Osteoporosis Defined
Osteoporosis is a disorder in which progressive bone mass loss and demineralization increases ones risk of fracture.
Bone structure is made up of cacium and phosphorous crystals embedded in a framework of interlocking protein fibres.
The mineral crystals give the bone hardness, strength and rigidity.
The collagen fibers impart flexibility. Magnesium, fluoride, sodium, potassium, citrate and other trace elements act as a "mortar" that bonds the calcium phosphorous crystals.
Between 2-4% of a person’s skeleton is dissolved and rebuilt annually.
This process is implemented by the osteoclast and osteoblast bone cells.
The hormone calcitonin from the thyroid gland triggers the deposition of calcium by the osteoblast (bone building) cells while parathyroid hormone (parathormone) releases calcium from the osteoclast bone cells
Poor nutrition and a suppression of progesterone levels due to stress and other environmental antagonists result in a suppression of the osteoblast bone cell function, in spite of the fact that osteoclast cells continue to dissolve old bone tissue.
Serum levels of calcium can test normal, but the absence of sufficient available dietary calcium, can cause bone loss can be significant, this process being a primary cause of osteoporosis.
Post-menopausal women lose 0.7% to 2.0% of their bone per year; men lose 0.5%-0.7%.
Between the ages of 45 to 70, women lose 30% of their skeletal structure and men lose 15%.
Calcium supplementation of 1,000-1,500 mg. per day for persons who consume a high protein diet and 500-750 mg. per day for vegetarians can reduce fracture rates by 50%.
Hormonal Influences
Estrogen Dominance can delay the breakdown of bone tissue but does not support bone building (osteoblast function).
Natural progesterone, on the other hand, has been shown to stimulates osteoblast bone cell activity which results in new bone tissue growth. Consequently, estrogens only slow down bone loss, not promote the formation of new bone tissue.
Conclusion
Vital, necessary factors for the maintenance of strong, healthy bones are:
- Maintaining balanced hormonal levels.
- Giving due attention to dietary choices;
- Maintaining Optimal Levels of Friendly Bacteria (Vitamin K), Vitamin D and Calcium;
- Learn to successfully manage stress.
- Regular exercise (30-45 minutes four or five days per week).
- Having Bone Density examinations, especially when there is a family history of oesteopaenia or oestoporosis.
