Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (217 page)

Osteoporosis.

Action plan

There is much that can be done by natural means to reduce the risk of fracture and to aid healing. If you suspect that you have a fracture, visit your GP or local hospital.

EAT/DRINK

Sea vegetables such as arame and hijiki. These are full of minerals needed for bone health.

Freshly pressed vegetable juices. These are a great way to increase intake of nutrients needed for bone health. Include carrots, celery, parsley, lettuce, fennel, ginger, and cabbage.

Fresh, raw pineapple between meals. The core of pineapple contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory effects.

Cinnamon, which can aid the healing of fractures.

AVOID

Soft drinks and red meat. These are high in phosphorous, which interferes with the utilization of calcium.

Tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar, refined carbohydrates, salt, and processed foods. These can all act as antinutrients at a time when you need maximum nutritional intake to speed healing.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Herbs to aid healing include horsetail, nettle, comfrey, fenugreek, alfalfa, and mullein. They can be taken as teas or tinctures.

Take a bone-supportive supplement containing magnesium, calcium, boron, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and K.

Take vitamin C with bioflavanoids. Vitamin C is important for bone health and repair.

Take glucosamine sulphate. This has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates the repair of joints.