Nov 3, 2013 | Everlasting Health, Herbs

Osteoporosis can be occurring silently….until there is either a hip fracture or severe sore back which leads to further investigations. It most commonly occurs in post-menopausal women as oestrogen levels decline – though the damage begins much earlier. Men can also have issues, especially if they’ve had long term corticosteroid or other pharmaceutical drug use. Bone loss commonly affects the spine, hips & ribs. These bones are weight bearing – so fractures, deformity & pain are common complaints.

Osteoporosis involves the mineral & non-mineral matrix of the bone – so it’s more than calcium deficiency. Bone is dynamic living tissue, where bone is being broken down & rebuilt throughout life. Vitamin D (regulates how much calcium we absorb from our foods & aids immune system) & calcium, plus other nutrients are important for bone health – though oestrogen is also needed to incorporate calcium into the bones. More importantly – bone health needs regular weight bearing exercise.

If you also have a family history, use alcohol heavily, had gastric resection, hyperthyroidism, inactivity, short stature & small bones, smoke, have low calcium intake or have never been pregnant – then you have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. There has also been a link with progestin-only contraception ie Depo-Provera, & an increase in bone loss – hence long term use isn’t recommended. So if you think there is a potential problem for you….then you need to try to prevent further bone density loss.

Lifestyle Choices:

  • decrease alcohol & coffee (increases calcium lost  in urine)
  • decrease soft drink consumption (they are high in phosphate, low in calcium- pulling calcium out of bones) 
  • don’t smoke
  • get a few minutes of sunshine daily for your dose of vitamin D
  • increase weight bearing exercising ie running, active walking, dancing, playing sports, weights lifting – three times a week – before it’s too late!
  • manage stress – when continually under stress we increase cortisol levels which releases calcium into the blood, thinning bones & increasing risk of osteoporosis
Dietary Choices:
  • increase kale, lettuces, parsley, broccoli, bok choy – all high in calcium, vitamin K1 & boron
  • increase fruits to get a good dose of vitamins & minerals, particularly figs – one of highest plant sources of calcium
  • consume moderate amounts of protein – too much increases acidity & the release of calcium from the bones to buffer the body occurs
  • eat oats (if not intolerant!) – high in calcium, magnesium,vitamin B5,iron, silicon, folic acid & manganese
  • try out the new quinoa recipes – contains more calcium than milk!! Also easy to digest, gluten free, antiviral (due to lysine), stimulates breast milk to flow & is a perfect plant protein
  • try celeriac – high in calcium, magnesium, potassium & vitamin C
  • cut back on adding salt to meals – it increases urinary loss of calcium 
  • try herbal tea such as Red Clover as it’s a phyto-oestrogen & may aid to increase bone density
  • try sardines on crackers or sour dough toast – full of calcium & essential fatty acids
Supplements may help to build your nutrient levels – ensure you ask me for suitable choices as commonly calcium carbonate is prescribed – & unfortunately it’s poorly absorbed.
A mineral & vitamin combination that is specific for bone building may assist is dietary intake is inadequate.

Everything you need to build bone density…everyday.

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