Nutrition & bone health
Other key nutrients for bone health — protein
by Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD
When it comes to bone nutrition, the situation with protein is somewhat of a paradox
— similar to that with fats.
While some protein is essential, too much is detrimental.
Protein is beneficial for intestinal absorption of calcium, and protein
is a major building block for bone. By weight, roughly one-third to one-half of
our bone is living organic protein matrix! Protein malnutrition debilitates bone,
and can be a significant problem among the elderly in Western countries.
Yet over-consumption of dietary
protein (think Atkins diet) — again, if not adequately balanced with alkalizing
compounds of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium — can
likewise lead to bone loss. In this case the loss results from an increased acid
load which our bodies must buffer daily by drawing calcium and other alkalizing
mineral compounds from the bones.
While adequate protein intake is certainly necessary, the average person in the
US consumes far too much protein in the form of meat and dairy products. Not that
either of these foodstuffs are bad per se — we just need to remember to balance
them with plenty of alkalizing fruits and vegetables, including some high-carb but
nutrient-dense veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots. This excess animal protein
intake leads to a state known as chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis (CLGMA),
which actually washes calcium out of the body.
For more information on chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis, see my article on
acid-alkaline balance.
Return to table
Our Personal Program is a great place to start
At the Center for Better Bones we promote an all-natural approach to bone regeneration
and repair that includes nutrition, diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidance. Our
Personal Program is a convenient, at-home version of this approach.
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- For more information about the at-home program for Better Bones, please call The
Personal Program toll-free at 1-877-200-1269.
Original Publication Date: 01/01/2009
Last Modified:
04/14/2010
Principal Author: Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD