Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in America. More than half of the
female population between the ages of 30-40, are likely to develop this dreaded
bone disorder. Unfortunately, treatment is only partially successful, once progressive
bone degeneration has begun. As with many degenerative conditions, osteoporosis
is best treated, before it develops.
Background
Bone is a substance that is constantly changing. Throughout our lives, minerals
are released from our bones, (resorption), and absorbed back again. Until we
reach the age of around 20, more bone is produced, than is resorbed into the
bloodstream. By age 30, this process begins to change, more bone is resorbed,
than is being replaced. This process goes undetected, until a bone density test
is preformed, usually by the time a women reaches menopause. Until now, it has
been impossible to assess bone loss, until a bone density test is done. By that
time, you may have lost significant bone density, and treatment is difficult.
Now, a simple test is available, to measure precisely how much bone is being
lost, and assess the progress of treatment.
Osteoporosis occurs, when the normal cycle of bone absorption and resorption
is interrupted. Bone cells called osteoclasts remove bone, which are then filled
in by cells called osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is simply a condition, where new
bone formation does not keep up with bone removal, leaving the bone progressively
brittle. As more bone is lost, the skeleton continues to have a normal composition,
but it becomes porous, and more fragile. A women may lose between 30-50% of
her bone thickness over a lifetime. This bone loss is increased after menopause.
Dietary Considerations
To provide adequate amounts of calcium through your diet, it is important to
eat liberal amounts of vegetables, whole grains, fish, and nuts. Avoid carbonated
drinks, which are high in phosphates. High phosphate levels, leads to calcium
loss from bone. Even drinking seltzer can case a loss of calcium. I always recommend,
drinking lots of water and herbal teas. Restrict consumption of caffeine, sugar,
and salt, which can result in an increase of urinary calcium excretion. Limit
your intake of alcohol, which may cause dysfunction of osteoblasts, the cells
which increase bone mass. Remember to exercise four times per week, preferably
weight bearing, to improve bone density. Following these guidelines, along with
the proper supplementation, can go a long way to improving bone density, and
prevent the onset of osteoporosis .
What To Do?
Preventative measures taken between the ages of 25-45, are the best way to deal
with osteoporosis. This includes exercise, diet, and the proper nutritional
supplements. If preventative measures are to be effective, there must be a safe,
simple, inexpensive means to measure the results.
Measurement of bone mass is important to assess the likelihood of fractures.
To date, few tools have been available to assist health care professionals in
identifying bone resorption - bone loss.
The most common, is a bone density test. This test is preformed, by using photon
absorptiometry. A single measurement is used to determine bone mass, two or
more tests are usually conducted to determine bone loss over time. Because of
the small changes in bone mass, and the lack of precision of the bone mass measurement,
this method may take a long period of time to determine bone status. This test
does not take into account bone resorption, and absorption. Because of its infrequent
use, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of treatment, whether it is
nutritional or hormonal (estrogen). Bone density tests can not predict who will
lose bone, develop osteoporosis, or is more likely to develop fractures in the
future. A woman already undergoing accelerated bone loss may have a normal bone
scan. This can occur, if she started with higher than normal bone mass, due
to increased calcium intake and exercise. Over time, she will still be an excellent
candidate for osteoporosis.
For years, researchers have looked for biochemical methods, to determine the
rate of bone loss. If a test could be found, to assess the amount of bone loss,
steps could be taken, to change that process. And if a simple inexpensive test
can be found, follow-up testing can show the effectiveness of that treatment.
This way, treatment can be adjusted to obtain optimum results..
Today, that test exists! The Bone Resorption Assessment Test uses biochemical
markers, that can now measure the rate of bone turnover.
Bone resorption (loss) can be evaluated, by measuring the levels of two biochemical
markers found in the urine. When bone is resorbed, these two compounds are released
into the blood, and excreted via the urine. Based on the amounts of these markers
found in the urine, we can determine the extent of bone loss, and provide treatment.
By following up with another urine analysis, we can assess the value of the
treatment, and make any necessary changes.
This test is simple, and is done in your own home. Provide a urine sample,
and results are sent to my office. Based on the results, the proper nutritional
support can be recommended.
Vitamins and Minerals Affect Bones Loss
The use of estrogen to improve bone density is not necessary. Proper nutritional
supplementation, has been found to improve bone density, by slowing bone resporption,
and increasing bone absorption. These nutrients are safe, without any side-effects.
Recent research indicates, that a specific form of calcium, known as Microcrysalline
Hydroxyapatite Concentrate, is very effective in preventing bone thinning, and
increasing bone density.
Other nutrients that are necessary to healthy bones are: Magnesium, Vitamin
D, Vitamin K, Boron, Manganese, Vitamin C, Copper, Silica, and Ipriflavone.
Ipriflavone, derived from soy, has been shown in 20 years of research, to dramatically
improve calcium absorption and bone formation. When combined with calcium, ipriflavone
has significantly increased bone density. Ipriflavone is perfectly safe, and
relatively inexpensive. A new product called Osteo Plus, is available through
my office. Osteo Plus has been formulated to provide the proper amounts of both
nutrients and Ipriflavone.
An important aspect of proper calcium absorption, is digestion. Without adequate
stomach acid, calcium absorption is difficult. In my office, you can be tested
for proper stomach acid levels. Combined with the bone resorption test, it is
possible to treat bone loss, before it becomes irreversible.
For further information concerning the Bone Resorption Assessment, Osteo-Plus,
or to make an appointment please call my office at 914-939-3621.
Posted
by Dr. Steven Felder
