Who is Likely to Develop Osteoporosis?
Improving
Bone Health Naturally
Osteoporosis is the term used to
describe the condition in which bones become porous and brittle through the
progressive loss of minerals, mass and density. This can result in fractures of the hip, shoulders, ribs,
vertebrae, ankle and wrist.
Osteoporosis is now a widespread condition in Britain, with many
sufferers having lost up to 25% of their body’s bone mass by the age of fifty.
Who is Likely to Develop Osteoporosis?
Women are more likely to develop
osteoporosis than men. The female
hormones oestrogen and progesterone protect women’s bones, and the male hormone
progesterone protects men’s. From the
age of 35, women regularly fail to ovulate, which reduces the production of
progesterone, the major hormone involved in bone protection. Women most at risk of developing
osteoporosis are those having an early menopause (before the age of 45) either
naturally, or surgically, through the removal of the womb and one or both ovaries. Women who are or have been anorexic or
bulimic, particularly if this is accompanied by irregular or absent menstrual
periods, are also at great risk. Other
major risk factors include: excessive dieting; over or under exercising; many
missed periods; previous fractures from slight injury; close relatives with
brittle bones; excessive alcohol or caffeine intake; heavy smoking; excessive
stress.
The two most common treatments for
osteoporosis are hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and calcium
supplementation. Although these
treatments have a sound basis, there are certain drawbacks to both.
There is no conclusive evidence
that HRT protects bones from osteoporosis.
Oestrogen is not currently known to have a direct bone building action,
and can increase the risk of developing certain forms of cancer. Progestogens, a synthetic form of
progesterone, have been shown to have only a marginal effect on bone mineral
density.
Calcium supplementation is not
always effective, due to the complex way in which the body absorbs and utilises
calcium. As women get older, the levels
of stomach acid decrease, which can lead to poor absorption of calcium and
other minerals necessary for bone health.
Although dairy produce is a rich source of calcium (calcium lactate), it
is low in magnesium, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Foods high in gluten, e.g., wheat, rye, oats
and barley, can impede calcium absorption.
A diet high in protein and salt increases calcium loss.
Natural progesterone, applied
topically as a cream, has been shown to improve bone mineral density in women
of varying ages by 15% over a three-year period, with no apparent side
effects. Certain plant foods, such as
soya and wild yam, contain phytochemicals, which have hormone-like
properties. Cultures with diets rich in
these foods have a low incidence of osteoporosis.
A balanced diet, rich in bone
nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, boron, silicon, copper,
vitamins A, B6, C, D and K, can improve bone health naturally. Nuts, seeds, and yellow and green leafy
vegetables are rich sources of calcium and magnesium. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and
phosphorus, and helps prevent their loss from the body. A regular programme of weight-bearing
exercise, such as brisk walking three times a week for twenty minutes, will
also assist in the prevention of bone-loss.
Although prevention is better than
cure, it is never too late to improve bone health, and osteoporosis is a
reversible disorder.
Further Reading:-
Articles:
Calcium