The Bone Density Diet: 6 Weeks to a Strong Body and Mind

Amazon.com Review:
More than 25 million Americans have osteoporosis, or porous bones, and another 34 million people are at risk because of their low bone density. This is preventable, says author George Kessler, an osteopathic physician. In The Bone Density Diet, he explains which risk factors can and cannot be changed. Although some risk factors are genetic or depend on past behaviors, most of them are based on choices we are making now. Kessler describes in practical detail how to make bone-healthy changes that include diet, exercise, supplements, and lifestyle. He presents a holistic program for bone protection. You learn which foods to eat and which to avoid, with menus and recipes; which nutrients are essential, and how to supplement most efficiently (and explains why taking calcium alone isn't the best tactic); which hormones you need, and when; and the best exercises to build your bones. Kessler presents a lot of vital and up-to-date information in a clear and friendly style, with plenty of interesting boxed tips and anecdotes to add variety, although calling it a six-week program is rather misleading. Kessler never intends for you to go off the plan after six weeks or see tangible results in that time; he means that you will have integrated it into a habit if you follow it for six weeks. --Joan Price

Good for your whole body, not just your bones:
This is a very practical book! The set of information is very up-to-date as well as easy to absorb. The author provides a good explanation of the mechanism behind bone loss, which helps readers understand why the various suggestions might be helpful. The format of the book is based on an easily-implemented 6-week plan, including recipes and menus. Each "week" the author carefully discusses one of several lifestyle changes readers might consider, including diet, exercise, prescription drugs, vitamin supplements, hormone supplements, and various natural remedies (like herbs), though the author's intent is to keep you off drugs if possible. In spite of the fact that I've read many books on osteoporosis, I learned a great deal reading this book. For instance, I had no idea that taking certain common prescription drugs (including thyroid medications, anti-convulsants, and diuretics) can increase your odds of developing osteoporosis. I am impressed by the author's knowledge of vitamins and minerals that are crucial for healthy bones. His extensive table of recommended supplements (p. 185) is similar to only one I've ever seen (in Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis by Alan Gaby). Many people, including medical doctors, still don't seem to realize that the body needs many compounds other than calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D to build bone. If the only thing you learn from this book is that your bones need several other compounds every day, the purchase will be well worthwhile. The author gently advocates a diet that leans toward vegetarian (and organic in fact), since consuming animal proteins promotes bone loss. He points out that dairy products aren't the bone-building panaceas the marketing boards would lead us to believe. (Like meat, dairy products are very acidic, and in order for your body to process them, calcium is actually depleted from the bones.) The author doesn't go so far as to say one should avoid such foods at all costs, but he does offer menus which are friendly to readers who want to follow a strict vegetarian diet. I found this refreshing in an age when many hospital dieticians are still espousing very traditional diets in spite of strong medical evidence supporting diets that are low in (or exclude) animal products. One minor "bone" of contention I have ;) is on p. 200 where the author states that Premarin contains estradiol. In fact Premarin contains very little estradiol; its main components are compounds that are not found in humans. The rest of the author's discussion of hormone replacement is top-notch. When deemed necessary, he advocates using natural hormones (like estradiol, estrone, estriol, and progesterone) over pseudo-hormones (like Premarin, Prempro, equinone, and progestin, each of which is molecularly very different from any hormone you'll find in a human). Be aware of what your doctor prescribes; the long-term effects are yours to live with. Bottom line: This book is helpful to men and women of any age who are interested in maintaining strong bones, a healthy body, and a relaxed state of mind.

A "must" for anyone interested in bone health:
Bone Density Diet is very thorough in covering all aspects of bone health. (It might provide more information than some people want.) Even though it is very readable, I wish it had been edited a bit. There was quite a bit of repeating points. The boxes and charts were helpful though, and nothing was too technical to understand. Also, I tried to put together the supplementation Kessler advises. It isn't easy to do without taking a lot of pills. Overall I would suggest this as an excellent book for women especially who are concerned about osteoporosis. It can inspire readers to do something about the possiblity of being hit with this disease--to take charge instead of just hoping it doesn't happen. I'm glad I read it. Even if a reader only does one or two things learned in the book, they will be better off for it.

Dangerously misleading - waste of money:
If I could have rated this without a star I would have I have osteoporosis, and have done extensive research on diets for bone health - which can ultimately be summarized as acidic vs. alkaline foods. This book contains no list of foods specific pH levels for a variety of foods - I bought it thinking it would SURELY contain this extremely important!! NO IT DOES NOT and there is no clinical nutritionist involved either that I could find. So you are taking information from someone that does not have an intimate knowledge of nutrition to begin with! There is no significant information on maintaining an alkaline diet! What I did discover was an extremely important article written by an M.D. Internist, that is ALSO a CCN; in conjunction with another individual that is a PhD AND CCN.

Worth the money:
Since I have Osteoporosis fairly early in life, I found this book informative and very helpful. Not only is there good general information about Osteoporosis, with current medications and alternative treatments; but recipes, a workout with weights and yoga routine with easy to follow instructions and pictures. He offers an holistic approach to health care management.

A Highly Recommended Book, for Everyone:
This should be required reading for all parents. They would understand the ramifications of nutrition and activity on their children. Maybe they'd stop the stupidity of giving their children excess amounts of soda pop. I read this late in life, when I was diagnosed with osteoperosis. Following his suggestions, my scores improved to where technically I had osteopina. I keep many pages marked and refer to the topics for other people. Of course, it is not just for bone density, but a great nutritional book for everyone.