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Osteoporosis Combination

Description

Osteoporosis exists as a real health threat to a majority of people over the age of 55. Weight bearing exercise in early years helps to prevent osteoporosis in later years. Nutrient supplementation can help. We now know that calcium supplementation can help prevent bone loss, and we are finding out that magnesium is highly important too. Several different minerals, vitamins and herbs can facilitate the bone-building process. Menopausal women are at high risk for osteoporosis.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Clinical applications include: - Osteoporosis (or prevention) - Bone trauma - Daily calcium requirements

Nutrient Applications

Boron is a, “dynamic ultratrace element that affects major mineral metabolism in higher animals. Thus, boron nutrition might have a role in some disorders of unknown etiology that exhibit disturbed major mineral metabolism (i.e. osteoporosis)” (Shils & Young, Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 7th Ed. 1988, Lea and Febiger. Philadelphia, Pa. p. 283). Boron naturally elevates estradiol levels, and decreases urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium, both of which decrease risk for osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis patients have shown improvement when supplemented with boron (Giller, R., M.D., and Matthews, K., Natural Prescriptions, Ballantine Books, NY, p. 245). A possible mechanism is via the parathyroid gland, which contains more boron than any other tissue. Boron enhances parahormone activity, and the parathyroid gland is the primary organ controlling mineralization of bone (Burton Goldberg Group, Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. WA, 533).

Magnesium increases the solubility and retention of calcium. Many people feel that magnesium has not gotten enough attention in light of the focus on calcium for prevention of bone loss, however magnesium is just as important, if not more important, than calcium. Magnesium slows bone loss and strengthens muscles (Wright, Jonathan V. M.D. Healing with Nutrition. 1990. Keats Publishing, Inc. New Canaan, Conn. p. 205). Clinical trials showing supplementation of at least as much magnesium with calcium have proven dramatic results in reduction for risk of osteoporosis.

Calcium is critical to normal bone function, and supplementation has been beneficial in preventing bone loss. “The current RDA of calcium for older adults (800 mg) is controversial, and it has been suggested that 1500 mg/day is required for adequate calcium balance” (Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 1990;19(2):p.484). A National Institutes of Health panel reported that ½ of all Americans consume too little calcium (NIH Committee, Nutrition Week 22:7, June 10, 1994).

Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines, and regulates the blood level of calcium. Fish is the only good dietary source of natural vitamin D. Parathyroid hormone works to regulate blood levels of calcium, mostly by its effect on vitamin D.

Horsetail rush (shave grass) is highly absorbable and is utilized to promote bone growth and collagen formation. Horsetail’s silica content makes it useful in sitz baths, which aid in treating peripheral vascular disorders and post-thrombotic swelling, as well as treating ligaments and tendons after ankle sprains and fractures (Weiner, M.A. Herbs that heal. 1994. Quantum Books, Mill Valley, Ca. p. 197).

Lysine is an essential amino acid that is not synthesized in any sizeable amount by the body, therefore it must be obtained from the diet. Lysine is very important for proper growth and helps regulate calcium absorption and plays an important role in the formation of collagen.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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