Information and facts on Osteoporosis

 

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease causing  the bones to become weaker and weaker, and cause posture changes and make the person very vulnerable to bone fractures. The word osteoporosis comes from from Latin, and means "porous bones."  Because of the physiological,  nutritional, and the hormonal differences between women and men, osteoporosis mainly affects women. This disease effects women more than arthritis, breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Over 50% of all women between 45 and 75 years of age show some signs of osteoporosis. Over 30% of these women will suffer serious bone deterioration and related problems. Bone mass the amount of mineral in the bone generally reaches its peak when a woman is between the ages of 30-35. After that, it then begins to decline. Between the ages of 55 and 70, women typically experience a 30% to 40% bone loss. Bone loss has no symptoms, so it goes unnoticed until a significant amount of loss has occurred. It is very common for a woman to be completely unaware of having osteoporosis until what should be a minor accident instead causes a bone to break, often the wrist or hip.

If osteoporosis becomes quite advanced, even a good hug (remember 5 hugs a day can increase your lifespan by up to 15 years) can result in either cracked or broken  ribs. As bone loss advances, the  vertebrae incur what are called compression fractures, crowding the nerves of the spine and  various internal organs and resulting in a loss of height. This can be extremely painful. It is this compression that causes what is called "dowager's hump" that many women  may have as they get older. Osteoporosis can also be a contributing factor in tooth loss; when the structure of the jawbone weakens, it can no longer hold the teeth firmly in place in the mouth.

Many people believe that osteoporosis is caused mainly by a calcium deficiency and that it  therefore can be remedied by taking calcium supplements. While calcium supplementation is important in treating osteoporosis, there are other considerations as well. Vitamins C, D, E, and K all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as well as protein. Regulating the amounts of certain minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, boron, zinc, manganese, and copper, in the body are also important in maintaining proper calcium levels. Proper exercise is another critical factor, it is what gets the calcium to move into the bones.

There are two major types of osteoporosis. Type I is believed to be caused by hormonal changes,  particularly a loss of estrogen, which causes the loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate. Type II is linked to dietary deficiency, especially a lack of sufficient calcium and of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Many women incorrecly believe that osteoporosis is something they need be concerned about only after menopause. However, recent evidence shows that osteoporosis often begins early in life and is not strictly a post-menopausal problem. Although bone  loss accelerates after menopause, as a result of the drop in estrogen levels, it begins in the pre-menopausal years.

A number of factors are known to affect a person's risk of getting osteoporosis. The first and most important, is the peak bone mass achieved in adulthood; the larger and denser the bones are to begin with, the less debilitating bone loss is likely to be. Small, fine-boned women therefore have more reason for concern than women with larger frames and heavier bones. Race and ethnicity are also a factor. Women of northern European or Asian extraction are more likely to develop osteoporosis, while women of African heritage are less likely to be affected by it.

Dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle are important considerations as well. Poor calcium intake is one factor, but equally  important are other dietary practices that affect calcium metabolism. A diet high in animal protein, salt, and sugar causes the body to excrete increased amounts of calcium. The body then is forced to "steal" calcium from the bones to meet its requirements. Caffeine, alcohol, and many other drugs have a similar effect. The magnesium and phosphorus found in most sodas and many processed food products can prevent the body from absorbing calcium properly, because these minerals compete with  calcium for absorption in the blood and bone marrow. Bone density also depends on exercise. When it gets regular weight-bearing exercise (like walking), the body responds by depositing more mineral in the bones, especially the bones of the legs, hips, and spine. Likewise, a lack of regular exercise accelerates the loss of bone mass. Other factors that make one more likely to develop osteoporosis include smoking, late puberty, early menopause, a family history of the disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic liver or kidney disease, and the long-term use of corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications (like for epilepsy), or anticoagulants.

While osteoporosis causes no specific symptoms until it is progressed very far along, there are some early warning signs that may indicate bone loss is happening. These include a gradual loss of height, a stooping or rounding of the shoulders, and generalized aches and pains. If you notice that your clothes seem to be getting longer, that could be also be a warning sign of osteoporosis.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.