Ever since I was a little girl I was always told “Eat more cheese, or drink more milk in order for the bones to grow big and strong?” This amazing me as a Doctor of Chiropractic. How could our society possibly suffer so much from osteoporosis, degeneration of the spine, weak and brittle bones, and calcium malnutrition when we grow up having milk and dairy thrown at us? Are we absorbing and using all the calcium that is being supplied to the body through our diet? The answer of that is simple: No!
Millions of American’s are taking Calcium to prevent osteoporosis, but their diet may be preventing Calcium absorption. Calcium is just one of a hundred minerals that is responsible for bone density and strength. Some foods enhance Calcium absorption, while others pull Calcium out of the bone. Dr. Ashley Nelson at Optimal Chiropractic in Crown Point, Indiana, has placed a major focus on calcium absorption and it’s effects on the body. The problem is not the amount of calcium we are consuming; but rather the ratio of other competing minerals in the body.
There is an ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus that is required for optimal calcium absorption in to the bones. The ratio is simply 2:1 Calcium to Phosphorus. Here lies the problem, as most Americans with our poor diet habits are consuming a ratio of 1:4 Calcium to Phosphorus. The overload of phosphorus competes and ultimately eliminates calcium’s ability to absorb in the bones, and actually will eventually pull calicum out of the bones and back in to the blood if the ratio progresses too long. Consequently, osteoporosis develops in the spine at an increased rate. This ratio is thrown off by a variety of foods that we eat on a regular basis such as coffee, soda, red meat, processed sugar, wheat, and surprisingly DAIRY! You may ask, “why do these foods increase the phosphorus rate?” They build a poor calcium to phosphorus rating due to their high acidity content. A normal acid/base balance in the body is intended to be neutral; however, acidity of the body pulls calcium out to the bones and in to the blood which breaks down the bones.
Just as there are bad foods that are too acidic; there are also foods that will help restore the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1. These are green leafy vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, and Himalayan Sea Salt. It is also important to engage in regular physical activity in order to aid the calcium absorption process. Chiropractic adjustments and regular massages are also very beneficial for calcium absorption, by decrease the overall stress in the body. Numerous studies also show that chiropractic adjustments aid the digestive tract, blood, and bones in order to absorb calcium and allow the nervous system to repair the calcium store properly. Call Optimal Chiropractic today at 219-661-8680 for a consultation with Dr. Ashley Nelson in Crown Point, Indiana, and ask how we can help you have long term healthy bones, joints, and life!
