Osteoporosis

HEALTH INFORMATION SERIES

Literally meaning ‘porous bones’, this is a chronic degenerative condition that increases susceptibility to bone fractures. It develops over many years as a result of slow demineralization of the bones and may be diagnosed only after bones break or after a routine bone density scan. One out of every four women and one out of every eight men develop osteoporosis in later years and it is a major contributor to hospitalizations in the elderly.

Throughout life bones are constantly being broken down and rebuilt and there is a steady turnover of minerals in the bones. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in bone but phosphorus is also significant and magnesium, zinc boron and vitamin D are required for proper metabolism of calcium. 

The best way to treat osteoporosis is through prevention. The matrix of bone (ie the infrastructure of the bone) is determined by the age of 30 and there after all you can do is maintain mineralization. Thus you need to start in youth to prevent problems of old age. But whatever your age and bone density status it is never too late to start.
 

PREVENTION

Avoid excessive consumption of meat because the high acid residue of meat metabolism requires calcium to neutralize it and this can be drawn from the bones. Vegetarian diet favors optimal phosphorous/calcium ratio, more so than dairy and meat products

Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, sugar and coffee enhance calcium loss from bones

Eat lots of foods rich in calcium (see over).

Some studies indicate that foods such as spinach, chard, beet greens and chocolate contain calcium oxalate that bind with calcium preventing its absorption, thereby increase the tendency of developing osteoporosis

Phytic acid found in whole wheat and some other whole grains will bind calcium in the gut and reduce absorption. Avoid eating whole grains at the same time as taking your calcium supplement.

Several drugs such as steroids and many antibiotics cause osteoporosis, especially if taken over long periods of time

Take regular, weight bearing exercise such as fast walking or lifting weights. 45 minutes 3 - 5 times weekly is recommended.

Sun bathing daily if possible, avoiding strong mid day sun, to enhance vitamin D production
 

TREATMENT

Diet

Eat lots of green leafy vegetables and adequate sources of protein. a meat-free diet is best with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains (such as brown rice, barley and millet), nuts, sprouted seeds and beans, and fermented dairy foods such as kefir and yogurt. 

Foods rich in useful vitamins and minerals include sesame seeds and tahini, almonds, millet, barley, kale, celery, okra, collards, turnip greens, mustard greens.

Foods rich in phyto-estrogens that may help to hold calcium in bones include soy products, yams, apples, cherries, olives, plums, carrots, tomatoes, peanuts, brown rice, oats and barley.

Taking extra calcium foods just before bed is useful

Avoid soda pop and canned drinks and all caffeinated drinks. Avoid also all refined sugars and white flour products. 

Salad should contain lemon juice or cider vinegar to increase calcium absorption

Milk and dairy sources are not a very good source of absorbable calcium and should not be increased in the diet
 

Therapeutic Agents

Vitamins and Minerals
 

Apple cider vinegar, water and honey: one to two times per day
Digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid 
Cod liver oil or Halibut liver oil
 

SOURCES OF DIETARY CALCIUM (mg. / 100 g)