Natural Treatments, Advice, and Supplements for Osteoporosis, Bone Loss
Gardening is Excellent Exercise, at Any Age
Dr T. on Osteoporosis and Premarin
Help for Osteoporosis without Drugs, including natural treatments for the immune system, blood pressure, hearing loss, Parkinson's, Alzheimers, and cancer.
Osteoporosis is a very painful, progressive condition. Marked by decrease in bone mass, especially in the spine, and hip. Which can result in a loss of height, and curvature of the spine. It can be detected for early intervention, by a dexa scan, dual energy x ray absorptiometry.
There are many factors that contribute to this condition, other than a lack of calcium. Diet, and lifestyle also have a cause, and affect relationship. The necessary nutrients that are required to rebuild, and maintain bone must be present. Exercise, such as walking, will help to build bone. Protein consumption increases insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), which is responsible for maintaining muscle, and bone strength. So, if you are a vegetarian, an amino acid supplement might be a good idea. Make sure that it contains L-Lysine, and L-arginine, both aide in calcium absorption, and connective tissue strength. A lack of estrogen, such as with menopause, or hysterectomy, is also a contributing factor. (see my article on menopause for recommendations). Caffeine, and carbonated beverages, actually cause the body to eliminate calcium, even if it has to take it from the bones. The body uses calcium to make the system less acidic, it will take calcium from bones to accomplish this.
The nutrients that are required to maintain, and rebuild bone are the following, and recommended for osteo, reduce to the lower amount for prevention:
Calcium- 1500mg, up to 2000mg. If you take a thyroid hormone, increase calcium in take by 25-50%.
A cup of yogurt, is about 300mg, a cup of broccoli is 180mg. If you take a diuretic, consult a physician before supplementation. Diuretics increase blood calcium levels.
Magnesium- 750mg, improves calcium uptake.
Boron- 3mg, improves calcium absorption.
Copper- aides in the formation of bone, and to balance with zinc.
Zinc- no more than 100mg combined, helps with calcium uptake.
Vitamin D3- 400IU to 1000IU needed for the absorption of calcium to increase bone strength.
The added benefits of D3, not only for building bone, include boosting the immune system. Thereby assisting in many viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. The always sick syndrome, due to low immune function.The other conditions it benefits are high blood pressure, cancer, breast disease, colon, and prostate diseases.
The following are other recommendations from holistic doctors for prevention, and treatment:
Switch to tea. Green tea contains beneficial anti oxidants, and less destructive to bone.
Increase exercise, as tolerated. Gardening, and walking are both, excellent choices.
Eat plenty of foods high in calcium, including dark green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, shrimp, oats, hazelnuts, and yogurt.
A good multivitamin containing most of the mentioned nutrients. Add to that the other necessary supplements.
The top recommended supplements for osteoporosis, treatment, and prevention include:
Calcium citrate by Solaray, a more easily absorbable form of calcium.
Or
Boneup, by Jarrow, contains calcium as well as other nutrients, for bone formation.
Or
Bone Defense, by Kal, and Bone support, by Synergy plus.
Malic acid- derived from apples, to help with connective tissue problems, and muscle cramps.
End pain, by Enzymatic therapy, for the pain of osteo.
Hormone replace therapy, such as soy, wild yam, and black cohosh. To increase estrogen production, thereby increasing bone density.
Holistic medicine is about balance. Balance of lifestyle, environment, and nutrition.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
All the proceeding information was found in the following books, and the following websites.
Drug Muggers
Foundations for Healing, Dr Richard Becker
Prescription for Nutritional Healing
FDA.gov
Vitamin shoppe.com, Health Guides
Dr Oz on the importance of D3
Other Benefits Of D3
Doctor Oz explains the importance of D3. It is a necessary nutrient that increases bone density, among other things. It is a nutrient that is naturally converted into a hormone, that has a basis for many bodily functions including breast disease, high blood pressure, cancer, colon, and prostate health. It also boosts the immune system, millions of Americans are deficient.
