Dr Ali’s Women’s Health Bible

Osteoporosis
“Osteoporosis,graphically if not completely correctly called brittle bone disease, is much more common in women than in men. It usually manifests itself in the post-menopausal period and is a common cause of ill-health and immobility in the elderly, but the conditions for it are laid down much earlier in life....
Contrary to popular conception, bones are not inert. There is a lot of activity going on within them all the time. Without their constant work, for example, muscles would lack the necessary minerals to function and and fractures would never knit. Bone cells do different jobs. Osteoblasts, for instance, are responsible for producing new bone, while osteoclasts facilitate the release of minerals stored in the bones (calcium - the most abundant mineral in bones, phosphates and so on) when other parts of the body need them. So there is a continuous process of bone building and mineral storage and bone loss through through mineral redistribution (resorption). All through our growing years and up until our early 20s we make more bone than we lose, and their density can continue to increase for another decade. With age, the bone renewal process is outstripped by the demand for calcium and other minerals, making bones less dense and more fragile...”

Beauty from within
“Your skin is your body’s largest organ and, just like other organs such as your heart and liver, it is more forgiving and moire able to recuperate quickly when young. Wrinkles and bags may seem to pop up suddenly overnight, but really they reflect how you have treated your skin in the long term.
A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will show in the vitality of your skin. Plenty of water (at least 1.5 litres a day) is also essential. Slight dehydration will soon show show in your skin...”

Both articles are taken from the book DR ALI’S WOMEN’S HEALTH BIBLE, published by Ebury. The article on osteoporosis links in to the anti-ageing features and emphasises what it is, what the symptoms are, preventive measures, treatments and diet.

The Beauty from within article continues to talk about diet, topical skin refreshers and a few simple exercises which will help ensure healthy, vitalised youthful skin.

DR ALI’S WOMEN’S HEALTH BIBLE is available on SPECIAL OFFER to readers of Yoga & Health. Please see page 30 of the June 2006 issue for details.