posted by: Joan Vine | on: Saturday, 11 February 2012, 19:49

Healthy lifestyle

According to Maria Serrano, Chairperson of the Macrobiotics Association of Great Britain, osteopenia is a condition where the human bone becomes lacking in important minerals and bone mass, it is not an illness but it is a wake-up call. Lifestyle modifications are the most important part of the prevention and treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The life style changes necessary to right this condition include a diet that is rich in calcium, Vitamin D and minerals; avoid food that consumes minerals like alcohol, sugar, caffeine and smoking.

Maria goes on to say that it is important to increase the intake of organic fresh vegetables, including lentils, brown rice, millets and other whole grains, whilst minimizing animal protein. In order to get enough calcium, choose good quality, organic leafy-green vegetables like Kale, spring greens and broccoli, whole soy products like tofu, seaweeds and sardines (with the bone), sesame seeds are also very rich in calcium.

Further advice is to:- Decrease sodium intake. Avoid processed and fast food. Eat magnesium rich food like tofu, almonds and lentils. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also a good source of magnesium.

Exercises is very important in maintain strong bones. Weight-bearing exercises are good like walking, hiking and dancing. Light, weight lifting is also good for the bones of the upper body. A 60-minute brisk walk a day is also recommended if possible.

If you want to know more about Macrobiotics go to:- www.macrobiotics.org.uk

For more information about Maria and her work go to:- www.mariaserrano.co.uk