Osteoporosis
By
Mary-Ann Shearer
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease
in the world. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women in westernized countries suffer
from it. Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is chronic loss of calcium
from the bones resulting in severe loss of bone density. Loss of bone density
is normal as you age, it is when this becomes too
severe resulting in fractures, pain and crippling that you have a serious
problem. Obviously you cannot wait until the condition is that severe and need
to take precautions in advance.
Bone is comprised of a tough framework of
protein that is strengthened by deposits of calcium. Mature bone is about 30%
protein framework and 70% mineral deposits. The framework of bone is mostly
strands of protein fibres, called collagen, that crisscross to form a web. This
gives bone the flexibility to withstand pressure without cracking.
The spaces within this framework are filled
with crystals composed primarily of two minerals, calcium and phosphorous.
Other minerals such as magnesium, fluoride, zinc and sodium are also found in
this framework.
These minerals together give strength and
rigidity to the bone tissue. The more tightly packed the minerals and the
larger the crystals formed in the bone, the denser & stronger the bone
tissue. When this mineral balance is thrown out of balance and we lose some of
these minerals, the bones become less dense and weaker, resulting in
osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms?
For many people the first symptom may be a
bone fracture. Others may find they have various aches and pains, which they
often attribute to getting older.
Bone is lost in various areas at various
rates. Research indicates that bone loss in the jaw is the most common first area
to go. This can result in loss of teeth, which can results in malnutrition due
to difficulty in chewing food.
The ribs and vertebrae are the second most
common bone loss areas with the hip area following closely.
This
all results in pain, loss of mobility and loss of quality of life.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk of developing
osteoporosis, as loss of bone as you age is normal. However this bone loss is
affected by lifestyle and genetic makeup.
Women are 8 times more likely to get
osteoporosis as their bones are a lot thinner than men’s and they live longer,
which widens the window in which they can suffer from the condition.
The lighter your skin and the smaller your
frame the more chance you have of suffering from it.
Low calorie and poor diets, menopause,
prolonged bed rest and a sedentary or inactive lifestyle will all
predispose you to osteoporosis.
What can you do?
Many people today are confused about the issue of osteoporosis and
decide to take a supplement of some type, sort of as an insurance policy. They
are then surprised when they are diagnosed with chronic bone density loss as
they thought they were covered.
As can be seen from some of the most recent research, supplementation is
not the route to go. There are many factors that contribute to osteoporosis and
these need to be sorted out, long before supplementation is even considered.
You will see from these notes that eating dairy products can in fact contribute
to osteoporosis, yet the media and general medical profession continue to
encourage us to drink glasses of milk, to prevent osteoporosis. It reminds me
of an old European proverb, “An old error is always more popular than a new
truth”
So let’s look at some facts;
Contrary to popular belief, dairy products do not prevent osteoporosis,
in fact the countries that have the highest incidence of osteoporosis, have the
highest intakes of dairy.
In a recent article published in the American Journal of clinical
Nutrition (1990 vol. 52 pg142-6), they indicate that dairy products may in fact
contribute to osteoporosis. “ ……the protein content of
milk might have a negative effect on calcium balance by increasing urinary
calcium excretion….”
This is in line with statistics that indicate that the countries that
consume the most dairy usually have the highest incidences of osteoporosis.
These are most westernized countries.
Dietary calcium and
bone fractures in women
In a study
conducted over 12 years on 77 761 women, between the ages of 34-59 years, it
was found that, “ There was no evidence that higher
intakes of milk or dietary calcium reduced fracture risk. There was no
significant difference
in the risk of hip fracture between women who drank two or more
glasses of milk per day and women
who drank 1 or less per
week.”
Obviously bone
fractures and density are affected by more than just calcium intake. Factors
such as exercise and sunshine play a vital roll. Previous research shows that
salt can cause loss of calcium as can gluten (wheat, oats, rye and barley), smoking ,coffee and tea.
American J
Public health 6/97
Supplementation is also not the route to go as we see from the
following;
A 19 member panel prepared the latest information on dietary
recommendations and after looking at more than 5000 studies, ”strongly
condemned the use of dietary supplements, maintaining that there was no
convincing evidence that calcium supplements were necessary to prevent
osteoporosis.”
A more recent article on the issue of this disease, throws more light on
the many other factors that contribute to the condition.
Journal of Internal Medicine 1992 vol.231 pg.161-168
“ Osteoporosis
constitutes an important health problem in modern Western countries and is
an increasing problem in the
The article goes on to say that sunlight (for the manufacture of Vit D),
hormones such as parathyroid hormone, growth hormone, oestrogen and
progesterone enhance the absorption of calcium and glucocorticoids, excess
Thyroid hormone and possibly calcitonin, suppress the absorption of calcium.
To manufacture sufficient Vitamin D, unheated,
unprocessed, unsaturated fats are required to pick up cholesterol from the
blood stream (where your liver dumps it) and transport it to the skin, where
the sun converts it to Vitamin D. Without sufficient Vitamin D, you cannot use
calcium. (regardless of the amount you force down your throat.) Best sources of
the right fats are avocado, raw nuts and seeds, olives, sweet corn on the cob
and cold pressed unprocessed oils.
The article continues,
“…Instead of focusing on the exact number of
milligrams of calcium that should be included in the diet, one should rather
centre upon making sufficient efforts to maximize utilization of that calcium.”
