Osteoporosis
Thin Bones
Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and weak. Actions such as coughing, bending over, or falling over can cause fractures in the spine, hips and/or ribs. In many cases bones weaken when there are low levels of calcium and other minerals essential for optimal bone health.
Osteoporosis is often considered to be a condition that frail elderly women develop. However, the damage from osteoporosis begins much earlier in life. Because peak bone density is reached at approximately 25 years of age, it is important to build strong bones by that age, so that the bones can remain strong later in life. Adequate calcium intake: the right amounts, form, and delivery system, are essential to build and maintain strong bones.
What are some causes of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals in particular but not exclusively, to produce bones. If there is a lack of quality calcium, or if the digestive system does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. Many people are unaware that in addition to excessive sugar and/or aspartame, soda pop has excess phosphorus, which negatively impacts the body's ability to retain calcium.
In addition to its role in bone formation, calcium is essential for proper functioning of the heart, brain, and cell signal mechanisms of all cells in the body. To keep those critical organs functioning, the body reabsorbs calcium that is stored in the bones to maintain normal blood calcium levels. With the Standard American Diet (SAD), bones may become weaker, resulting in brittle and fragile bones that can break easily. The rate of osteoporosis in our developed world is on the rise and will become more apparent with our aging population.
What are the causes of osteoporosis?
In the early stages osteoporosis, there are likely no noticeable symptoms, as the body works to keep internal balance between supply and demands placed on calcium storage sight, such as the bone. As the disease progresses, symptoms related to weakened bones, including:
- Back and neck pain due to fractures of the spinal bones
- A curved upper back (Dowager's hump)
- Fractures that may occur with a minor injury, especially of the hip, spine, or wrist
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Loss of height (as much as 6") over time
How has the extent of osteoporosis been minimize?
The overarching goal of a preventive, or supportive approach to osteoporosis is to slow down bone loss and/or improve the quality and quantity of bone build up. The following are ways to support optimal bone health:
- Prevent bone fractures with medicines, herbs and/or quality supplements that strengthen bone
- Increase calcium and Vitamin D
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise that includes cardiovascular and resistance exercises
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
To know where you are on the bone health scale, there are several tests to consider.These include the Bone Assessment Analysis, DEXA scan, and/or bone scans. Each of these options have pros and cons to their selection. You are well-advised to seek the professional opinion of a naturopathic doctor who is versed in the testing techniques and treatment options and/or an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis management.
It is important to be aware that osteoporosis is not just a problem for the elderly woman; men can also have some level of osteoporosis as they age. Additionally, younger women without active ovaries and girls going through puberty who have moderate to severe nutritional deficiencies, including anorexia, or who have been bed-ridden for extended periods of time are at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life. Consider getting conscious and actively preventive about possible future bone challenges by attending to some of the issues mentioned above.
