You Can Reverse Osteoporosis

 

Published March 10, 2001 in the North Island Weekender

 

Osteoporosis is a condition of accelerated bone loss making the bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures.  Most fractures occur in the spine and hip resulting in tremendous costs to the medical system. For the patient this event is very traumatic and many die within one year of having a hip fracture. It is one of the most prevalent health hazards facing post -menopausal women. More common than heart disease, strokes, diabetes, rheumatism, arthritis or breast cancer. Osteoporosis is a silent disease. There are no symptoms until the later stages. One of the first physical changes is a change in height. Measuring your height yearly will keep you informed of any changes.

Bone mass or the amount of minerals in bone peaks around 30-35 years of age. After that there is a steady decline. Between the ages of 55 and 70 women can lose 30-40% of their bone mass and not know it!

As a preventive medical practitioner I am all in favor of DEXA bone scans every 18 months after the age of 40. The reasoning is that if you knew your bone density was not good you would do something about it immediately and prevent osteoporosis from developing. The DEXA scan is a special x-ray of the spine and hip. The results are recorded on a scale comparing you to normal decreases of bone mass for your age and what is optimal. I am careful to explain to patients just where they are on that graph and where they should be optimally. Many are on the lower side of the mean and have not been told by their doctors.

There are ways to increase your bone density to get you above that mean using nutrition and exercise. You will see these increases on your subsequent bone density results. The first thing is to have the test done. If you ask your doctor and you don’t qualify MSP won’t pay for it. You will qualify if you are taking medications such as cortisone, thyroid hormone, medications for diabetes or arthritis; if any parent had osteoporosis; if you have had fractures; if you are thin or under weight; if you went through menopause before the age of 40; if you have had irregular periods; and if you smoke or drink alcohol. Men should ask their doctor too if they have these risk factors. It is not only women that get this disease.

The other risk factor that is not asked by MD’s is what was your health as a child. Did you have healthy teeth and a good diet? Those who have a good lifestyle now and have had for the last 10- 20 years were surprised to find a poor bone density. It was learned that these folks had poor nutrition as children with poor teeth or exposure to environmental pollution containing heavy metals such as lead and mercury. This causes osteoporosis too!

If MSP won’t pay for it you may call Madronna X-ray in Nanaimo, 753-4351 and set up your own appointment for $125.00. The results can then be sent to your self and your MD.

If your results are not optimal there are many things you can do. First of all just taking calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D is not enough. A good mineral formula should also contain manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin B and boron. There is a lot of controversy about calcium and what kind is the best. I suggest hydroxyapatite sources as well as calcium citrate malates. Calcium carbonate (such as found in over the counter antacids), oyster shell and dolomite are sources that may be poorly absorbed.  Make sure you are taking capsules or powders for optimal absorption. Don’t forget as we age our stomach acid production decreases and absorption of all nutrients declines. Ipriflavone is a soy-based product found in good mineral supplements. It has been found to be effective in reversing osteoporosis. Boron should be in every formula, and if not, taken separately. Revival soy is the highest quality soy protein powder on the market, which also has been shown to reverse osteoporosis and other menopausal symptoms in preliminary studies. Vitamin D levels need to be in the 1000 IU’s dosage to be effective.

Exercise is of course crucial and I recommend Dr. Nelson’s book “Strong Women, Stay Young”. Her simple program can be done at home twice a week for optimal results.  Call today to find out about your bone density and get your children off pop as that will be the biggest cause of fractures in youngsters in the years to come!

 

 

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com