Menopause and Dairy Free Calcium

So many woman, including myself, cannot tolerate dairy. Whether it's an allergy problem or lactose intolerance, the question "How DOES a woman (especially a woman who is post menopause) get enough calcium if she can't eat dairy foods?" The best answer may not be to take a supplement (though, it may not be a bad idea as long as they don't contain dolomite, bone meal or oyster shells since they may contain lead or other toxic metals), the best way always seems to be through food because the body will absorb calcium through food easier than supplements.

I found this to be a very interesting article written by Jo Hartley - Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2. She is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything. She talks about an approach to avoiding osteoporosis with fruits and vegetables, including the practice of .... juicing!! I have been concerned about this issue and this is good news to me and hopefully will shed some light for you too.

A diet rich in vegetables and herbs will improve bone metabolism. There is evidence that fruits and vegetables increase bone density much more effectively than dairy products. Juicing is a very effective way of getting fresh fruits and vegetables into the diet. Minerals within bones help to protect against acids in foods consumed. After years of this buffering, people will suffer a gradual loss of minerals in bones and this corresponds with bone loss.The best course of action against Osteoporosis is prevention. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and protein will accomplish this. Magnesium and potassium are also recommended to enhance the buffering effect of the bones. Magnesium and potassium both are easily found in many whole, unrefined foods and are rich in many fruits and vegetables.

Calcium and Protein Can Also Help Prevent Osteoporosis.

If one's diet is deficient in protein then bone rebuilding will not be a high priority for the body. If one's diet is deficient in calcium and protein then new bone formation will be decreased. Studies have shown that bone density will be improved by increasing one's protein consumption as long as the intake of calcium and vitamin D are at recommended levels.The more protein is eaten, the more calcium is urinated away. It would seem logical, then, that excess protein would be detrimental for bones. It seems that this is not the case, however. Both protein and calcium are necessary for strong bones. As long as one's diet is rich in both, then bone density should be high. If one's diet is deficient in either one or both of these nutrients then bone density will suffer.

What's Wrong with Osteoporosis Medications

There are risks and complications associated with Osteoporosis drugs. Fosamax is in the same chemical class as the chemicals that are contained in soap scum cleaners. It is a proven metabolic toxin that kills the cells that remove bone and thus enable the rebuilding of bone. Obviously, if these cells are destroyed the bones will become denser. What is not shared about this occurrence is that within a few years the bone will actually end up weaker even though it appears to be denser. This is because bones are dynamic and need this removal and replacement process to stay strong. If Fosamax prevents the building of any new bone then the bone will not be stronger.

To truly strength one's bones, the best course of action is to eat a healthy, whole diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Also consider a natural progesterone supplement if
desired.

Some non-dairy calcium sources:

click here for a great chart showing some non-dairy calcium sources