Bone loss in adults
Most adults over 50 have the concern somewhere in the back of their mind that bone loss could strike them down. It is estimated that at least 45 million of us have osteoporosis. This number is expected to triple over the next sixty years. Bone loss is not pretty and extremely painful. The sad truth is that osteoporosis occurs mainly in western civilizations and is brought on by our poor lifestyles.
Bone loss is a natural part of the body’s renewal process. When bone loss occurs, your body will restore your bone with fresh new bone, if you have the proper homeostasis and optimal nutrients to build your bones. Our bones are renewed and kept strong when osteoclast cells remove old, brittle or diseased bone, and osteoblast cells rebuild new strong, healthy bone by depositing calcium and other bone-building elements at these sites. Bones are a connective tissue consisting of bone-building osteoblast cells, stationary osteocytes, and bone-destroying osteoclast cells. Your bones are dynamic, living structures providing strength and support to your entire life.
Those suffering with osteopenia or osteoporosis might be tempted to take a bio-phosphate drug like Fosamax to ward off bone loss. The problem with this approach is that these drugs only stop your body’s normal process of clearing away the old, brittle or diseased bone. When aged bone is not removed, strong new healthy bone cannot be deposited by the osteoblast cells. Open sites for the fresh bone are not available because the old bone still occupies those sites. Bio-phosphates may stop your bone loss, but your bones slowly grow older and weaker.
Osteoporosis is the predicament of not gaining new bone. Drug companies are fully aware that bio-phosphate drugs have serious side effects and no long-term studies showing efficacy. These drugs do nothing for the formation of new, strong, healthy bone. Instead they interfere with the shedding of old bone. The notion of blocking osteoclast cells from their normal function of removing old and diseased bone cannot work for the long term. You might gain an improved bone density scan, but it is only creating an old brittle, weak skeleton. Is there a better solution?
Restoring and maintaining the natural bone replacement function of healthy live bone cells is the key to avoiding osteoporosis. There are several components to this process that must be in place. Your body requires the correct pH levels to take up calcium. You must ingest absorbable calcium along with other bone building nutrients. Proper hormone balance is a must for both men and women, and your energetic field must remain open, not blocking the metabolism of calcium.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Its role in bone health cannot be understated. Calcium is used in many functions: the formation of bone and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, inflammation and repair of tissue, immune system function and cardio function. Calcium is absorbed mainly in the duodenum in a highly acidic environment, which is why antacids are a poor choice to maintain calcium levels. In addition, acid blockers hinder the absorption of calcium.
To maintain or restore bone health, we need to supplement with quality whole food nutrients. The bones require more than just calcium. Chlorophyll and vitamin C are important in building bones. Many trace minerals along with boron, strontium and silica are used to build your bone matrix. Cartilage, tendons, and ligaments must be maintained as well as the bone ends. Proper oils and essential fatty acids: omega-3s and omega-6s must be in balance. A diet full of live foods and good protein is a necessity. You must maintain a urine pH of 6.8 while having a high acidic digestive system. Weight bearing exercise also stimulates bone restoration. Lifting weights is essential for bone health.
It is our desire at Post Falls Naturopathic Clinic to support you in your journey to optimal health. Please call us anytime at (208) 773-9108.