Conditions

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease in which the bones gradually become weaker, causing changes in posture and making the individual extremely susceptible to bone fracture.

Osteoporosis affects more women than men; however, men also suffer from bone loss, often as a side effect of certain medications.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Periodontal disease-an early warning sign
• Loss of height
• Hunched back/spinal deformity
• Back pain
• Fracture without trauma

Diagnosis:

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is reached by measuring bone density. However, this test is not perfect. It is based off of a comparison with the bone of a thirty-year-old premenopausal woman, so the standard is very high. Heavier women seem to have fewer problems with bone fractures than skinnier women but still score the same on a bone density test. Moreover, it is possible to have osteoporosis in one area of the skeleton and not in the another. Newer techniques, including some ultrasound procedures, are being sought to help standardize osteoporosis diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

A variety of pharmacological, hormonal, and phytomedicinal treatments slow the effects of osteoporosis. Imaging must be repeated to insure adequate treatment is being given. Diet and exercise, with caution as to any increased mechanical stresses, may be essential to maximize treatment plans.

Traditional Treatments:

• Hormone replacement therapy is often recommended for postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis. HRT does slow bone loss, and in some cases can increase bone density.
• Alendronate (Fosamax) and etidronate (Didronel) are drugs classified as bisphosphoneates. They force the body to stop reabsorbing existing bone, thus helping to increase relative bone density.
• Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Calcimar) is a synthetic version of the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that inhibits the reabsorption of bone tissue. Its ability to affect bone density appears to be pretty limited, however.
• The drug raloxifene (Evista) is a newer agent approved for the prevention of osteoporosis. Raloxifene is one of a new class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs, which have estrogen-like effects on some parts of the body but not others. SERMs have been shown to prevent bone loss in the spine, hip, and even in the body as a whole. They may also benefit the heart.
• Estrogen-deficient women may be able to prevent bone loss by taking supplements of human parathyroid hormone. You may wish to discuss this finding with your health-care provider.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Nutritional and herbal support, in particular, can slow bone loss and enhance absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Calcium is a vital raw material for building healthy bones; boron, magnesium, and vitamin D3 are necessary for its effective absorption and assimilation. Take 250 mg of each of calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium aspartate, and calcium chelate daily, for a total of 1,000 mg of calcium (1,500 mg for postmenopausal women not taking hormone replacement therapy). Also take 1 or 2mg of boron citrate daily; 200 mg each of magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium chelate daily, for a total of 600 mg of magnesium; and 400 IU of vitamin D3 daily.
• Soy isoflavones can help maintain bone density. Take 1,000 mg once or twice daily.
• Ipriflavone has been shown to be promising in stopping bone loss as well. Follow the label directions.
• A natural trace mineral combination is crucial for the proper use of calcium in the body.
• There are many combination supplements for bone density.
• Copper aids in the formation of bone. Take 3 mg daily.
• Phosphorus works with calcium to increase bone strength. Follow label directions.
• Vitamin K is essential for the production of bone protein.

Alternative Therapies:

• Feverfew is good for pain relief and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
  Warning: Do not use feverfew during pregnancy.
• Alfalfa, barley grass, black cohosh, boneset, dandelion root, nettle parsley, poke root, rose hips, and yucca help to build strong bones.
  Warning: Do not use boneset on a daily basis for more than one week, as long-term use can lead to toxicity.
• Horsetail and oatstraw contain silica, which helps the body absorb calcium.

General Recommendations:

• Regular weight-bearing exercise can stop, or at least slow, bone loss in postmenopausal women.
• Discuss natural progesterone cream with your doctor.
• Eat plenty of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D.
• Consume whole grains and calcium at different times.
• Include garlic and onions in the diet, as well as eggs. These foods contain sulfur, which is needed for healthy bones.

Warnings:

• Do not use feverfew during pregnancy.
• Do not use boneset on a daily basis for more than one week, as long-term use can lead to toxicity.