This article is not to prescribe or diagnose, but merely to educate about integrated medicine. Please see your physician for any condition you may have.
Osteoporosis (porous-bone), is a disease that weakens or thins the bones. A major problem in our society. One of the factors in hip fractures and spinal problems; deformities like dowager s hump or actual spinal compression fractures affecting mostly women from 60s, to 80s, when the body produces less estrogen at menopause. There are many other factors for loss of calcium; one is the acid environment we create with our diet, the other may be a deficiency in vitamin D or C, as they regulate the absorption of calcium. Many times it s not just taking calcium, much of the calcium in supplements is not even absorbed. The most concentration of elemental calcium which is the most beneficial is Calcium Carbonate see if that s in your vitamins.
It is well known that too much protein in the diet as well as phosphate containing foods like soft drinks, can contribute to it. Our nation has calcium in everything these days, even orange juice and yet, has the highest concentration in the world of Osteoporosis.
Many Nutritional Physicians say; drinking milk does not provide that much calcium to the body. This is rather controversial as we ve been told the benefits of drinking milk. Other downsides to milk; casein, the protein in milk, is linked with many allergies when taken too early in life, it can contribute to immune weakness. Lactose; the sugar in milk, contributes to many digestive disruptions when lacking the enzyme lactase to digest it (lactose intolerant). Think of all the hormones and anti-biotics fed to cows to overproduce milk, it may not be The perfect food (Weil). In fact cow milk is designed to build an animal the size of a cow. According to Dr. Robert Young this fat & sugar is a contributor to creating an acid environment and calcium is then not properly absorbed.
Most experts agree that nutritional factors play the biggest role. They recommend a diet low in protein, bread, sugar, and high in natural vegetables, grains, nuts and fruit, a little protein and fish being the most desirable. This diet is Alkaline, reduces calcium loss and improves bone growth and repair. It s best to start after the initial growth spurt of most women, after the late teen years. It seems that small boned women are more prone to Osteoporosis than big framed women, there are ethnic differences as well.
Most Americans have a high acid-promoting diet, due to too much protein from meat, bread, sweets and dairy products. The body draws bicarbonate, an anti-acid or alkaline chemical out of the bones to neutralize this acid. This contributes to the loss of calcium and other minerals. Milk, although high in protein and fat, does not promote an alkaline balance nor contrary to most of the advertisement from the dairy industry provide much calcium.
Low blood sugar, is another significant factor in women with Osteoporosis, caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks promote calcium loss as well as disrupt blood sugar balance.
Estrogen supplementation is the most common traditional medical approach. There are pros and cons to estrogen therapy, be well informed, read everything (be so bold as to share this article with your doctor). Estrogen lowers the risk of bone fractures due to Osteoporosis by about 50% when it is taken during the first five years of menopause. Unfortunately the potential health hazards may not make estrogen the perfect treatment. Mainly because the expert sources say, it cannot reverse established Osteoporosis, nor has it proven very good at preventing menopausal Osteoporosis after the first five years. According to Podell, while estrogen may slow bone breakdown, it does not promote new bone growth or formation. The greatest advantage of exercise, progesterone, and the intense nutritional treatments, is that they do seem to stimulate the body to lay down new bone (Podell).
Many of us have heard that exercise can help stave off Osteoporosis. This is true, however you don t just start to exercise to cure it once you have it. Ideally start early in life to get the most from exercise. However mature women who start to exercise may benefit and reduce Osteoporosis to some degree. With time as you exercise you build muscles, strengthen ligaments and bones as well. It s important to at least walk hard often, as that strengthens the legs, pelvis and backbone. Mild weight training is even more desirable, as it can strengthen, burn fat and shape your body. The body responds to what we call the Theory of adaptability which means the body will get stronger when stressed, whereas the couch potato lifestyle could contribute to bone loss.
A good Multi-Vitamin and mineral complex is very important, but there are very specific vitamins that help when used in higher doses, contact a professional.
Many calcium supplements are not well digested, especially by older people who could lack digestive acid in their stomach. Check your calcium pill by placing it in a small glass of vinegar. If the pill can't dissolve in vinegar in an hour, it probably won't your stomach either (Podell). Check for liquid sub-lingual vitamins, as they are better absorbed.
Progesterone seems to be one of the most popular medicines by the Nutritional Physicians, many doctors prefer the natural to standard synthetic progesterone, as a medical therapy. In conjuction with good vitamins, diet, exercise and massage you have the ideal treatment plan.
Be sure to check with your physician before undergoing any change in diet or vitamin therapy.
Sources;
Richard Podell, M.D. ; Andrew Weil MD., James F. Balch MD. and Phyllis Balch CNC
and Robert Young