Osteoporosis:
It affects both Men and Women
Know your risk factors and signs and symptoms of this prevalent condition.
Osteoporosis affects an estimated 20-25 million Americans. This escalating figure supports the conclusion that osteoporosis is rapidly becoming an epidemic. Osteoporosis is defined as the marked loss of normal bone density or "porous bones". The loss of bone mass is not limited to calcium loss alone but includes the collagen, protein, and mineral matrix. It consists of the loss of both organic and inorganic parts of the bone. What complicates this issue is that X-rays do not show any loss until a 20-30% bone loss has occurred.
Although approximately 80% of those who suffer from osteoporosis are women, there is a great deal of concern over the loss of bone density in the elderly, in general, and the potential increase in fractures of the hip and vertebrae. Because hip fractures in the elderly have such a high mortality rate, as well as dramatically impacting the quality of life, it is important that you begin your bone-building support program now. Most women and men do not realize that they may need to supplement their diet with a well-balanced multiple mineral. With a solid plan of attack based on counseling with your pharmacist and physician, a great majority of osteoporosis may be prevented. Start young; the sooner you begin the process, the better chance you have of eliminating this problem from your life.
FOR WOMEN: Nearly half of all women in this country will have an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point in their lives. Clearly, there are risk factors and age-related hormone changes, which influence this situation. The hormone connection simply cannot be overlooked, since it is known that a great deal of bone mass in women is lost within the first 4 months of menopause when estrogen levels drop dramatically. Over the next 5-7 years as much as 20% of a woman’s total bone mass may be lost. It is important to discuss natural approaches to hormone replacement with your physician or pharmacist and begin a bone-building program, if possible, before menopause. Although this list impacts women most directly, some of the factors can influence men as well.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CALCIUM METABOLISM PROBLEMS:
 | Lower back pain or curvature.
| Broken bones.
| Loss of height or deformities.
| Cramps of the legs and feet.
| Bone pain.
| Brittle or soft fingernails.
| Heart palpitations.
| Periodontal disease.
| Premature graying of hair where 50% is gray before age 40. | |
COMMON RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS:
| Menopause or early menopause.
| Caucasian or Asian, especially lean with a small bone structure or fine boned and thin.
| Hysterectomy.
| Amenorrhea.
| Low intake of calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, or excess iron intake.
| Lack of physical activity.
| Poor absorption from the GI tract due to various conditions.
| Never being pregnant.
| Long term corticosteroid, anticonvulsant, or Tagamet® therapy.
| Diets high in protein and phosphates or acidic diets.
| Excess intake of soda pop, coffee, tea, or carbonated drinks.
| Smoking and heavy alcohol intake.
| Hyperparathyroid/Hyperthyroid conditions.
| Rheumatoid Arthritis.
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
| Metabolic Acidosis.
| Diabetes Mellitus.
| Kidney disorders.
| Lead/Aluminum or other heavy metal exposure. | |
Obviously, after reviewing the above list, it is clear that osteoporosis involves much more than simply a calcium deficiency or an absorption problem. There are various factors that influence the body’s ability to absorb key bone-building nutrients. The key is to take a pro-active stance and plan a preventive program TODAY.
CALCIUM: One of the more valuable nutrients needed for bone-building is calcium. Let's discuss a few of the various forms of calcium. For a person to absorb calcium carbonate, the most common calcium salt, stomach acid must be present in sufficient amounts. If low stomach acid is present, the calcium cannot be ionized and this b. Recently, concerns over lead concentration in carbonate forms of calcium have surfaced as well. There are several good sources of calcium, but the best sources seem to be calcium citrate or microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite (MCHC). Calcium citrate is well-absorbed even in low stomach acid environments and offers a reduced risk of kidney stone formation. MCHC is a new form of calcium in a whole bone extract (New Zealand source). In studies it has shown to improve bone mass. It contains proteins, calcium, and mucopolysaccharides, as well as phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals. Bone has two sections, the trabecular section (the inner framework) and the cortical section (the hard shell that covers the bones). It should be noted, while many elderly lose cortical bone mass, there is also a significant portion of the trabecular bone which may have been lost before old age. Many women’s diets may only provide one-third to one-half the amount of calcium needed to build good strong bones. Even if the diet is adequate, absorption may often be an issue.
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CALCIUM: National Institute of Health Guidelines for Daily Dosage |
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| Birth to 6 months | 400mg |
| 6 month to 1 year | 600mg |
| 1-5 years | 800mg |
| 6-10 years | 800-1200mg |
| 10 to adolescents, young adults to 24 | 1200-1500mg |
| Women 25-50, men 25-65 | 1000mg |
| Pregnant and nursing women | 1200mg |
| Postmenopausal on estrogen therapy | 1000mg |
| Postmenopausal not on estrogen therapy | 1500mg |
| Men and women over 65 | 1500mg |
MAGNESIUM: Recent evidence supports the possibility that magnesium may well be a key ingredient in improving trabecular bone mass and may even aid in reversal of bone loss. It is interesting to note that many of us in the United States are magnesium deficient by as much as 100mg daily.
MANGANESE: When manganese levels are low, the enzymes which are important in creating the ground matrix mentioned earlier cannot be made and this reduces the amount of calcification that can occur on the bone.
BORON: Recent studies show the importance of the presence of boron in order to optimize calcium metabolism. It will soon be recognized as a valuable trace mineral. It is found in highest concentrations in the parathyroid glands, which are a key to calcium metabolism. The mechanism by which this is achieved is not known at this time.
