Osteoporosis

What is it?

In osteoporosis because of a loss of calcium, the inside part of the bones becomes porous . This is called losing bone mass. Over time, the bones become weak and brittle and likely to break.

Osteoporosis is much more common in women than in men. This is because women over their life accumulate less bone mass than men and tend to live longer. In females, Estrogen plays an important role in calcium regulation. If men live long enough, they are also at risk of getting osteoporosis later in life.

After age 35, when total bone mass has peaked, all adults start to lose it. In women, the rate of bone loss speeds up after menopause for about 10 years, when estrogen levels fall. If for some reason the ovaries are removed by a surgery, females will experience heavy bone loss during the 10 years that follow the surgery if they have not received hormonal replacement therapy.

In the USA about 50% of women of ages 45-70 suffer from osteoporosis.



Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Are the following:

Menopause before age 48
Surgery to remove ovaries before menopause
Not enough calcium through diet
Not enough exercise
Smoking and Alcohol Abuse
Relative with Osteoporosis
Thin body and small bone frame
Fair skin (caucasian or Asian race)
Hyperthyroidism
Long-term use of oral steroids ( Asthma or autoimmune diseases )

Signs of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis doesn't give signs until it is late in the course of the disease such as broken bones, low back pain or a hunched back. Because of fractures and collapse of the vertebrae, you may also get shorter over time.

How can you diagnose osteoporosis

Sometimes there is no need for images, as osteoporosis in advanced disease can be self evident. In earlier cases, you can rely on a Bone Density Scan, which you can arrange to get with your doctor. A Bone density scan can accurately measure the amount of calcium that your bones still have.

Prevention

It is essential to :

Exercise: Even slow motion equilibrating exercises such as Tai Chi are good for it.
A well-balanced diet with at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day ( Dairy products )
Quit smoking and Drinking alcohol.

Medication

The main advise should be to take plenty of calcium and Vitamin D. Please take a look at the following chart to estimate your Calcium needs:



There are several types of medications :

1. Hormones such as Estrogen replacement Therapy: With Potential Side effects. You need to consult with your doctor.

2. Others such as Calcitonin ( reduces pain and reduces the rate of bone loss ) or Forteo are a little more specific than Estrogen for osteoporosis.

3. Other Medication such as Fosamax and Actonel that prevent bone loss. Boniva and Evista are two other choices.

Please bear in mind that there are several side effects to these medications, so you do need to have frequent follow up with your doctor.

Alternative Medicine

Bioidentical Hormones ( Also through certain health providers ) offers a better profile that regular equine ( from horses ) estrogen. This is an option that should be considered by females. It is not without side effects ( mostly cardiovascular and endometrial cancer ), so you need to discuss this with your doctor.

Eliminate sugar, refined grains and Sodas from your diet. Reduce your salt intake. Reduce or eliminate caffeine.

The best tolerated form of dairy is Cultured Yogurt, not milk or cheese. Other sources of calcium include algae such as Wakame and Agar, Sardines, Collard Greens, Almonds and Walnuts, Spinach, Sesame seeds, Tofu, lentils and black beans.

With respect to supplements obviously Do not forget Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D ( 800-1200mg ), Vitamin K, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C and a good super greens formula.

Homeopathy wise, use calcarea carbonica and calcarea carbonica.

Do not forget to do regular weight bearing exercises ( get a set of dumbbells and work your upper extremities ) and walking.

This is a video of some exercises you can do for Osteoporosis:



See you next time