Osteoporosis

A decreased density of bone compared to normal bone mass of age and sex matched controls. It is the most prevalent bone disease in the world. There are many factors that can contribute to osteoporosis, the most common is postmenopausal, estrogen deficient osteoporosis. More than one-half of women in the United States who are 50 years of age or older will have documented osteoporosis, with major orthopedic consequences common. Diet-related bone loss is caused by chronic dietary deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, boron, vitamin C, vitamin D, and protein. Absorption of these nutrients becomes inefficient as one ages and not easily assessable from the diet. In most cases they must be supplemented with high quality professional food supplements. Specific bone building factors such as microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC) and ipriflavone have had strong documentation to significantly regenerate bone.

Naturopathic Approach

A naturopathic approach to treating someone with osteoporosis starts with lifestyle. Osteoporosis is an inflammatory disease, so following an anti-inflammatory diet is key to addressing the underlying cause of osteoporosis. Bones also do best in a more alkaline environment, so eating a more alkaline diet is helpful as well as very close to the anti-inflammatory diet. Clinical nutrition can also be added to help minimize inflammation. Weight bearing exercise is needed for strong bone. What you don’t use you lose, and if you never “stress out your bones” why would they bother staying strong? Walking, weight lifting, aerobics exercise like jumping, stomping, squatting etc. are all weight bearing exercises. Although optimal calcium is important for bone health, there are actually over two dozen things that go building strong bones, therefore often a complete bone is recommended along with vitamin D if your vitamin D tests low. For postmenopausal women who’s hormones test low, bio-identical hormones may be suggested along with adrenal support.