Osteoporosis is a very common problem. It’s characterized by porous and fragile bones, which over time increases your risk of fractures. Many people are lead to believe calcium will resolve all your osteoporosis problems, or a drug is needed to 'fix' the problem.
But what is really going on? Osteoporosis is not a calcium deficiency disease. It is a complex issue of lowered bone density, and more importantly, bone strength, that can be from many varied sources such as improper digestion, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes, dietary problems, etc.
The usual treatment for osteoporosis is to use bisphosphate drugs like Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva. This is one of the worst strategies for treating this condition, because even though it will increase your bone density, it will not increase your bone strength. These drugs actually kill certain cells in your bone called osteoclasts. These are the cells that destroy bone as part of your natural bone regeneration process.
When these cells die off, you’re left with only osteoblasts, which build bone. Hence you get bigger bone that is denser, but NOT stronger. Your bones actually become weaker, and in the long term increase your risk of developing a fracture.
Your bone undergoes a dynamic process, constantly being remolded based on the forces in your body, and you need to have both osteoblasts and osteclasts to remove old bone and rebuild new bone.
Another drug you want to avoid, especially if you have asthma or any other autoimmune disease, is steroids. Steroids are very detrimental for bone density, and will increase your risk of osteoporosis
Bone is composed of at least a dozen minerals, and if you focus exclusively on calcium supplementation you are likely going to worsen your bone density, and will actually increase your risk of osteoporosis. The over-consumption of calcium in the goal of preventing osteoporosis creates other mineral deficiencies and imbalances that can also increase your risk of heart disease, kidney stones, gallstones, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Sea salts, and other salts containing a multitude of trace minerals can be very helpful to provide many of the minerals needed for healthy bones. Vitamins such as K and D are also needed, but the most important thing you can do to keep your bones strong is regular exercise. Exercise stimulates bone regeneration and strengthening. It will also be important to fine and resolve any underlying problems that may be contributing to weaker bones, such as the ones I have mentioned earlier.
But what is really going on? Osteoporosis is not a calcium deficiency disease. It is a complex issue of lowered bone density, and more importantly, bone strength, that can be from many varied sources such as improper digestion, lack of physical activity, hormonal changes, dietary problems, etc.
The usual treatment for osteoporosis is to use bisphosphate drugs like Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva. This is one of the worst strategies for treating this condition, because even though it will increase your bone density, it will not increase your bone strength. These drugs actually kill certain cells in your bone called osteoclasts. These are the cells that destroy bone as part of your natural bone regeneration process.
When these cells die off, you’re left with only osteoblasts, which build bone. Hence you get bigger bone that is denser, but NOT stronger. Your bones actually become weaker, and in the long term increase your risk of developing a fracture.
Your bone undergoes a dynamic process, constantly being remolded based on the forces in your body, and you need to have both osteoblasts and osteclasts to remove old bone and rebuild new bone.
Another drug you want to avoid, especially if you have asthma or any other autoimmune disease, is steroids. Steroids are very detrimental for bone density, and will increase your risk of osteoporosis
Bone is composed of at least a dozen minerals, and if you focus exclusively on calcium supplementation you are likely going to worsen your bone density, and will actually increase your risk of osteoporosis. The over-consumption of calcium in the goal of preventing osteoporosis creates other mineral deficiencies and imbalances that can also increase your risk of heart disease, kidney stones, gallstones, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Sea salts, and other salts containing a multitude of trace minerals can be very helpful to provide many of the minerals needed for healthy bones. Vitamins such as K and D are also needed, but the most important thing you can do to keep your bones strong is regular exercise. Exercise stimulates bone regeneration and strengthening. It will also be important to fine and resolve any underlying problems that may be contributing to weaker bones, such as the ones I have mentioned earlier.