Osteoporosis & Osteopenia
Osteoporosis occurs when bone loss exceeds new bone formation, so you’re at a net loss. Preventive measures such as [weight bearing] exercise, a healthy diet as described throughout this website, and proper nutritional supplements have been known to help prevent and partially reverse osteoporosis. Lack of exercise, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, chronic “crash” dieting, and nutrient deficiencies are all risk factors. There is never just one cause, and lack of calcium or estrogen is most often not the cause. Estrogen accounts for only 15% of bone health. Vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are extremely important in bone health. Yes, calcium is obviously important too. But look at all the recommendations to take massive 1,500+mg of calcium and the advice to drink milk – yet rates of osteoporosis continue to increase. Yet, in countries where dairy consumption is minimal and supplements are not prescribed, osteoporosis rates are significantly lower. The typical American diet creates a very acidic environment within the body, and that will draw calcium out of the bones.
Recommending large doses of calcium is not benefiting anyone. Though calcium supplementation is sometimes necessary, not taking into consideration other important nutrients will only throw the biochemical balance off. Clinically, calcium doses over 800mg tend to cause problems such as digestive troubles and back pain in many people. All calcium supplements are not created equal. Calcium carbonate (oyster shell calcium, Tums) is poorly absorbed and not advised. Calcium from dairy is also absorbed at a rate of less than 30%. The best forms of calcium are citrate and lactate. Calcium D-Glucurate is also a very beneficial form of calcium, as it helps detoxify hormones due to the glucuronic acid contained.
Take everything into account when dealing with or preventing osteoporosis. Calcium and estrogen supplements with a glass of milk aren’t going to cut it. Adjust your diet, perform proper exercise, take the nutrients right for you, and stop unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking soft drinks.
Osteopenia is also very common today. Many women get this diagnosis after having a bone density test done. I do not put much merit into these tests. The bone density values are comparing women to a “normal” 25 year old female. So most women over 50 are told they have low bone density – or osteopenia. And whether they have osteopenia or not, they are all told to take 1500mg of calcium. It’s a bit crazy. Additionally, bone density measures the QUANTITY NOT QUALITY of bone – so just because you have a lot, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.
If you’d like to check your bone rate loss through a simple non-invasive urine test, click here to read about the Bone Resorption Test.
