Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Green Tea for Osteoporosis

green tea cup

I’ve been a little preoccupied this week doing research on bone health.  Having been told that I now have osteoporosis in my hips and osteopenia in my spine, I’m seriously searching for alternatives  to the harsh drugs that are being pressed upon me by my physician.

One bright spot was coming across many references to the benefits of green tea consumption in maintaining healthy bones.  The flavonoids in green tea provide the benefits, via estrogenic effects known to build bone strength and destroy cells called osteoclasts that damage bone cells.

Everyone has heard about the importance of calcium from various dairy products and taking vitamin D supplements, but I’m learning that there are many sources for calcium in fruits and veggies, fish, etc.

I knew that weight bearing exercise was helpful, but not that bone density is enhanced to a greater degree by weight training, even in the elderly.  I’ll be looking into a gym membership and getting really serious about bone building nutrition.

This is an epidemic disease here in the USA.  This tells me that I’d better insist that my daughters start looking after their bones and building bone density in their youth, to perhaps avoid problems later in life.

What are you doing to maintain strong bones?

 

 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about your bone loss and I too have some. I do take my calcium each day. I didn't realize green tea was good for this. Thanks so much for the information and the visit.
I love your pretty header.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Teresa's New Life said...

I've been taking vitamins with D as well as eating a lot of fish and greens lately. But green tea is a surprise for me and it just so happens I'm having a cup of Harneys Canton Green with citrus as we speak. So keep us posted on the info you find. It's much appreciated.

Susan said...

Thanks for the tip on green tea!

Carolyn said...

I just found your lovely blog and enjoyed my visit!

Carolyn

Linda Jennings said...

Thank you for this information!

Marilyn Miller said...

I have had to take calcium and Vit D for many years, which in the long run has helped. But now I am needing to add more exercise too.

Angela McRae said...

Oh goodness, I haven't focused on bone health but you have reminded me that I probably need to. Thank you! (And best of luck with your own efforts at good health -- I want your bones to be here a long time so they can continue to hang around with mine!)

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Ouch....I'm sorry to hear about the bone problems.....I'm so happy you shared your research.....on to green tea for this girl! (old lady).... :-)

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Anonymous said...

Hi, FYI...on Netflick watch "Forks Over Knives" or go to their website and watch it there. Info by Doctor treating and keeping former Pres. Clinton alive. Note: ALL dairy is ACIDIC so it leeches all the calcium out of your bones. THEN you get bone loss. Stay away from ALL dairy...Asians have very little if any bone loss and eat no dairy UNLESS they eat a Western diet. Green tea is great. Almost 70 and very slight bone loss attributed to early years of eating wrong and stupid. Be sure to drink organic if possible...and fruits and veggies. Great blog!

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