| Paget’s disease of bone, named after Sir James Paget, who first described
it. Paget's is a chronic disorder indicated by severe bone degeneration
and the creation of new bone that is deficient in calcium and therefore
much more fragile than normal bone. The result is enlarged and deformed bones in one or more sections of the skeleton, bone degeneration, bone pain, arthritis, noticeable deformities, and an increased susceptibility to fractures.
Paget’s disease most often affects the bones of the pelvis, the spine, the thighs, the skull, the hips, the shins, and the upper arms. It affects over 3% of Americans over the age of
40 and about 10% of those over 80 years old, although in rare instances it has been reported in young adults. It affects men and women equally.
In the early stages, the disease usually causes no symptoms, although there may be mild pain in the affected bones. As it progresses, bone pain tends to become more severe and persistent, especially at night, and to worsen with exertion. Paget’s disease can also lead to neck and/or back pain; pain and/or stiffness in affected joints; warming of the skin over the area of the affected bones; unexplained bone fractures; hearing loss; headaches; dizziness; ringing in the ears; and impaired mobility. If the pelvis or a thighbone is involved, there may be hip pain. The disease follows a pattern of alternating remissions and flare-ups. Over time, the flare-ups gradually become worse. Sometimes joints adjacent to the affected bone become involved, and
osteoarthritis may develop.
Over a period of time,
deformities such as bowed legs, an increasingly barrel-shaped chest, a
bent spine, and/or an enlarged forehead may develop as well. Other
possible late complications include kidney stones (caused by
immobilization), congestive heart failure, deafness or blindness
(caused by the skull pressing on the brain), high
blood pressure , and gout. In around 5% of
cases, the affected bone undergoes malignant changes, leading to bone
cancer "osteosarcoma". High output cardiac failure can occur
from prolonged increased blood flow. The life expectancy of
individuals with Paget’s disease is somewhat reduced, but most live
with the disease for at least 10 to 15 years. Because this disease
usually does not cause significant symptoms, especially in the early
stages, most cases go undetected unless discovered accidentally when
x-rays or blood tests are taken for another reason. The cause is
unknown, although some researchers suspect a slowly progressing viral
infection of the bone is involved. Multiple cases of the disease
within families have been reported. However, Paget’s disease does
not appear to be transmitted from one generation to another, a finding
more consistent with an infectious disorder than with a hereditary
condition. Paget’s disease is often confused with hyperthyroidisin
and other disorders that cause bone lesions, such as bone cancer,
fibrous dysplasia, and multiple myeloma. To diagnose Paget’s
disease, doctors may use bone scans or x-rays to detect bone changes
characteristic of the disease. Blood tests may detect elevated levels
of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme produced by bone-building cells.
Urine tests and CT scans also may be used to arrive at a diagnosis of
Paget’s disease.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Multi-vitamin
and Mineral supplement |
10 |
Contains
all of the vitamins and minerals needed such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, boron, copper,
manganese, enzymes and other nutritional supplements which are all needed for good general
health and well being. |
| Calcium |
10 |
this mineral is required
for strong and healthy bones and skeletal system. Note, it is
important to walk as the exercise helps the calcium get into
the bone. |
| Copper |
9 |
mineral required
for good formation of bones |
| Boron |
10 |
this
mineral helps improve calcium absorption |
| Horsetail |
9 |
this herb helps with
the use of calcium in the body and it contains silica which
helps us remain limber and flexible as we age. (See Calcium
Coverage link below) |
| Glucosamine |
9 |
Needed
for both bone development and the health of connective tissue. |
| vitamin
A |
8 |
it is important
for slowing the aging process and promote bone growth. |
| vitamin
D |
9 |
aids with calcium
absorption in the body |
| vitamin
E |
7 |
works in combination with vitamin A
on aging related problems and health disorders |
| vitamin K |
9 |
Research has shown that people
with Paget's disease and/or osteoporosis have much lower blood levels of vitamin K
than other people. |
| Zinc |
8 |
aids with calcium
absorption and it is required for a healthy and strong immune system |
| Magnesium |
7 |
needed for good
mineral metabolism |
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
|
