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Osteoporosis - More Than Cal - Estrogen Deficiency

by Kathleen Lane

In a holistic approach to osteoporosis we look at foods to eat as well as what to avoid, herbs which can support the preventative process and general lifestyle modifications.

Calcium supplements alone will not prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a lack of calcium and other minerals along with a decrease in the "organic matrix" which is composed of collagen and other proteins. The liver and kidney have regulatory effects on the body's calcium. One herb that will support both the kidneys and liver is Dandelion Root.

The best source of calcium is through our foods. Calcium obtained through food is the most absorbable. Ounce for ounce kale is higher in calcium than milk and the rate of absorption is greater. Other special foods to consider that are high in calcium include, almonds, hazelnuts, sesame seeds or tahini, figs, all leafy greens, especially turnip and dandelion greens, soy flour, sardines, trout and salmon.

Certain bioflavonoids (specifically proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins) may have the ability to stabilize collagen structures. These bioflavonoids are found in berries and fruits of deep red-blue color such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries.

Culprits in the diet include carbonated sodas which have a high phosphorous content and can deplete calcium stores in the body. High protein in the diet is associated with excessive calcium excretion in the urine. This is one reason that the incidence of osteoporosis is much lower among vegetarians. Excessive salt in the diet. Women eating 3900 mg of sodium daily excrete approximately 30% more calcium than those eating 1600 mg daily. With sugar consumption, following sugar intake there is an increase in urinary excretion of calcium. Additionally, it can cause metabolic problems that eventually lead to mineral imbalances.

Smoking, alcohol, coffee and red meat all raise acid levels in the blood. Your body may in turn pull calcium from bones to "buffer" or defend the pH of your blood. Remember it is your body's innate wisdom to always seek to maintain balance. Generally speaking, foods in the diet which are most alkaline are vegetables and fruits.

SUPPLEMENTS:
If you do choose to supplement with calcium be sure you are ingesting the proper form. Calcium Chelate is one of the best. The term "chelate" comes from the Latin meaning "to claw". Chelated minerals are bound to amino acids for better transport and absorption. Citrate is also a good form, especially for older persons. When calcium is in a citrate form it helps to break down the calcium for absorption. This can be a naturally occurring stumbling block in older persons when lower stomach acid is frequently found. Avoid all carbonate forms which buffer stomach acid needed to absorb calcium. Oyster shell should be avoided. It is not well absorbed and may have contaminants present. Dolomite, found in limestone and marble may also be contaminated with heavy metals including lead. Citrate and magnesium both inhibit kidney stone formation. The formation of kidney stones is a concern for those susceptible to them.

Magnesium is needed for proper calcium utilization as well as numerable other known functions in the body. Magnesium is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the U.S. In northern climates, during the winter vitamin D may need to be supplemented. The best way to assure that you are obtaining the proper kind and dosage is to take a reputable women's multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.

Folic acid, B6 and B12 together in a B-Complex is an important supplement for menopausal women. In addition to being linked to greater risk for heart disease, increased homocysteine levels have been demonstrated in postmenopausal women and are thought to play a role in osteoporosis by interfering with collagen cross-linking leading to defective matrix. High homocysteine levels occur with low folate, B6 and B12. If you supplement with one or more B vitamins it is important to take a full B-Complex. Long-term supplementation of isolated B vitamins may induce a deficiency in other B vitamins.

New bone formation is dependent on vitamin K. Found in leafy greens or fat soluble chlorophyll capsules it is rarely supplemented as our bodies produce it. Antibiotics deplete intestinal flora needed by the body to produce vitamin K. If you have been on an antibiotic increase consumption of leafy greens or take chlorophyll in supplement form. (See article on Antibiotics for more information).

EXERCISE: Exercise is of course imperative. The weight of the body has to be carried by the bones in order to stimulate bone strength. The best exercises are walking, jogging, tennis, and weight-bearing machines.

HORMONAL FACTORS, PROGESTERONE [Pro-G-Yam Cream]:
Though many women use synthetic hormone replacement because of their fear of osteoporosis there is a growing body of scientific research to support that progesterone is the hormone that stimulates bone formation by stimulating osteoblast-mediated mineralization of the bone.

MEDICATIONS ETC: Glucocorticoid medications, such as Prednisone, not only impair calcium
absorption but inhibit osteoblast bone formation. Fluoride, once used as treatment for osteoporosis, is in fact toxic to bone cells. Fluoride causes an apparent increase in bone mass, but the resulting bone is abnormal and lacks strength. Recent studies have shown that even amounts of fluoride in drinking water increase the risk of hip fracture. Aluminum-containing antacids lead to an increase in bone breakdown and calcium excretion. Thyroxin stimulates minerals to be drawn out of the bone as part of the natural and ongoing process of bone remodeling. Thyroid medication should have routine monitoring to make sure it is not in excess of what is needed. Adjustments in lifestyle to a healthier more natural approach can assure that you live long, live well and stay happy.

Maggie Erotokritou – The Women's Spiritual Network www.lightsong.com/wsn