The Bone-Building Solution :: Health and Disease

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The Bone-Building Solution
by author HÃ©lÃ¨ne Meurer

Few writers have the power to influence their audience as readily as Sam Graci. His generous personality always shines through, motivating readers to better understand health and improve their personal lives.

His book Path to Phenomenal Health (Wiley, 2005) remains high on my list of top 10 books for its across-the-board relevance and usability. This time around, he co-authors with two high-profile Canadian researchers and draws upon studies from other noteworthy specialists in related fields.

As technology continues to provide innovative tools for research and diagnosis, we are subjected to an avalanche of sometimes conflicting data surrounding calcium needs and bone-density loss. Until now it was easy to continue believing those calcium myths that Graci and his team challenge on our behalf. The Bone-Building Solution delivers a high concentration of new knowledge and recommendations for improving bone health, posture, and fluid range of motion to readers of all ages.

Thankfully, this research has been distilled and reviewed by a trio of skilled co-authors with differing perspectives: Graci, the nutritional researcher; Dr. DeMarco, the doctor specializing in women’s health issues; and Dr. Rao, director of the Calcium Research Lab at Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital.

All three experts are emphatic that osteoporosis is a preventable culmination of several bone-depleting factors, and that it has reversal potential. Dr. DeMarco explains the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis, how to interpret bone density tests, and how to discuss modern testing methods with our physicians. The pros and cons of different classes of drug treatments are examined, and promising new treatments, both medical and natural, are discussed.

Bone and joint-related diseases are most often caused by poor nutrition, lack of proper exercise, and inadequate supplementation. Dr. Rao’s section of the book takes a closer look at new clinical breakthroughs involving polyphenol antioxidants found in the most colourful fruits and vegetables, red wine, and green superfoods. She further explores the newly discovered role of lycopene-rich tomato juice in the bone health of postmenopausal women.

This new book is packed with all that is needed to self-educate for renewed bone health. There is ample support in these pages for creating a bone-healthy alkaline diet, choosing better supplements, and learning how to ask for and interpret the most revealing lab tests. Who better to have as a health mentor than Sam Graci?

HÃ©lÃ¨ne Meurer is a writer and book reviewer who now feeds her bones a much healthier diet in Victoria, BC.

Source: alive #300, October 2007

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