Dr Becker on Osteoporosis.
Dr Becker explains osteoporosis, and the risks of contracting it. Age related hearing loss, as it relates to baby boomers, and supplements to help with it. Help for Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
FDA warning on Osteo Medications, and risk factors for Bone Loss
If you are taking osteoporosis drugs, such as Boniva, Fosomax, Actonel, or Reclast you need to reconsider your decision.
The FDA has issued the following warnings about the use of these drugs:
[09-01-2011] The U.S. Food and Dru
g
Administration (FDA) has approved an update to the drug label for Reclast (zoledronic acid) to better inform healthcare professionals and patients of the risk of kidney (renal) failure. Kidney failure is a rare, but serious, condition associated with the use of Reclast in patients with a history of or risk factors for renal impairment. Cases of acute renal failure requiring dialysis or having a fatal outcome following Reclast use have been reported to FDA.
07-21-2011] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to review data from published studies to evaluate whether use of oral bisphosphonate drugs is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus (esophageal cancer). There have been conflicting findings from studies evaluating this risk.
10-13-2010] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating the public regarding information previously communicated describing the risk of atypical fractures of the thigh, known as subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur fractures, in patients who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. This information will be added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the labels of all bisphosphonate drugs approved for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates are a class of medicines that can be effective at preventing or slowing the loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) in postmenopausal women, thus reducing the risk of common osteoporotic bone fracture. Osteoporotic fractures can result in pain, hospitalization, and surgery.
Atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures are fractures in the bone just below the hip joint. Diaphyseal femur fractures occur in the long part of the thigh bone. These fractures are very uncommon and appear to account for less than 1% of all hip and femur fractures overall. Although it is not clear if bisphosphonates are the cause, these unusual femur fractures have been predominantly reported in patients taking bisphosphonates.
There are safer alternatives.
The following are the clinical markers for osteoporosis:
A diet low in minerals/ especially calcium, and magnesium
malnourishment
early menopause
reduced sun exposure
Vitamin D3 deficiency
small frame, as well as visceral fat, (accumulated around the middle). See my article on weight loss.
And any type of intestinal condition that affects the bodies ability to absorb nutrients.
Long term use of corticosteriods, antiseizure medications, or anticoagulants, and synthetic thyroid medication
Epsom Salt Rub
I have used Epsom salt rub for over 5 years. Rub topically on the area that is hurting, or tense. Epsom Salt is very healing, without a bath, or soak in the tub. Great for muscle spasms, no matter the cause. Works as well as Icy Hot, without the menthol smell.
Recommended Reading
My Daily Regimen
My Lupus Story
Since contracting Lupus, I have utilized many of the supplements, and protocols mentioned in my articles. Start with a good foundation. A good multi vitamin, no iron, D3, B12, and an Omega 3 fatty acid. Choose either a gummy, capsule, liquid, or quick dissolve formula. Hard pressed pills, aren't utilized as effectively. Improve diet, exercise, drinking plenty of filtered water, and fresh air are a solid foundation to maintain, or improve health.
Music, Creativity, Art, and Aroma are also very healing. Creativity includes cooking. Trying new recipes, new Flavors, reading, aroma, rewarding the senses, and mind.
15 minutes a day of music, improves moods, and restores mental health. Most effective was Upbeat, and positive, as well as Jazz. Proven by science.
Add one supplement for a specific disease, or condition. If there is a reaction, discontinue use. The last supplement that was added, will be the culprit of the reaction. Always check for interactions, and side affects before starting any supplement, or therapy.
**** I am not a physician, this is only recommendations from holistic doctors. All have been used with good results. It is best to consult a pharmacist, or physician concerning your health.***
Gardening is Excellent Exercise. My morning glories, no not photo shopped
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2012 Sherrie Gill
Comments
Sherrie Gill (author) from Hobart, In on July 20, 2012:
New Information and Book, on the benefits of magnesium. A spray on magnesium oil for pain, and stiffness. Comes Highly Recommended.