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COS – Cheltenham Organic Store Newsletter August 2007
OSTEOPOROSIS
Separating the fact from the fiction
Osteoporosis has reached epidemic proportions in the modern world. Approximately 25% of all women over the age of 50 are developing osteoporosis. Men are less threatened but it still becomes a similar problem as of 70 years of age.
What is Osteoporosis?
"As defined by the World Health Organization, osteoporosis is a generalized skeletal disorder characterized by thinning of the bone and deterioration in its architecture, causing susceptibility to fracture. The key phrase here is 'susceptibility to fracture'. There are two types of osteoporosis.
Type 1 osteoporosis (postmenopausal osteoporosis) generally develops in women after menopause when the amount of estrogen in the body decreases. This process leads to an increase in the resorption of bone (the bone loses substance). Type 1 osteoporosis is far more common in women than in men, and typically develops between the ages of 50 and 70. The decrease in the overall strength of the bone leads primarily to wrist and spine fractures.
Type II osteoporosis (senile osteoporosis) typically happens after the age of 70 and affects women twice as frequently as men. Type II osteoporosis involves a thinning of both the hard outer bone and the spongy bone inside. This process leads to hip and spinal fractures. " 1.
"It is always claimed that a lack of dairy food is an important cause. This has never been proven. Only a minority of the world’s population consumes milk and dairy products. The dairy-consuming countries have the most osteoporosis.
The real causes of osteoporosis include:
• The over consumption of alcohol which stops the Vitamin D function in the body. Without Vitamin D there is no absorption of calcium.
• Tobacco. It is well known that osteoporosis is more common in smokers than non-smokers.
• Fizzy drinks, such as cola and soft drinks. These contain phosphorous, a strong calcium antagonist.
• Chemical additives in food.
• Caffeine in coffee, tea and cola.
• Sugar
• Refined grains
• Medications
In fact, anything strongly acid-forming will affect bone calcium negatively."2
"The milk-free alternative offers a true solution. First are the seaweeds, which contain not only large amounts of calcium and magnesium, both of which are crucial to strong bones, but also they do not have the phosphorous content of cow milk. Use them in soups and bean dishes for the most convenience. Seaweeds include Kombu, Wakame, Arame, Dulse and Nori. These packaged dried seaweeds are available and need only to be soaked and cooked." 2.
Other good sources of calcium and magnesium are green leafy vegetables such as kale, bok choy, broccoli and juice made of barley or wheat grass. "Then there is cod liver oil which supplies sorely needed Vitamin D. Many Australians lack Vitamin D because of their avoidance of sunlight. Stay in the sun in the morning and late afternoons when the UV is not dangerous. Vitamin K also helps, as found in ample amounts in vegetable juices." 2.
"Sesame seeds and almonds are also especially good. For better digestion, ideally nuts should be soaked and oven dried before eating. Some people do need calcium supplementation. Get the best possible quality, as those of poor quality do not deliver much." 2.
"Get plenty of weight-bearing physical exercise. Bones are meant to last a lifetime" 2.
The above article is by no means a comprehensive discussion on this important subject. It is intended as an overview only, with some dietary suggestions. Always consult a practitioner for further advice and help. Our Naturopath, Andrea Morgan-Power ND, B.HSc. has been practicing for more than 20 years. Andrea is available for consultations Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.
References:
1. Jon Barron “The Miracle Doctors”.
2. Excerpts taken from lecture by Steven Acuff, Nutritionist |
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