Osteoporosis : Information

Osteoporosis is a progressive type of disease where the bones will become weaker and weaker, and cause posture changes and make the person very susceptible to bone fractures. The term osteoporosis comes from from Latin, and means "porous bones." Because of the physiological, nutritional, and the hormonal differences between males and females, osteoporosis primarily affects women. Indeed, this disease effects women more than heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast cancer, or arthritis. Around 50% of all women between the ages of 45 and 75 show signs of some degree of osteoporosis. Over 30% of those women will suffer serious bone deterioration. Bone mass the amount of mineral in the bone generally reaches its peak when a woman is between the ages of 30-35. After that, it then begins to decline. Between the ages of 55 and 70, women typically experience a 30% to 40% bone loss. Bone loss has no symptoms, so it goes unnoticed until a significant amount of loss has occurred. It is very common for a woman to be completely unaware of having osteoporosis until what should be a minor accident instead causes a bone to break, often the wrist or hip

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
Calcium	this mineral is required for strong and healthy bones and skeletal system
Boron	this mineral helps improve calcium absorption
Horsetail	this herb helps with the use of calcium in the body and it contains silica which helps us remain limber and flexible as we age.
Glucosamine	Needed for both bone development and the health of connective tissue.
Copper	mineral required for good formation of bones
Multi-vitamin and Mineral supplement	Contains all of the vitamins and minerals needed such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, boron, copper, manganese, enzymes and other nutritional supplements which are all needed for good general health and well being.
vitamin A	it is important for slowing the aging process
vitamin D	aids with calcium absorption
vitamin E	works in combination with vitamin A on aging related problems and health disorders
vitamin K	Research has shown that people with osteoporosis have much lower blood levels of vitamin K than other people.
Zinc	aids with calcium absorption and it is required for a healthy and strong immune system
Magnesium	needed for good mineral metabolism

If osteoporosis becomes quite advanced, even a good hug can result in cracked or broken ribs. As bone loss advances, the vertebrae are subject to what are called compression fractures, crowding the nerves of the spine and various internal organs and causing a loss of height. This can be very painful. It is this compression that causes what is called the "dowager's hump" that many women develop as they age. Osteoporosis can also be a contributing factor in tooth loss; when the structure of the jawbone weakens, it can no
longer hold the teeth firmly in place.

Many people have the impression that osteoporosis is caused only by a calcium deficiency and that it therefore can be remedied by taking calcium supplements. While calcium supplementation is important in dealing with osteoporosis, there are other considerations as well. Vitamins C, D, E, and K all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as does protein. Regulating the amounts of certain minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, boron, zinc, manganese, and copper, in the body are also important in maintaining proper calcium levels. Exercise is another vital factor.

There are two basic types of osteoporosis. Type I is believed to be caused by hormonal changes, particularly a loss of estrogen, which causes the loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate. Type II is linked to dietary deficiency, especially a lack of sufficient calcium and of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Many women mistakenly believe that osteoporosis is something they need be concerned about only after menopause. However, recent evidence indicates that osteoporosis often begins early in life and is not strictly a post-menopausal problem. Although bone loss accelerates after menopause, as a result of the drop in estrogen levels, it begins in the pre-menopausal years.

A number of factors are known to influence an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis. The first, and probably the most important, is the peak bone mass achieved in adulthood; the larger and denser the bones are to begin with, the less debilitating bone loss is likely to be. Small, fine-boned women therefore have more reason for concern than women with larger frames and heavier bones. Race and ethnicity also appear to play a role. Women of northern European or Asian extraction are more likely to develop osteoporosis, while women of African descent are less likely to be affected.

Dietary and lifestyle habits are important as well. Insufficient calcium intake is one factor, but equally important are other dietary practices that affect calcium metabolism. A diet high in animal protein, salt, and sugar causes the body to excrete increased amounts of calcium. The body then is forced to "steal" calcium from the bones to meet its requirements. Caffeine, alcohol, and many other drugs have a similar effect. The magnesium and phosphorus found in most sodas and many processed food products can prevent the body from absorbing calcium properly, because these minerals compete with calcium for absorption in the blood and bone marrow. Bone density also depends on exercise. When it gets regular weight-bearing exercise (like walking), the body responds by depositing more mineral in the bones, especially the bones of the legs, hips, and spine. Likewise, a lack of regular exercise accelerates the loss of bone mass. Other factors that make one more likely to develop osteoporosis include smoking, late puberty, early menopause (natural or artificially induced), a family history of the disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic liver or kidney disease, and the long-term use of corticosteroids, anti-seizure medications, or anticoagulants.

While osteoporosis causes no specific symptoms until it is advanced, there are some early warning signs that may signal bone loss is occurring. These include a gradual loss of height, a stooping or rounding of the shoulders, and generalized aches and pains. If you notice that your clothes seem to be getting longer, that may be also be a warning sign.