Other factors affecting calcium balance are; Vitamin C in supplement
form consumed in large amounts results in the formation of oxalates, which
reduces the bioavailability of calcium.
Considering that our RDA is about 60-150mg per day, it is easy to take
in excess in supplement form, as most supplements are from 500-1000mg often
taken 1-3 times daily.
Dietary fibre consumed in large amounts (as when adding bran to meals)
interferes with calcium absorption as do Zinc, Vitamin A and iron
supplementation.
Caffeine and alcohol increase the urinary excretion of calcium, as does
table salt. So use a herb or veg based seasoning.
Irrational mega doses of vitamins and minerals appear to have an adverse
affect on bone status.
A diet high in protein will increase the urinary excretion of calcium.
In March 1983, the Journal Of Clinical
Nutrition reported the results of the largest study ever undertaken at that
time. Researchers at
Male vegetarians had an average bone loss of 3% women 18%
Male meat eaters had an average bone loss of 7% women 35%
By the time a woman reaches the age of 65, the average meat-eating woman
in the
Phosphates found in animal protein and fizzy soft drinks increase the
fecal excretion of calcium and increasing dietary sodium (table salt) will
result in an increase in urinary calcium.
This often happens when the alkaline balance of the blood stream is
thrown out by too much of one mineral, such as sulphur or phosphorus. The body
in its attempt to correct the situation invariably uses calcium as a buffer,
resulting in a higher excretion of calcium. One of the many reasons to follow a
75% alkaline based plant diet.
The article concludes with a comment on the foolishness of taking
calcium supplements.
Recent published research, in numerous recognized journals, indicated
that gluten intolerance could also result in loss of calcium from the bones.
References
from: Lancet 14/7/97 & 10/2/96 & 22/1/94, Archives Internal Medicine
12/5/97,J Clinical Gastroenterology 3/97, J Family Practice, American 1/95, J
Gastroenterology 10/96,& 8/97 & vol 89/94, Scandinavian J
Gastroenterology 2/95, New England J Medicine 2/5/96, J Paediatrics 4/96,
Medical J Australia 17/3/97, etc.
Where do hormones fit in here?
The Endocrine (Hormonal) system is intricately
involved in maintaining bone density and blood calcium levels. To isolate one
hormone (oestrogen) out of dozens and one gland (the ovaries) out of several is
ridiculous and dangerous. No one gland or hormone works on it’s
own. The Endocrine system is like a large orchestra, conducted by the Pituitary
gland. If one member of the orchestra is not present, or not doing it’s job the whole company suffers.
The usual approach is to encourage women to
take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the form of oestrogen. I have
personally dealt with three women who have developed breast cancer after being
on HRT, which resulted in radical mastectomies. HRT is not the wonder cure it
is made out to be. In fact many women have found that their bone density is
worse after being on HRT.
Rather we should be looking at the whole body
including the whole Endocrine system and following a lifestyle that encourages
overall health.
Can Osteoporosis be reversed?
The answer to this is yes, although the average
medical practioner will tell you no. When the following guidelines are followed
I have always seen a marked improvement in bone density. Usually a time period
of a year is required to see a noticeable difference.
To sum up:
You need
Sunlight; - 20-30 minutes a day is needed to convert cholesterol into
vitamin D, which is needed to use calcium. Without Vitamin D you cannot utilize
calcium.
Exercise; - a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day with regular weight bearing
exercise is needed to strengthens bones.
The right fats; Essential Fatty Acids and polyunsaturated fats from raw
plant sources, are essential for the hormonal system to work correctly. These
need to be taken on a daily basis and taking Flaxoil (1-3tbsp id ideal) would
be ideal, Millbrook & Aim’s Aimega is the best on the market.
Low animal protein diet to avoid osteoporosis.
A high plant based; at least 75% raw alkaline forming fruit and
vegetables. Do this by the following three steps;
1.
Try to
eat one meal each day that is just fruit
2.
Eat fresh
or dried fruit and vegetables in between meals if you crave sweet or savory
foods.
3.
Start all
cooked meals with any raw vegetables.
Caffeine,
Salt,
Gluten (wheat, oats, rye & barley – if a gluten intolerance is
suspected) and processed food from your diet.
Any substance that upsets the endocrine system could indirectly cause
osteoporosis. Sugar, artificial sweeteners and heated fats are just a few.
Dietary supplements should be avoided, with the right nutrients coming from
your diet and concentrated foods such as Barleylife, Just carrots and
Redibeets.
Taking Barleylife, Just Carrots and Redibeets, provides an extremely
usable source of calcium. Barleylife alone contains an average of 20-25 times
more calcium than cows milk; the difference in the absorption rate being
80-100% in Barleylife, and 20% in dairy products if you are not dairy
intolerant.
Green leafy vegetables have the best calcium/phosphorous ratio for
utilization and are therefore the most alkaline forming foods, yet another
reason to take your Barleylife.
Remember that being a dried juice the Garden Trio is concentrated plant
food not a fractioned supplement. They are therefore not only a good source of
minerals and vitamins, trace elements & phytonutrients, but also completely
alkaline in the body. Maintaining the alkaline balance in the body is perhaps
one of the most important issues when it comes to osteoporosis.
For more information on the alkaline balance and a healthy lifestyle
read my books “The Natural Way”, “Healthy Kids” and ‘Perfect Weight”