General Considerations
Osteoporosis involves both the mineral (inorganic) and nonmineral (organic matrix, composed primarily of protein) components of bone.
Bone is dynamic living tissue that is constantly being broken down and rebuilt.
Patients with low stomach acid secretion need a form of calcium that is already in a soluble and ionized state, such as calcium citrate or calcium gluconate.
The concentration of calcium in the blood is strictly maintained within very narrow limits.
Osteoporosis is best diagnosed by a procedure known as bone densitometry. The Osteomark-NTX can be used to monitor the rate of bone loss and the success (or failure) of therapy.
The primary goals in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis are to:
– preserve adequate mineral mass
– prevent loss of the protein matrix and other structural components of bone
– assure optimal repair mechanisms to remodel damaged areas of bone
Coffee, alcohol, and smoking cause a negative calcium balance (more calcium being lost than taken in) and are associated with an increase risk of developing osteoporosis.
Although nutritional factors are important, the best thing a person can do to strengthen their bones is to get physical activity.
Many general dietary factors have been suggested as a cause of osteoporosis, including: low calcium-high phosphorus intake, high-protein diet, high-acid-ash diet, high salt intake, and trace mineral deficiencies.
It appears that increased soft-drink consumption is a major factor that contributes to osteoporosis.
A deficiency of vitamin K2 leads to impaired mineralization of bone.
Boron deficiency may contribute greatly to osteoporosis as well as to menopausal symptoms.
Although calcium supplementation on its own does not completely halt the process of osteoporosis, it does slow the rate by at least thirty to fifty percent and offers significant protection against hip fracture. Supplementation with Magnesium is even more important.
Avoid natural oyster-shell calcium, dolomite, and bone meal products because of the possibility of high lead content and they are hard to absorb.
Calcium bound to citrate or other members of the Krebs cycle is the best form for absorption.
Magnesium supplementation may turn out to be as important as calcium supplementation in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Silicon is responsible for cross-linking collagen strands, thereby contributing greatly to the strength and integrity of the connective tissue matrix of bone.
Pre-Disposing Factors
a. Diets high in refined carbohydrate or hydrogenated fats and oils.
b. Excess use of tobacco products or alcohol.
c. Obesity.
d. Genetic pre-disposition (slender, small boned females).
e. Excess use of aluminum containing antacids.
f. Primary calcium, magnesium, vitamin K or manganese insufficiency or insufficiency secondary to hypochlorhydria.
g. Endocrine dysfunction (thyroid, parathyroid.).
h. Lack of exercise.
Osteoporosis is a preventable illness if appropriate dietary and lifestyle measures are followed. Women of all ages, from the very young to the very old, should make building healthy and strong bones a lifelong priority. This involves avoiding dietary and lifestyle practices that leach calcium from the bones, and choosing dietary and lifestyle factors that promote bone health.
Although calcium intake is highlighted by most physicians, strong bones require much more than this important mineral. Bone is dynamic, living tissue that requires a constant supply of high-quality nutrients and regular stimulation (exercise).
The primary goal in the treatment of osteoporosis is prevention. In severe cases of osteoporosis, the recommendations given in this section should be used in conjunction with appropriate medical care, which may include the use of a variety of prescription drugs; follow the advice of your physician.
Although drugs such as Fosamax and natural hormonal therapies such as calcitonin have side effects, the benefits (prevention of hip fracture) usually outweigh the risks in people who already have severe osteoporosis. Such therapies when combined with the nutritional program outlined here will provide optimum results.
Dietary Recommendations
a. Eliminate all refined carbohydrates and tobacco.
b. Limit alcohol, processed foods and caffeine containing foods such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
c. Eliminate all hydrogenated fats and oils. Use only extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and fish oils as your only source of dietary oils.
d. Increase raw foods and quality proteins especially fish and sea vegetables.
e. Exercise moderately and increase exercise as physical conditioning and stamina allow. Do not become fatigued.
d. Sip 2 to 3 oz of distilled or filtered water every 30 minutes daily (no well water or water containing fluoride or chlorine); more if you are sweating.
Nutritional Supplements
Primary Nutrients:
1. BIO-MULTI PLUS IRON FREE — 2 tablets, 3 times daily after meals.
2. BIO-C PLUS 1000 – 1 tablet, 3 times daily after meals.
3. M S M POWDER – 1/2 teaspoonful 2 to 4 times daily depending on the severity of symptoms. NOTE: Try to take MSM with your Vitamin C.
4. OSTEO-B PLUS – 2 tablets, 3 times daily with meals.
5. OPTIMAL EFAs — 3 capsules once daily after a meal.
6. BIO-K FORTE – 1 capsule daily after a meal for Vitamin K2.
7. BIO-D-MULSION FORTE 2000 IU – 5 to 8 drops daily with a meal.
Specific Nutrients: You will need to stay on all these nutrients.
8. HYDROZYME ? 3 tablets to 5 tablets WIYH each meal.
9. STRONTIUM 300mg — One capsule twice daily after meals. (Order from a Compounding Pharmacy).