintenance of healthy bones can allow individuals to stay in the low risk category of developing this disease" says Dr. Carlson-Rink.
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For further information, or to interview Dr. Carlson-Rink please contact:
Jasmin TamDoo, Public Relations Coordinator
E-mail: jasmin@florahealth.com
Telephone: 604.436.6000 ext.189
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