As featured in the June issue of South Sound Woman Magazine
Spring is finally here and a light breeze fills the air with the fresh scent of renewal. Like multicolored stars from a far-away galaxy, tiny blooms are gathering their courage to welcome the new season. Once again, it’s time to go out and enjoy your garden with friends and family, wear your summer whites, and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you.
What greater pleasure is there than to admire your own handiwork in the garden? If you’re like me, putting on a pair of gloves and tending to the garden is a pastime that I could not imagine having to give up.
So here’s the good news for those of you who think that you won’t be able to enjoy your gardening because of osteoporosis: it turns out that gardening is actually good for your bone health.
First, I’d like to dissipate the doom and gloom that clouds the truth about osteoporosis. As I reveal in the Save Our Bones Program, osteoporosis is not a disease but rather “a condition of the skeletal system typical of middle aged and older individuals. It is caused by unhealthy biochemical reactions as the body attempts to correct an imbalance that, unless certain abnormal endocrine or gastrointestinal conditions exist, can be reversed by diet and lifestyle changes.”
In short, osteoporosis is not a condition that we’re “afflicted” with, but rather a controllable and manageable “imbalance” that can be easily corrected if only we know how. This alone should make you breathe a sigh of relief—we can take control of our bone health and gardening can help us do just that.
As the old proverb goes, “he who plants a garden plants happiness.” Indeed, gardening is a very calming hobby; and this does wonders in helping maintain strong and healthy bones.
Believe it or not, stress causes calcium leakage from our bones. I’ll explain… When we get stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol also known as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol acidifies the pH levels in our body tissues to a level that requires immediate correction. In other words, our bodies need to neutralize this “acid attack.” Like water onto a blazing fire, we release calcium from our bones to achieve the correct alkaline levels (this is why the active ingredient of antacid tablets is, you guessed it, calcium)
Besides gardening, here are 10 other great ways you can easily reduce stress:
- Take a deep breath to relax
- Have some time for yourself every day, even if only a few minutes
- Stretch your muscles
- Read something inspirational, preferably in the morning
- Don’t forget that the glass is always half full
- Let go of unnecessary worry
- Smile and laugh often
- Give back to society and you’ll be happier
- Remember life is a journey; not a destination
- Take time to remember your blessings
Oh, and let’s not forget about the sunshine, another benefit of gardening that contributes to our bone health. You see, sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D, a very important vitamin that has many functions in our bodies.
When our skin is exposed to direct sunlight, we produce a naturally occurring form of vitamin D called Cholecalciferol. Its primary function is the stimulation of calcium and magnesium absorption, both essential to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
So step outside and enjoy the fresh air and the calming effect of gardening, without any worries about osteoporosis. And next time, I’ll explain why climbing the Himalayas is also good to your bone health. Just kidding…
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May 24, 2010
Hi,
I have read the book and it is great.
With a T-score of between -4.00 and -4.76 I have a problem.!
I think it’s gastro-intestinal related. I am living in Australia, where no doctor (trust me) measures the gastric acid level. What can I do to improve on it or are there any other means to find out what the values are?
Thanks and bye for now from Downunder. Erika Chemnitz
May 9, 2010
Great info – thank you! I love getting my exercise in the garden!
Another way to shift the acid-load of the body is with the kind of water we drink… Kangen Water™ from Japan is alkaline, anti-oxidant and micro-clustered – drinking it brings the body back to homeostasis. Most bottled waters are acidic, and all are oxidizing – including tap water! Learn more: http://www.healingwater4life.info. The e-book has excellent info about alkalizing the body.
April 10, 2010
In May I will be a 4 year cancer survivor. I was FORTUNATE last year to move to a state with sunshine every day but after my move I got the shocking news I had osteopenia.
I took 7 treatments of actonel suffering almost every side effect listed on the pamplet.
Surfing the net I found you. I look forward
to your daily helpful suggestions on saving my bones.
You are a blessing! Thank you for all the help you give to others.
March 25, 2010
Dear Dr.Vivian
I can`t thank you enough for all the inspirational advice given. I am trying very hard with the food and exercise tips.
Irene
November 10, 2009
Are tomatoes just as good for your bones if cooked with olive oil just until tender? I never cook anything for hours!
What about just adding some olive oil to tomato products that are already cooked such as tomato or marinara sauce? Would that work?
Thanks for your reply.
October 27, 2009
What kind of surface is best to do the heel/jump exercises. Is it best to wear shoes (tennis)or do it on carpeting in barefeet? I live in the north and outside exercising is not always an option. Thanks!!
October 24, 2009
Hello Vivienne,
I do the stage 1 in my tai chi class. Will make sure I do it every day. Unfortunately step 2 & 3 will be too much on my knees. Thanks again for your info. Best wishes Monica Phillips
October 23, 2009
Hello Vivian,
Thanks for sharing the exercise video with us. After reading your book I did decide to delay taking the Osteoperosis medications my doctor had recommended until I could learn more about tackling my diagnosis naturally. In addition to changing my diet I have started a weight bearing exercise program and it will be great to add these hip exercises to my regimen. Thanks forall you do to educate us trying to find better alternatives for ourselves.
Loretta
October 22, 2009
I have had IBS for 10 years. I have also been diagnoised with osteroporois. Can i improve my bone density with your program even though i have the IBS problem. I talke LIBRAX 3x daily with meals to help. most of the time it helps but sometimes its running to the restroom after a meal. Thank you for your time and answer. waiting to hear from you.
October 22, 2009
I was wondering if the jumping exercise is effective with sneakers on or is it best barefoot. I wear othodics and would like to use the support. Thanks for your help.
October 7, 2009
Thanks for your (always)encouraging words Vivian. The early morning sun and late afternoon sun is the best here in Queensland to collect our share of free Vitamin D. – that is also the best time for me to water my garden – and change my potplants around – and cut some bougainvillea – and quissquailis – sometimes I take my fruit out in the morning (eat it fighting the bees) while I get my Vitamin D. I’ve only begun to do this since receiving your words of wisdom Vivian. Thanks again!!!! Kelsey Fickling. Q’ld. Australia.
September 13, 2009
Yes gardening is very good for one’s well being. I enjoy my time in our garden. Especially early in the morning when all the birds are
going about their business, and the air is fresh and crisp.