By David Hawkins
Osteoporosis is a disorder of the bone in which excessive bone loss
results in a decreased bone mineral density and an increased susceptibility
to fracture. Because of the physiological, nutritional, and hormonal
differences between male and females, it primarily affects women.
Of the 25 million estimated Americans with osteoporosis, 80% are women.
It accounts for approximately 1.5 million fractures per year at a
cost of over $3.8 billion dollars a year. Roughly 70% of these fractures
occur in people over the age of 45. It causes more deaths per year
than cervical and breast cancer. These are staggering statistics for
such a silent disorder.
Some people think that it is caused solely from a calcium deficiency
and that by taking calcium supplements alone, it will remedy the problem.
It is a more complex issue, and this is why the diet and nutritional
requirements need assessments. There are currently tests that can
indicate if osteoporosis is occurring, and it is wise to consult your
health care practitioner for this type of testing.
Rick factors for osteoporosis include:
• Being female
• Advanced age
• Being underweight and having a small frame
• Being Caucasian or Asian, even though African Americans, and
Hispanics are also at risk
• Early menopause
• Low calcium and Vitamin D intake
• Lack of exercise
• History of smoking
• Excessive alcohol and or caffeine intake
• Heredity factors
Other causes of bone loss are:
• Medications such as corticosteroids, aspirin, beta-blockers,
antacids, calcium channel blockers and antibiotics.
• Hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and
certain cancers.
• Malabsorption from the digestive tract (mainly due to low
hydrochloric acid production)
Dietary factors that seem to influence this disease progression are
a high consumption of animal protein, salt, refined sugars and carbonated
beverages. We are constantly told to drink milk and other dairy products.
There is a link that suggests that this also can contribute to bone
loss because of the protein to fat ratio and the relative indigestibility
of it. Milk is also acid forming and the calcium is bound due to its
processing. Due to the other potential problem with milk (heart disease,
high cholesterol, and allergies), dairy may not be the best source
of calcium. There are many other good sources of calcium such as,
broccoli, dandelion green, dark green leafy vegetables, flounder,
kelp, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, and wheat germ, garlic, onions,
and eggs which contain sulfur and aid in bone health.
Let's look at the role of calcium and its co-factors and how they
work in the body. Calcium is a major bone mineral, it is involved
in blood coagulation, the sending of messages along the nerves, maintaining
muscle tone, preserving tissue membrane integrity, aiding certain
glandular functions, and cardiac functions. Most of the calcium is
stored in bone and depleted blood calcium is restored more often than
not from the bones instead of the diet.
Some other bone nutrients are: phosphorous, vitamin D, magnesium,
boron, silicon, vitamin K, manganese, copper, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin
B12, and folic acid. There are many products that contain all or some
of these nutrients. It is important to research these products before
taking them and make sure they are from reputable sources.
David Hawkins is owner of Mother Earth Foods and has been a practicing
herbalist for over 25 years. He is the president of the West Virginia
Herb Association and is available as a lecturer and for private consultations
at Integrative Holistic Health Services. Send comments and questions
to David Hawkins, 1638 19th St., Parkersburg, WV. 26101 or visit www.motherearthworks.com
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