Do you know someone with osteoporosis? It coud be you or your child?
It wasn’t that long ago that age-related bone degeneration and subsequent loss of height, due to osteoporosis was accepted as a normal part of aging. Elderly people with stooped backs and brittle bones suffered from falls, which left them incapacitated due to broken bones. This story isn’t only historical though as even in Australia today it is estimated that 15% of women and 3% of men over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis. Today due to poor lifestyle choices, osteoporosis may begin in your teens? Yes, in your teens. Phosphorus in soft drinks will quickly weaken the bones of any teenager leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Fortunately, there is a great deal you can do to protect your bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis affecting you.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss of calcium and other minerals from your bones, which undermines the normal bone structure and therefore strength due to many factors such as low estrogen, body acidity , malnutrition and low thyroid function. A reduction in mineral content is referred to as a loss of bone mineral density and results in porous, brittle bones that can be easily broken in a fall or merely carrying out everyday activities, such as lifting heavy shopping bags. Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent disease’ as there may be no indication that a loss of bone density is happening until a fracture occurs. However, it’s not only broken bones that are of concern as reduced bone mineral density can also lead to significant pain, immobility and ultimately a loss of independence. So what can you do to maximise your bone density and reduce bone mineral losses?
How to reduce the risk of osteoporosis?
During your growth years, calcium and other minerals from your diet form the foundation of strong healthy bones, with peak bone mass being achieved during your 20s. A lifelong diet rich in calcium incorporating dark green leafy vegetables, sardines, nuts and seeds, as well as dairy products all offer excellent sources of calcium. Getting sufficient vitamin D through moderate sun exposure, or supplementation, to support calcium absorption, along with regular weight-bearing exercise that helps promote bone density all help create a solid foundation for skeletal health. By your mid-30s bone mineral density begins to wane naturally, however poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake, soft drinks, coffee as well as the onset of menopause in women can all accelerate this process and some times very early. Taking calcium is usually not a solution for strong bones. You may be “swimming in the ocean ” of calcium, which will not go into your bones but into your arteries instead
( causing atherosclerosis) if your parathyroid gland is overactive. This means that your bones are releasing “old calcium ” from the bones but do not do allow the “new calcium” to replenish it. This is called osteoporosis type2. Osteoporosis type 2 can be reversed with the help of a naturopath and your commitment to change
If you would like to know more about how the DH-Natural Medicine Clinic can help you, please call us now on (02) 4854 0205
Danuta Hulajko is a holistic practitioner, international speaker and the founder & practitioner at the DH Natural Medicine Clinic and www.healingremedies.com.au in the Southern Highlands
Danuta specialises in Allergies, Anti-Aging, Auto-Immune Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Reproductive, Menopause, Mould Toxicity, Skin Conditions, Stress and Insomnia and Thyroid Dysfunction.
For more information please go to our website. You can also follow Danuta Hulajko’s work, events, seminars, expos, latest health research, her health tips and advice on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.