Osteoporosis: an inevitability, like tax hikes (despite Tea Party bravado); a preventable problem; something we can reverse, maybe? Osteoporosis is the main cause of pathological fractures to the spine, the hips, ankles, wrists, shoulders, ribs and other bones. Such fractures are often less amenable to healing without deformity or loss of function, not to mention extremely painful.
Let’s look at some facts:
1. It is common knowledge that osteoporosis affects women to a far greater extent than men.
2. The disease in women most commonly afflicts those who are post-menopausal.
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3.The linkage to lowered estrogen levels is clear.
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4.Therefore, not surprisingly hormone replacement therapy is helpful in prevention and perhaps in management.
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5.However, hormone replacement therapy is not without potential adverse side effects, such as leg clots, which can dislodge and obstruct the arteries in the lungs, not to mention the continued suggestive evidence for increasing the risk of certain types of tumors in the breast and liver.
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6.Osteoporosis is caused by demineralization of the bones, specifically loss of calcium.
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7.This can be related to problems with the thyroid or the parathyroid glands, which may require surgical intervention.
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8. Not surprisingly, for the majority of the at-risk population, calcium replacement therapy is effective.
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9. A person simply cannot in her diet consume anywhere near the 1200 mg. which are recommended.
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10. Calcium absorption is enhanced by taking Vit. D along with the calcium.
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11. Your body cannot absorb more than 600 mg. at a time. Therefore take calcium replacement (pills, capsules, or chewables) twice a day.
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12. If you take iron, do not take it at the same time as the calcium, as chelation will prevent adequate absorption.
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13. The good news is that exercise is probably the very best way to prevent osteoporosis, and studies have shown that bone density can be improved in those already afflicted with exercise, specifically centered around weight-bearing (standing poses, downward-facing dog, inversions, among others). Researchers at Cal. State have documented increased bone density readings in students from 16 to 65 years of age, following six months of yoga.
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14. And don’t forget that yoga and/ or meditation lowers stress, as measured by decreased cortisol levels. And cortisol is a proven dimineralizer of bone.
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15. Do you need more reasons to turn to or stay with yoga? Stay tuned!
