By Dr. Phil Billmunn
Osteoporosis: The Silent Cripple
Osteoporosis is a silent, painless disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.
Osteoporosis is a silent, painless disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. Broken bones, also known as fractures, typically occur in the hip, spine, and wrist.
Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis as they often have a hard time getting all of the calcium they need to maintain strong bones. Three out of four women get less than the recommended intake of 1200 mgs daily, with the greater population getting less than half the recommended amount. And it's not only the lack of calcium that can be behind disease—lifestyle choices are a factor as well. Smoking and taking in too much alcohol weakens the bones, while the lack of weight-bearing exercise hinders our capability to build and maintain bone.
Primary osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue that leads to enhanced bone fragility and increased fracture risk.
Osteoporosis is insidious because you can't see or feel what's happening. Most people who have the disease don't know it, until a bone breaks. Though the obvious problems usually occur later in life, we now know that the invisible damage begins earlier, much earlier than most of us realize. A woman's estrogen levels can drop when she over-exercises or under-eats. One sign of low estrogen is missed periods. Most young women have normal cycles and enjoy the natural protection of estrogen, which plays a vital role in bone health. But as our estrogen production slows, bone loss begins. Starting around age 35 we lose up to one percent of our bone mass each year. These losses accelerate rapidly after menopause.
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It increases both bone growth and mineral density in children, and it inhibits bone absorption of toxic metals such as lead. Strong bones and protection from osteoporosis are not dependent upon calcium alone. While elemental calcium is essential, other minerals and nutrients, including protein and vitamins C, D3, B1 and K1 are also needed to maintain and correct calcium absorption and promote superior bone health. Here are some vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals that may improve overall bone health and may accordingly reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium
Microcrystalline hydroxyappetite (bovine) is the most readily absorbable type of calcium, being identical to the form of calcium found in human bones. The protein in this form of calcium is imperative for growth. It furnishes the body with energy and builds enzymes, tissue and hormones. It also maintains the correct pH (acid-alkaline balance) of the body. It is also a source of rich minerals important for bone health, which work in conjunction with magnesium and potassium to prevent the calcification of soft tissue. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vital for tissue repair and growth, while vitamin D3 (calciferol) is the natural form of vitamin D2. It is a requisite for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are both essential in the maintenance of bone health.
Phosphorus is vital for bone and tooth development as well as cell growth. It helps vitamin absorption and the utilization of food energy. Protein is also imperative for growth. It furnishes the body with energy and builds enzymes, tissue and hormones. It also maintains the correct pH balance for the body.
Minerals
Zinc is vital for collagen formation and protein synthesis. It also helps with vitamin A and E absorption. Copper helps bone, connective tissue and collagen formation. Along with vitamin C and zinc it helps form elastin, the protein that makes up elastic tissue. Boron is essential for the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the development of healthy bones. Manganese is needed for bone growth, cartilage formation and in the production of synovial (lubricating) fluid in the joints.
Vitamins
Vitamin K is critical for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a noncollagenous protein that calcium crystallizes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vital for tissue repair growth. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) strengthens circulation, blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism and digestion. It is also an important antioxidant that protects the body from the effects of aging. Vitamin D3 (calciferol) is the natural form of vitamin D2. It is a requisite for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential in the maintenance of bone health. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) strengthens circulation, blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism and digestion. It is also an important antioxidant that protects the body from the effects of aging.
Horsetail, because of its high silica content, hastens the repair of connective tissue to build strength and elasticity. Sulfate is a natural component of cartilage that stimulates the production of connective tissue.
Dr. Phil Billmunn
Dr. Phil Billmunn researches alternative healthcare and medicine, with a focus on wellness through proper nutrition.
