I went to a week of healthy eating seminars recently, so for the next several days I’ll be sharing information about healthy foods and the various vitamins you need to prevent different diseases. The first is osteoporosis; a growing concern for women and men, old and young.

Choose a low acid diet. An acidic diet increases calcium loss from the bones because it makes the blood acidic and to neutralize it, calcium is pulled from the bone. Cheese and meat are acid forming.

A low acidic diet would be 6 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Neutral foods are ok. These are: beans, soy, pasta and breads. If you have moderately acidic foods (rice, milk, yoghurt and eggs) you should balance them with fruits and vegetables.

Caffeine also leaches calcium from the bones.

Vitamins you need are: 3 milligrams of boron, 1200 – 1500 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of copper, up to 10 milligrams of fluoride, magnesium, 400 iu of Vitamin D, up to 100 micrograms of Vitamin K and 15 milligrams of zinc.

It’s also a good idea to cut sodas, salt and alcohol.