VITAMIN K: Certain drugs may interfere with Vitamin K metabolism. Vitamin K plays an important role in the process of bone mineralization. It is found in green leafy vegetables.
PROANTHOCYANIDINS: These extracts are known to strengthen the collagen matrix of the skeletal system by increasing cross-linking of collagen fibrils.
VITAMIN B6/FOLIC ACID/VITAMIN B12: the Homocysteine Connection. In many people, deficiencies in B6, folic acid, and B12 may lead to the formation of homocysteine. This buildup is important because it is linked to an increase in cardiovascular disease in men and women. At the time of menopause, homocysteine levels also elevate and may be a significant factor, which contributes to osteoporosis by interfering with collagen cross-linking, thus weakening the bone matrix. Adequate B6 also helps to enhance the strength of the bone and collagen structures. Due to the amount of environmental pollutants, our body has to cope with B6 antagonists, which create a bigger demand for B6.
VITAMIN D: This is an important vitamin in regulating calcium. It stimulates the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D in its active form must be converted in the body and can be produced by the body when sunlight strikes the skin. In osteoporosis, the most active form of Vitamin D may not be produced in sufficient quantities. This could be due to several factors.
HERBAL SUPPORT: Herbs such as Horsetail, Alfalfa, and Licorice (DGL) may help prevent osteoporosis.
HOMEOPATHY: Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Calcarea fluorata, and Silicea have all been recommended to support healthy bone structure.
The key is to take in the necessary nutrients now so that when you arrive at menopause, you have given your body the best chance of retaining strong bones.
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)
If there is one aspect for preventing osteoporosis which women can control, it is the effect that hormonal levels and menopause have on osteoporosis. In the past, synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone replacement were the only alternatives. But, today there are natural alternatives which work well and may have fewer risks than those associated with the former alternatives. To read more about the natural alternatives available from Webb's Family Pharmacy, click here.
Support your hormones through:
| Diet.
| Supplements (Herbal, Nutritional, and Homeopathic).
| Compounded hormonal replacement cream (if needed). | |
Just ask your pharmacist.
ESTROGEN: This is the primary hormone which causes concern at menopause. As discussed earlier, bone density begins to reduce as estrogen levels drop during menopause. Other symptoms, such as memory decline, energy drop, or changes in bladder function may also occur. Today we know that estrogen replacement will prevent almost 50% of osteoporosis. You should know that estrogen only stops further bone loss; it does not stimulate the body to increase bone formation. Once you begin estrogen therapy, you must stay on it to get continued results. In the popular press, you will hear about phytoestrogens, plant and food sources of natural estrogen. Soy isoflavones (phytoestrogens) have shown the ability to prevent bone loss. In a recent study at the University of Illinois, soy isoflavones actually improved bone density which was traditionally thought to be not possible. However, more study needs to be done to see if phytoestrogens will be adequate. Most experts feel that if estrogen replacement is suggested, combinations of estradiol, estrone, and estriol may be a safer first step to take.
PROGESTERONE: During the 1980's, Dr. John Lee pioneered the work on using natural progesterone in the United States. He found that by topically applying a natural progesterone-based cream, he could stop bone loss and actually increase bone formation. Many doctors feel that natural progesterone replacement is just as important or, possibly, more important than estrogen replacement, because of one key fact. Progesterone stimulates bone formation. Wild Yam, which provides natural progesterone and its precursor, is a popular ingredient, along with pregnenolone. In fact, some women may only need this type of replacement.
To read more information about the natural hormones and their functions click here.
To learn more about our Hormone Replacement options click here.
TESTOSTERONE: In some cases, testosterone is combined with estrogen to provide needed hormones should its levels drop during menopause. It should be noted, though, that all women do not need testosterone replacement.
THYROID: Approximately 10% of the women over 40 are hypothyroid. Also, women are much more likely than men to have disorders such as hyperthyroidism. Initially, it was felt that thyroid support may cause an increase in bone loss, but this has not proved to be the case. Subclinical hypothyroidism may mimic a variety of symptoms.
DHEA: Everyone by now has read about the benefits of DHEA. It would be wise to consult your pharmacist before beginning DHEA, because it does have some potential side effects. DHEA exerts powerful effects on women’s hormonal systems. DHEA is produced by the ovaries and the adrenals. DHEA is broken down in the body, and one of its derivatives binds strongly to estrogen receptors. This is of obvious value in osteoporosis. Also, since DHEA is pro-hormone, it can have some androgen qualities, which means that it may stimulate absorption of calcium as well as increase bone formation. DHEA may also improve progesterone levels. The impact of this has been discussed above in the progesterone section.
GENERAL TIPS:
| Eat a diet rich in all vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, raw seeds, lean meats, and, especially phytoestrogen rich foods, including soybeans, tofu, soy milk, snap peas, and legumes.
| Limit or reduce alcohol intake and drinks, such as soda pop and carbonated beverages. Also, limit or reduce drinks containing caffeine and sugar.
| At the very minimum, ask your health care professional about a progressive vitamin and mineral regimen to help you maximize bone nutrients.
| Take the time to exercise at least 3 times a week. Start now before problems begin. Walking is good, but if you can begin a strength training program, it would be great. This form of exercise has made the news recently because of its effect on strengthening bones in the elderly. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
| Drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of good quality filtered water per day.
| Additional supplements which may be beneficial are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, GLA, and a rich antioxidant. | |
Start now!! Osteoporosis is an epidemic problem that can be stopped if you just start to work on it today. Realize that every year you work on building bone density, you improve your body’s response to the aging process.
