When bones lose their density, become weakened because of loss of minerals and an increased tendency to break, we call the condition osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more frequently seen in women, contributes to over 80% of all fractures in the elderly and nearly all of the hip fractures of women over 50. Contrary to popular belief, the fall is not the cause of all fractures. In many cases, it's the fracture that causes the fall. Signs and symptoms may include loss of height, spontaneous fractures, sudden back pain and receding gums(osteoporosis of facial and jaw bones). You may be a greater risk if you have some of the following characteristics: underweight, small boned woman, are Caucasian or Asian, experienced early natural menopause, had a hysterectomy with ovaries removed before menopause, on hormone therapy, anti-convulsants, drugs containing aluminum, phosphate binders, and heavy metals. Other contributing factors are a sedentary lifestyle; smoking; high caffeine or alcohol intake; sodas; diet high in protein and deficient in calcium and vitamin D. Other causes of osteoporosis include overactive thyroid or parathyroid; prolonged bed rest, eating disorders causing malnutrition, and bone marrow tumors. The medical approach, such as hormone replacement therapy, has been found to cause a 10% increase in breast cancer. Fluoride treatments, another approach, have shown that fluoride makes bones more susceptible to fractures. The Holistic approach increases calcium intake, however that's where the agreement ends. For many years milk seemed to be the answer, but has recently been linked to serious health problems like allergies, asthma, Arthritis, Diabetes, Auto immune Diseases, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Lung Cancer. I recommend if you're currently an avid milk drinker that you cut down or quit entirely. Try soy or rice milk instead, but understand that these non-dairy "milks" contain less calcium than milk, unless they are fortified. Start eating less red meat and drink water instead of sodas that rob your body of calcium. Eat more greens. It is difficult to get all of your calcium from vegetables, so I suggest you supplement. Get at least 1200mg Calcium, 1500-3000mg Magnesium lactate, 2-3mg Boron, 15-25mg Silicon, 1-2mg Copper, 5-10mg Manganese, 10-20mg Zinc. Also, it's important to include betaine HCL and pancreatic enzymes before meals. Try plant derived colloidal minerals that have calcium, magnesium and boron. Colloidal minerals are twice as absorbable as chelated minerals. Transdermal therapy using natural progesterone creams has shown an increase in bone density up to 29% over a three year period. However most progesterone creams do not contain enough progesterone. To find out more about this approach read Dr. Lee's book: "What your doctor may not tell you about menopause." Chiropractic care, which relieves the body of spinal nerve stress can help a woman's chances of healing by permitting her body to heal at greater efficiency. Osteoporosis sufferers can, in most cases, receive and benefit from chiropractic care if gentle techniques are utilized. References:Koren Publications,Natural Health(July/August 1994),Alternative Medicine Digest(Issue 12,13,14), Let's Play Doctor by Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM,ND; The new supernutrition - Richard A. Passwater,Ph.D. DR. John R. Lee, M.D.- What your doctor may not tell you about menopause.
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